Educating for Eternity

Each month, I receive Catholic Heritage Curricula's Educating for Eternity e-newsletter and I am always thankful that I do. I usually look forward to Theresa Johnson's letter, as it always offers a little something to consider, encouragement, or information on how we might improve our homeschool. This month, I was happy to read:

Lord, carry us through the fast…that as we observe it by bodily discipline, so we may be able to fulfill it with sincerity of mind.
—Collect for Friday after Ash Wednesday

Some thoughts about 'free' online schooling

Dear CHC Family and Friends,

We homeschool because our heart's desire is to provide a loving, intimate setting that simply cannot be duplicated outside the home. If we weren't seeking an education with a more 'personal touch,' to improve upon standard classroom offerings, we wouldn't be homeschooling!

'Free' online schooling is not only impersonal, it is secular. When our Holy Faith is 'added on,' it is just that: an add-on, rather than the core of our very existence. That, too, is why we homeschool, to provide an education steeped in the Reason behind all knowledge, and the Goal of all knowledge. Through online programs, the secular indoctrination that we had ought to avoid is right within our walls.

Sitting stiffly in front of a computer monitor also runs counter to the nature of all young things. Why is it that we delight in the gamboling of lambs and kittens, but insist on anchoring young children to chairs for the better part of the day? While table work has its place, homeschooled children may be educated on a rag rug in a cozy corner, at the edge of mama’s bed, or even in the tub! Read the rest...