The weight that many of us carry wrapped tight around our heart is guilt, anxiety, and worry. I see the
smiling faces that say ‘Everything is going just fine,’ in a sweet southern accent. Inside you are gray,
scared, and anything but that smiling face. Deeply concerned that you have done a disservice to your
child(ren) and husband that are relying on you to homeschool your child. We carry the weight of guilt.

Why would mothers be dragging around this load? There are times that you find out your child had a
learning disability when they are years down the road of homeschooling. The whole time you thought they
were being willfully rebellious. You feel you should have seen the problem. Reading through books and
catalogues you begin to think you were a using the wrong curriculum. Worse a tiny whisper starts that you
are a bad teacher, organizer of time, or just plain bad at this thing called homeschooling.

Deep breathe… do you know others think this way. Other moms are smiling on the outside and inside
weeping because they feel trapped and yearn to find the very best for their family.

I think… no I know that those fears and anxiety are all based out of the LOVE and the RESPONSIBILITY
you feel to raise your children correctly. It’s out of love that you are here but you have accidently gotten
off on the wrong path. Guilt and worrying is not a healthy path. It’s time to turn around and head back to a
strong foundation. One that will restore peace and stability to your lovely family!

First acknowledge and truly understand that guilt, worrying, and anxiety are not what God has planned for
us.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has
enough trouble of its own.

We are directly told to stop worrying. Troubles may come but we are safe in the hands of the Lord. We
must take control of your thoughts and feelings and stop the heart wrenching worry.

Now let’s look at our priorities. Have we placed testing and academics on such a high pedestal that it
eclipses other priorities? We need to be clear that our priorities of life are set. Including what is the end
result of your homeschooling? My family’s goal is to have adult children that are Godly, intelligent, and
productive. That means our top priority is teaching God, academics, and a strong work ethic.

One way I fought the feelings of guilt when my child was not progressing like I thought she should was
to seek outside help. I started by talking out my inner feelings of inadequacy with my loving husband. He
could see the situation clearly and helped reassure me that I was letting no one down in the family. Then
I asked veteran homeschoolers and began reading books from other homeschoolers about their journey
homeschooling. I went to conventions to see what materials were out there that might assist us. The best
part of this was I began to feel less alone in my feelings of guilt. The chains began to loosen and the joy
of homeschooling began filling me again.

For many mom’s guilt is a default setting we revert to in times of stress and worry. Let me encourage you
don’t stay in that place. Don’t let guilt steal your joy of homeschooling. Your family and homeschooling
will be healthier and happier place. Guilt has no room in your home or mine anymore! You can remove
those chains from around your heart and step forward in faith that the Lord will guide you through your
homeschooling every step of the way.

Chris and Heather are a husband and wife team fired up to help and encourage family homeschooling and dealing
with special needs. They are blessed with 5 children and 3 angels. The children and Heather have a genetic
disease called mitochondrial disease that gives them medical and learning disability to work with. They are
uniquely trained through life experience to help other special needs families! You can find Chris and Heather at Special Needs Homeschooling , or Laurie Family Ministries and their attached Facebook pages that are very active with questions and answers for many!

 

When I realized I was expecting a baby, I began to chant, “I will not homeschool.” I said it the night before I showed up at the headmaster’s office to withdraw my son.

The next morning, I looked in the mirror and admitted what I already knew. I was already homeschooling every afternoon and on weekends. My chant changed.

“Why not get this done in three hours every morning instead of creating homework agony every afternoon and most of the day Saturday? “

I wish I could say the change solved all our troubles. I fear gray hair and bald patches would reveal my subterfuge.

We did not recreate the Garden of Eden homeschool-style. I often locked myself in the bathroom, stared back at the haunted reflection in the mirror, and chanted a new tune: “Pick your pain. Pick your pain. Pick your pain.” Makes you want to sign up tomorrow, doesn’t it?

In two years, I will issue my last diploma and receive my homeschooling pink slip. My tears of frustration, uncertainty, and disillusionment now give way to tears of nostalgia. Where have the years gone?

Before you know it, you will join me. I look back at where I’ve been and how far you have yet to come. Here are some things I learned in my journey as a reluctant homeschooler. I hope they light your way.

1) You and your child were created with a unique plan and purpose. Repeat this truth daily especially if any of you struggle with learning challenges. God is sovereign over your mistakes as a parent and will fulfill his purposes for each of you.

2) A self-governed kid is a happy kid. Self-government grows out of healthy boundaries and expectations. Belonging, responsibility, team work, and personal identity develop when boundaries make life predictable.

4) In life, there are times that work is just work. Don’t kill yourself making school ‘fun’ just to prevent frustration. Perseverance despite frustration or boredom is a skill that will serve your student well later in life.

5) Be willing to pace yourself. Rare is the day a traditional teacher completes everything in her plan book. If you expect too much too soon, you will all be exhausted by sixth grade when it is time to increase academic intensity. Ask a friend if you are off balance in your expectations. Adjust accordingly.

6) When you are in over your head, ask for help. Don’t let pride or fear shackle you in chains of silent suffering. Your child is depending on you to be courageous enough to ask for help when you both need it. You will be amazed to find you are not alone and comforted at the direction you receive.

7) Don’t check your brain at the door when your child has classes away from home. Too many times, parents fail to require accountability at home for a class taught elsewhere. Don’t get lazy and assume the ‘out of sight out of mind’ position. Check assignment lists, confirm the work is done, ask the teacher for feedback.

8) It is o.k. to change curriculum mid-stream if it is not working for any of you. Don’t hold on to something just because you spent the money. Sell it quickly before it is damaged – or has damaged your relationships because you couldn’t let it go.

9) If what you are doing isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it. You are not a failure if you aren’t notebooking, nature journaling, or creating a home-based business. In our Pinterest-adoring world, it is easy to develop educational ADD flitting from one possibility to another. Relax and be satisfied with your approach. You are good enough even if your homeschool is not Pinterest-worthy.

10) Homeschooling is like new parenthood. Remember when sleepless nights reduced you to daytime tears? Then, you woke one morning and missed those middle of the night feedings, didn’t you? Before you know it, diplomas and pink slips will be on the horizon. Treasure each season. Even in the darkness of your homeschooling night, there is sweetness. And, dawn always follows the dark.

Carol Anne Swett is a Homeschool Mom who has faced various trials.  She writes from her heart to encourage and share life with other Moms in the midst of life.  She blogs at Confessions of a Fraidy Cat and is a contributor for Hedua.com
 

In the spring of 2008 I first prayed for a baby, and in the spring of 2011 God answered that prayer with the birth of our beautiful daughter.  My joy was full but so were the fears I wrestled.  In some ways I felt like a baby Christian again, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, learning and applying what I have known and trusted into a completely new life – I know I’m definitely not the first to feel that!

Friends of ours had given us a card when their first son was born; it was full of prayer requests for his little life, a prayer for every day of the month. My prayers were not quite as coherent as those, especially at first, but the urgency of the moment drove me to my knees.  “Help her, help me” baby prayers at 3am; prayers as I heard the baby monitor light up in the morning; prayers when I thought of her safety, her soul, her future; prayers  with my husband; prayers while Eliza listened in.

When people found out that I was pregnant one of the most frequent comments I received was how my creativity would discover a whole new vista of inspiration as I became a mother.  So, when Eliza came I was anticipating a fresh flow of profound poetic thought, but instead I was swept up in the constant flow of changes and feedings and “Old MacDonald had a farm!” I was expecting full sentences, but I was blubbering looking at my beautiful girl! I actually wondered if I’d ever be able to write again.  I just about tucked some thoughts away to ponder later when my brain would start to fit itself back together again (still nowhere near a completed process!). As I continued to learn the wonderful balancing act and privilege of mothering, homemaking, writing, traveling and singing, Keith and I began to write a song for Eliza choosing this theme of praying for her, and the end result was “A Mother’s Prayer.”

My parents have faithfully prayed for me my whole life, and I remember when I was younger my mum met with other mums to pray for all their children – a “Moms in Touch” group in Belfast. Even just the knowledge of that helped me, and I want Eliza to know we are praying for her and trying to guide her in this context that reaches to the call and purpose of her whole life and an understanding of the Lord’s grace and faithfulness. We’re now in the toddler stage and some of the prayer needs are shifting.  We wanted the song to reflect the different seasons – ones we had discovered and then those still to come.  We also wrote it to remind us of our promise to pray for her through all the years we’re given.  We hope this song for her – and even more our praying for her – might catch her ear and help guide her heart as she grows up.

Enjoy this video

• Music Video of A Mother’s Prayer

Encourage someone: Send a FREE eCard containing this song – at Getty Music 

Biography

Keith and Kristyn Getty, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, have been writing modern hymns for the church for more than a decade.  Their latest album release, Hymns for the Christian Life, features new hymns for congregations and soloists such as “Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed” and “A Mother’s Prayer” as well as a ten-year anniversary recording of ”In Christ Alone” (written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend).  When not touring, the Gettys live in Nashville with their daughter, Eliza, where they manage the work of Getty Music.

It’s impossible to sum up all that Teach Them Diligently Spartanburg was in a short blog post. The images and sounds embedded in my mind are many—a parking lot full to the brim, crowds of people, families learning together, laughter, tears, hugs, fellowship, encouragement, and so much more.

As I was thinking about this weekend yesterday, I “happened” upon this verse in my regular Bible reading:

 “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 12)

Now, there’s a great way to sum up the weekend!

God has brought together an amazing lineup of speakers and vendors– godly men and women who have poured out their lives to serve God’s family and at the conventions, you really have the ability to speak with them and learn from them face to face. It’s amazing!

Personally, my heart was blessed beyond measure, and I didn’t even get to sit in a single session. God allowed me to speak with many families, though. I got to hear their stories and share their joys and struggles. I saw speakers and writers laboring in love with ladies and gentlemen, praying with them, weeping with them, laughing with them, and just generally interacting with them. I was able to be ministered to as I pulled aside Melanie Young and allowed her to pour out grace unto my weary spirit.

There is nothing that can compare to the personal interactions you can enjoy on-site.

The recordings are incredible- and unbelievably helpful—but that fellowship and encouragement of being around thousands of other like-minded, similar-looking families is well worth the trip and price of admission. The ability to learn in-depth about the curriculums (and then purchase them at special conference pricing!!) is invaluable as you plan your next school year.

We have heard from so many that were blessed, and I wanted to share some of their stories with you today:

“Oh I had an awesome time. I’m overwhelmed with the way I feel God moving the homeschoolers to share the truth of God’s word. I went there thinking I needed to get a math program from my kids but left feeling like I’d been to revival. Thank you so much for the great speakers.”

“My heart is so full – thank you for the inspiring weekend and Christ like love that was exemplified I have praises to sing for those that worked in the children’s program (4 yr olds and 6 yr olds) and will send specifics of those praises next week. thank you for all the work!”

“Thank you for all the work that went into the Conference this year. I came tired, a little discouraged and ready for school to be over. I left excited, encouraged and my cup was full to overflowing. This was our 2nd year and it was such a blessing like last year. Please keep up the great work of helping parents do what God has placed on our hearts to do. Thank you, thank you, Thank you.”

“As a vendor with BJU Press/Precept Marketing, I want to thank you for a wonderful conference! My daughter enjoyed the teen program and I was impressed with the all-around spirit of the conference. It was so nice to catch snippets of the speakers as we relaxed to eat our lunch. 

Also, I was encouraged by some wonderful young people that I met. What a blessing to talk with teens who are sold out to Christ!! Moms and Dads, you’re doing a great job, and I know you were re-fueled this weekend!”

Another story was relayed from a family who were vendors: Teach Them Diligently has been our FAVORITE convention of all time because of the type of families that it draws.   We were ministered to, just by the families that we spent time with at the booth.  One lady randomly showed up and prayed for us and our family. Another joked with my brother that maybe he’ll go to Papau New Guinea one day.  He looked at her wide-eyed and demanded to know why she said that.  She started to say sorry because she knew she pronounced it wrong.  He again asked her, “WHY did you say that?!  Have you been talking to my mom about me?”  My mom sat there shocked.  My brother has felt called to PNG for about 5-6 years now, but is recently torn on how to get started/be financially able to get there.  Nobody discussed this with this woman, but she chose to mention a small country with an unreached people group to “joke” about.

I think it’s easy to just see the logistics of the convention and fail to see the impact of these small meetings among the saints.  God was working there.  :)”

“I give God praise for your conference! I learned so much and was refreshed and encouraged in every area of my life. Fabulous speakers! I so need this time every year to recharge for this homeschooling journey. Thank you!”

This past weekend was fun! It was encouraging! It was enriching! It was revitalizing! And our team is working very hard to make Nashville and Omaha even better. If you have not yet registered, I really encourage you to do so! Attending Teach Them Diligently really is one of the best investments you can make in your family and your homeschool!

I pray I get to speak, laugh and pray with you there!

Leslie Nunnery

We want to hear from you! Send us your testimony about the weekend, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, G+ and Pinterest!

After I finished home schooling our kids, I headed back to school myself to completing a Ph.D. in educational psychology. I wanted to know how kids learn best. Wouldn’t that be helpful information for homeschooling moms and dads?

Boy did God blow my socks off! I can sum up what I found in one sentence: If we built a school from the ground up based on what the research shows as how kids learn best…we’d build a home. How’s that for some liberating good news? And doesn’t it make complete sense? The best learning environment for any child is the one God designed: a family.

Here’s why:

1. Kids learn best when they believe their teacher and fellow students care about them.

2. Kids learn best when they have opportunities to pursue their interests.

3. Kids learn best when they can make choices and decisions about their learning.

4. Kids learn best when they can observe other students who model what success looks like.

5. Kids learn best when they have a teacher who is available to provide feedback and encouragement.

6. Kids learn best when the work they are asked to do is matched to what they are ready to learn.

7. Kids learn best when they can experience what they are studying firsthand.

8. Kids learn best when they have plenty of physical activity, sunshine, and fresh air.

Think of all the obstacles kids have to overcome in a traditional setting to have these eight needs met. Even the most dedicated classroom teachers would be hard pressed to provide these opportunities regularly for all their students. But you can and probably do so without giving it much thought.

No one cares about a child more than Mom and Dad. Both can regularly be available to answer questions and encourage a child’s progress. Older siblings and mixed age groups in many of our co-ops provide those models of success and friendship. At home kids have plenty of free time to pursue what they are interested in and to be outside soaking up all the benefits of nature. Opportunity for field trips and firsthand experiences abound. Parents can adjust their expectations and methods quickly to match what each child is ready to learn. We can let our kids choose what books they read, what topics they study, and what curriculum they prefer. We encourage them to take ownership of their education when we attend conventions and homeschool rallies as a family.

The catch is we have to see God’s design at work here and maximize the advantages He’s given us. I hope I can help with that by unpacking exactly how we can leverage all the opportunities a family uniquely provides each child.

I’m looking forward to talking with many of you at the upcoming Teach Them Diligently conventions.

Debra Bell is the best selling author of the award-winning Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, the Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens and Ultimate Planners. She knows a lot about planning from her experience as both a high school and college English teacher, and from her experiences homeschooling her own four kids from grades K-12. Debra blogs regularly about education, brain science and homeschooling through her website debrabell.com.  Debra will be joining us at all three Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2013.

ATTENTION: ALL RECRUITS

Exciting times are ahead! For some of you soldiers, the Battle For Truth is less than a month away! I speak for all of the commanding officers in the Battle for Truth program when I say, “We can’t wait!” I expect you feel the same way!

There are a few keys items that I need you be prepared for when you arrive for your Battle For Truth training. First, I need you soldiers to come in uniform. That’s right–I need you pull out that camouflage, those medals, flag patches, dog tags, or anything else to complete your own unique uniform. Second, I need you to be ready for weapons training. It’s ok, Mom and Dad…our only weapon in the Battle for Truth is the Sword of the Spirit–The Word of God***. On Friday night, you will have a couple passages that you can work on overnight with your parents to build your skill in using the Sword of the Spirit.

This brings us to another very important piece of information! In the Battle for Truth, there will be two teams, the Navy Girls and the Army Boys! Points will be added for all those who come in their uniform and for those who complete weapons training (Scripture Memory) with their parents. One team has to win, and on Saturday night, we will find out if it is the Army or the Navy!

Finally, one item of preparation remains. Simply, it is prayer. After that great Soldier of the Faith, Paul, told us in Ephesians 6 to put on the Armor of God, in the very next verse, he told us to pray. I ask each Soldier to pray about the TTD Conference they will be attending with their family. Pray that God would help you and your whole family to grow spiritually as they hear the truth of His Word taught. Paul also said in Ephesians 6 to pray “for me…that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” I would ask each recruit to pray for me and the other speakers and leaders of the Battle for Truth and TTD Conference, that God would help us as we prepare and speak to you.

Well, at ease, soldiers. That is all I have for you now. Until I see you, stay strong in The Lord and come ready for the Battle for Truth!

- General Matt

***Parents: We do encourage your children to come “dressed up” for the Battle for Truth in military type apparel. This would include, but is not limited to any camo, insignia, pins, dog tags, berets, sailor hats, roman soldier type toy armor, etc. However, we ask that NO toy guns, toy knives or swords, pocket knives, airsoft guns, water guns, or any other type of play (or real) weapon is brought to the Battle for Truth. We are seeking to see that a very fun and playful but safe environment is kept for your children to enjoy!

Battle 4 Truth Program Daily Schedule
9:10-9:30  Drop off New Recruits
9:30-10:00  Mission Objectives (Opening Assembly)
10:10-10:40  1st Session
10:50-11:20  2nd Session
11:30-12:00  Re-group Recruits/Parents pick-up
12:00-1:30  Chow Hall
1:40-2:00  Re-assemble and Re-group Recruits for sessions
2:10-2:40  3rd Session
2:50-3:20  4th Session
3:30-4:00  5th Session
4:10-4:40  6th Session
4:45-5:00  Weapons Training (Scripture memory with Counselors)
5:10-6:00  Debriefing/Challenge (Closing Assembly/Skits/Devotional)
6:00-6:20  Return to barracks with Parents

Each session is either a teaching time, craft, or game for the children

What are you waiting for?? Register your family  for Teach Them Diligently in Nashville and Omaha before it is too late!  Act now to save your space!! If you have not registered for Spartanburg online – we have onsite Registration.  We can’t wait to see you!

It’s convention time!! Teach Them Diligently – Spartanburg is this week!! Will I see you there?

As you’re doing your last minute packing for the convention, I thought I would answer a question I’ve been asked quite a few times over the past few days:

What should I bring with me to a homeschool convention?

• A tote bag. **Important, if you are attending a Teach Them Diligently convention, you can leave that item off of your packing list because they will be giving you this super cute tote bag when you check in!!**
  
• A notepad/tablet/laptop or something that you’re comfortable taking notes with. You’ll want to take lots of notes during the speaker sessions so that you can refer to those later! I created this free Speaker Notes printable that you are welcome to print and bring with you. Don’t forget to bring extra pens {although you can probably stock up on these in the vendor hall!}.
• Bottled water/snacks. Each convention is different as to what you are allowed to carry in. Find out the rules before you waste time packing snacks!
• Sweater or jacket. Convention centers tend to be on the cool side. Bringing a jacket along and not needing it is much better than freezing all day!
• Comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot. Achy feet are no fun.
• Curriculum shopping list. Don’t leave home without it! It is much easier going into the vendor hall with a good idea of what you’re looking for than it is to walk in blind. It’s better for your checkbook too. Don’t have a curriculum shopping list yet? No problem, you can print one here.
• Wheeled cart or small suitcase. This may seem silly to those of you who have never been to a homeschool convention, but trust me it makes perfect sense!
  Books are heavy! If you are planning to make purchases, you don’t want to have to carry those around, this is why something with wheels will be your best friend!
• A spouse or someone to keep you accountable. It is so easy to be mesmerized by the exciting, shiny new curriculum. Someone to remind you of your budget and keep you on track is very handy in this situation. Especially if you’re an impulse shopper like me!
• An open heart. Give God room to move and He will. Pray that He will put you exactly where He wants you to be {listening to that speaker, talking to that vendor, meeting that new friend}.

Things to remember while at a homeschool convention:

• The speakers you are hearing are real life homeschooling parents just like you and me. If you ask them, they will tell you that. It is so easy to fall to the assumption that they have it all together and you’re doing it all wrong. But trust me, they have bad days too. Open your mind and your heart to truly hear what they are saying without comparing yourself or your family.
• Ask lots of questions! Have a question about homeschooling? This is the place to have it answered.
• Meet new friends. Where else will you find hundreds, maybe even thousands of fellow homeschoolers? This is your chance to make new connections that could turn into life long friendships!
• Stick to your budget. Need some tips on how to do that? See this post: 7 Ways to Stick to Your Budget at a Homeschool Convention.
• Take breaks as you need them! It is easy to become overwhelmed. Take a break. Walk outside. Grab a snack. Come back refreshed and refocused.
• Remember, God is in control of your homeschool. Not sure which session to attend? Ask Him. Not sure if you should purchase that curriculum? Take a prayer break. He is faithful to lead you where you need to be, we only have to listen.

I hope your homeschool convention is an awesome experience and you leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and with a whole new passion for homeschooling your children!

Heather Bowen is a dedicated Christian homeschooling mother and wife from southeastern North Carolina. She entered the blogging world in June 2012 and quickly realized it was time to trade in her career as a nurse and embrace the calling of being a full time work at home mom. Heather blogs at Upside Down Homeschooling. In addition to writing, she is a speaker and a virtual assistant. To find out more about the services Heather offers, click here.

We all know that homeschool families tend to love field trips and learning together. Why not continue this while traveling to or from one of the Teach Them Diligently Conventions?

Over the last several weeks several ladies working with Teach Them Diligently, have put together some unit study/field trip ideas to visit and study a bit on your way to, home from, and before and after attending the Teach Them Diligently Convention.

These little studies and trips are meant to be a way for you as a family to enjoy a bit of the surrounding areas during your travels and to help you keep a little educational activity in your fun. We hope and pray that these give you a little help in planning your trip to Teach Them Diligently, and would love to hear of ideas you may have in the comments.

Each unit or list of field trip ideas are posted on the individual blogs of those who put them together. They are linked in the linky at the end of this post, so you can easily find them. These ladies are sharing everything from interesting facts, field trip ideas, mapping, geographical information and basic or interesting historical facts. You will be able to easily make your trip to Teach Them Diligently educational and fun for your entire family.

Kathy from Kathy’s Cluttered Mind is sharing about Georgia.
Betty from Peace Creek on the Prairie is sharing about Kansas.
Meghan from MeghanTucker.com is sharing about the Nashville Tennessee Area.
Kelli from Adventurez in Childrearing is sharing Southwest Florida – through GA & into TN – stops all along the way!

So, as you plan your trip to Teach Them Diligently, add some fun and educational field trips into your travel plans. We can’t wait to see you at one of the conventions!

Today, we have a special guest – Sharon from Creating a Masterpiece.  She is going to share her thoughts, philosophy and insight behind Creating a Masterpiece. We know you will enjoy reading through and seeing the beautiful artwork her students create.

My philosophy in teaching art is very simple. Every time a student comes into my class they work on a piece of artwork that eventually becomes a “masterpiece”! Even the first graders know that they usually leave Hidden Acres Art School (Sharon’s studio name) with a project they are very proud of. It may take many weeks of work, but they know their projects will grace the walls of their home. Words I hear time and time again from my students are, “I didn’t know I could do this!”

These student’s eyes are bright and they almost can’t contain their excitement in showing their finished piece to mom or dad.

It is sad when students begin an art program in where they get discouraged. They lose their excitement and thus their energy and they decide that they don’t want to try anything new because art is not for them. They would rather do nothing than produce something that makes them feel like a failure. This is why Sharon has determined to push her students to work on projects that bring a sense of pride and purpose. Every project needs to build up the student! My goal in teaching is to see each child gain a confidence they never had before. This confidence will translate to every other area of life.

Sharon relates what art did for her. One day she told hermom and dad, “I’m going to build my own house!” When they questioned her she said, “It is just a larger art project!Every builder has to build their first home and if someone else can do it…so can I!” Yes, she built her own home alongside her husband and daughters and it was possible because she knew that this was just a larger art project! They did almost everything themselves including the plumbing, wiring, digging the trenches for the foundation, pouring the cement, framing and even designing their own home. So instead of making simplistic art projects that are easily thrown away in a couple days Sharon guides each student through projects that build confidence and excitement!

In my art classes I require that we use “very good materials” sometimes even professional quality where
it makes a difference. If you want your child to learn how to play the piano, don’t you at least get it tuned for them? Well, trying to produce art with inferior products is like playing on an out of tune piano. It’s impossible! The student is going to get frustrated and think there is something wrong with them…when the truth is…there is something wrong with the paints! If my students see that I use pure soft pastels with deep rich color and then I give them inferior pastels in which they could never make the same rich painting as I do, wouldn’t that be a huge discouragement and disappointment to them?

I treat my students like I wanted to be treated as a young artist. If we want our students to learn confidence and skill, then we need to give them everything possible to succeed.

When a student first comes into my studio I teach them using a project of my choosing on how to use the art media. It might even be the same project for the entire class. During this project they learn to imitate what I am doing. But after they have learned how to use the media, I then turn them loose to create their own painting. I have found this to work well and the students come away with a masterpiece the very first time they try.

Last of all, I require that my students work in all media. All my students find several media they especially love, but by experimenting with all the medias my students become well rounded artists and gain confidence that they can do it all…and isn’t that what we want them to know. “If someone else can do it…so can I!”

So, will the “Creating a Masterpiece” DVD curriculum work for me since this is different than being in your
Art Classes? The proof is in the pudding! Just look at these students and what they are producing! These are some pictures from a curriculum fair Sharon attended a couple weeks ago. These students stopped by Sharon’s booth and by listening to one of her “Creating a Masterpiece” DVDs they built a masterpiece within an hour!

Other students stopped by her booth to show her their masterpieces they had created this School year by using her DVDs. And, just as exciting are the students showing what they have done after working their way through her DVD’s. Wow!

The success is incredible! It’s as if these students are in her art studio taking lessons one on one from Sharon. The wonderful news is…they actually ARE taking lessons from Sharon by bringing her into their own home. As they email her photos of their finished projects Sharon takes the time to write them back notes of encouragement.

This is not an impersonal business Sharon has built, but one where the students have the opportunity to interact with her. You will often hear Sharon say, “This is not about me! It’s about the students and helping them be the very best they can be!”

One reason “Creating a Masterpiece” is so successful is because Sharon is teaching 180 students weekly! Because she is surrounded by students daily she knows where they will struggle. She knows where they will have questions and she guides them carefully through each project.

As you use these wonderful DVD’s keep in mind the following suggestions:

1. Use the recommended materials (which you can order directly from a link on her website). The cost
is minimal when you keep in mind costs of other activities you have your children involved in.

2. Don’t let your children rush through the projects. Have them come once a week to Sharon’s DVD studio to do these projects. They will learn to slow down and take their time to do a good job. If you let them rush through their projects, then they will not learn the important life lessons that are taught through art. Rather the project could turn out looking sloppy and the opportunity to develop confidence within your child will be lost.

Life lessons learned through art:

- Students learn how to solve problems.
- Students learn how to follow instructions.
- Students gain a longer attention span.
- They learn to “never give up”!
- Through art they grow intellectually.
- Students learn how to make wise decisions.
- They learn the importance of committing to a task and following through to the end.
- Students learn to be creative.
- Students learn how to express themselves through art.
- They learn how to create strategies.
- Students learn to receive constructive feedback.
- They learn the importance of dedication.
- They learn the importance of accountability.
- Students learn how art is a way to worship and praise our creator.
- They learn how to shape our culture by expressing their
world views through the arts.

Creating a Masterpiece will be at all three of the “Teach them diligently” conferences!

Sharon Hofer, the lady behind “Creating a Masterpiece”teaches 180 homeschool students weekly. Her studio is filled to maximum capacity and her waiting list has several hundred students. Her DVD’s are used in 1200 schools throughout the world.

It’s Autism Awareness Month, but that doesn’t mean much to you. You’re aware of autism every day. All too aware. It’s a constant source of stress, even as your heart overflows with love for this child who fills you with pride and makes you want to tear your hair out, by turns.

I’ve seen you sitting by yourself on park day, feeling out of place. While the other kids are laughing and playing on the playground, your child is wandering around solo, which breaks your heart, or he keeps wandering back to you, making it almost impossible to carry on a conversation with the other moms. You rarely try anymore.

Some days you know homeschooling is the best option for your child. The one-on-one instruction, opportunity for sensory breaks during the day, and chance to work on social skills in controlled, safe environments are critical for your child’s success and progress. Other days you question yourself, wondering if you’re really the best teacher for your child, tempted by the big yellow bus and the respite it would give you for several hours each day.

You are not alone. For every minute you’ve spent crying in the shower because you feel like you just can’t go on, for every cup of coffee you’ve had trying to summon the energy to make it through the day, for every bedtime battle you’ve survived while fighting your own need to get some sleep, there are other moms out there who have matched you second for second. For every prayer you’ve prayed for provision for your family, there are other parents who have cried out to God too—in desperation, begging Him for help and for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial relief.

I’m one of those parents. I often feel like I’m on the outside looking in, like no one understands me or my child. I get tired. I doubt myself and feel desperate. I cry in the shower, sobbing my fatigue and grief to the only One who really understands, the only One with the power to do something, begging Him for help for whatever crisis we find ourselves in.

Dear mom homeschooling a child with autism, please don’t walk this journey alone. You are not alone. Cling to God with every fiber of your being. He loves you, and He saves every tear in a bottle. He is faithful. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will see you through this long, lonely season. He will provide for you and for your precious child.

Your spiritual life is critical, but you need people too. Find support through online forums, local autism support groups, play dates with the mom you always chat with in the waiting room at therapy. Don’t do this alone.

You are loved, and you do not have to walk this journey alone. Walk in that awareness this month and every month!

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NLT)

What verses do you cling to during the dark times? Where do you find much-needed fellowship and support?

 
Jennifer Janes lives in Arkansas with her husband and two daughters, one of whom has special needs. She spends her days homeschooling, reading her Bible, praying, sharing good books with the kids, and writing in blue ink. You can connect with her on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Google +. She also shares on Pinterest and Instagram.