Christian Homeschool

Are you interested in finding ways to make faith a priority in your Christian homeschool?

Christian homeschooling will look different from family to family. While I admire homeschoolers who can commit to lengthy family worship services every evening, I know that idea probably wouldn't work long-term in our household.

Instead of comparing your home school to those of others, find ways to teach your children about God in a manner that fits your family. Here are some ways you can incorporate faith into your daily routine.

Simple Steps to
Christian Homeschooling

1. Post scriptures on your walls, mirror, refrigerator, and in other prominent locations. You don't have to go out and buy expensive, framed art from the Christian bookstore. Simply type up and print out your favorite Bible verses, or write them by hand on notecards.

2. Play hymns and praise songs throughout the day. Playing Christian music in your home is a great way to get everyone up in the morning, provide entertainment during playtime and car trips, and encourage relaxation during quiet times. When we consistently play hymns and praise songs, I find my children singing praises to God and meditating on His Word throughout the day.

3. Pray without ceasing. Pray with your children throughout the day - giving thanks in all things, interceding for others, and seeking his guidance for areas where you may be struggling. Consider setting aside specific times to pray each day, such as before mealtimes and before bedtime.

4. Use your Bible to practice reading aloud. Instead of spending money on readers, let your children practice reading aloud by reading directly from their Bibles. Assign longer or shorter passages for each child, depending on his or her ability.

Begin by reading a few verses from the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the current day of the month. In addition to getting in the habit of reading the Bible daily, your children will receive a daily dose of wisdom straight from God's Word.

5. Rank scripture memory just as highly as you do memorization of math facts. Try memorizing a scripture for each letter of the alphabet or memorizing favorite passages of scripture. Recite scriputre with your children at least once a day, such as immediately after dinner, before you begin schoolwork, or during a daily walk every afternoon.

We love these CDs from Scripture Memory Fellowship that set scripture to music so we can memorize God's Word as we drive to and from activities.

In addition to using the ideas above to weave faith into everyday life, remember to take advantage of every opportunity to talk to your kids about God during daily conversation. Don't wait for special moments to discuss faith and Christianity, talk to your children about the Lord,

"...when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6: 6-9

Make Faith the Focus of Your
Christian Homeschool

Even Christian homeschooling parents can fall into the trap of making academics a priority, and neglecting to leave time for religious studies.

I determined to change course after reading When You Rise Up: A Covenental Approach to Homeschooling.

In his book, R.C. Sproul, Jr. makes an argument for biblical homeschooling. He says Christians must go beyond teaching the three R's, and help their children answer three questions:

• Who is God?
• What has God done?
• What does God require?

Mr. Sproul speaks about the true purpose of education and our responsibilities as parents to lead our children to the Lord. He also lays out a simple plan we can use to fulfill those responsibilities, and addresses common objections to Christian homeschooling.

Follow this link to learn more about When You Rise Up.

Follow this link to find teaching tips and recommended resources for Christian based homeschooling.

Follow this link to find information about choosing a Christian curriculum.