My name is Marsha. I have 2 children ages 16 (Matthew) and 18 (Emiline). We home-schooled
for 10 years from preschool to high school. From the start, my husband and I felt very strongly about the
benefits of a parent-led education. As each year passed, our convictions grew stronger as our
experiences progressed.

From the beginning of our parenting journey, we decided we did not want to send our children
to others at a very early age, to teach them about the basics of life and God, not the least of these
learning all about who they are, as well as being there for the milestones and memories. We wanted
them to know that mom and dad were invested in them and their education.

As my children grew older, we had the joy to experience so many laughs, achievements,
memories, and great discussions on thoughts and ideas that spring-boarded from topics we were
learning together! Yes, I was learning amazing things about our world right along side them! I was able
to see each child’s unique learning style, communication, behavior and way of thinking so I could foster
a love of learning and approach each lesson to them individually. What a precious, growing season (yes,
it is just a quick season) it was for all of us!

Today, both of my children gladly give testimony of how much they loved their home-school
experience and looking back, would not change it for anything!

We chose to teach using the Classical Method, which just made sense to us after much research.
This method teaches children not just WHAT to learn but rather HOW to learn. Through 3 distinct stages,
utilizing how God designed our brains to work at 3 distinct phases of childhood.
In preschool/elementary school, key facts and ideas are taught by memorization through songs,
hand motions, games, and hands on projects. 

This is called the GRAMMAR PHASE. At this age, their brains are a sponge and able to take in and retain massive amount of information, as well as making great use of imagination/play. Ever hear a child repeat you or sing a song over and over again? At home, this can easily be done by reading together, simple science projects, exploring nature/field trips, and games.

The 2nd stage is the LOGIC PHASE. This is during the middle school years where kids are
questioning everything along with the how and why something is true. This phase is where you now take
all the facts you have previously learned and start to dig deeper, answering the questions of why and
how and if something is true. This is building logic or critical thinking in your child. As the
parent/teacher, you can prod them along to start to search for answers as well as challenging them to
investigate all sides before forming an opinion. This may look like reading books/curriculum on logic, lots
of talking about ideas/thoughts utilizing logic verses fallacies, forming rational opinions, and learning
how to research. Field trips that explore topics are a great tool as well. This is where science, math and
debate clubs can come in handy.

The last stage is the REHTORIC PHASE, where kids basically are “making their education their
own”. They are confident in what they know and why. Here, your child will be equipped to think about
and articulate information of all areas to others. Including knowing why they believe what they do about
their convictions. This is where they “bloom!” At home, this looks like lots of research on their own,
writing formal papers and public speaking, whether formal or at the dinner table with adult family
friends. 

Lots of classes can be taken online. Some students even opt to take local college courses,
earning college credits as well, in the latter years of this phase. By this high school stage your child
should be very independent and taking charge of the major work of their education.
Despite many stereotypes that still exist, there are so many resources, social and educational
clubs, and academic and financial help available to home schoolers. Children who are home schooled
are by far well loved, well educated, very socially adjusted and ready to take make a difference in this
world! The time we invested in homeschooling has no price tag for anyone in our family!