I recently visited Las Vegas for the first time and I was so taken by the rugged beauty of the area! The incredible rock formations at Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire were stunning. The variations in color, the intricacies – I just couldn’t get enough! And all that framed by desert flowers in bloom – I’m still looking for willing parties to “ooh” and “ahh” over the pictures with me!
As I gazed out over that Aztec sandstone, I thought about the geological forces used to create such a masterpiece. The former presence of an ocean, lithification of an ancient desert, the oxidation of iron, and wind – lots of wind! – all played their part to fashion this landscape unlike anything I had ever seen.
I think of another process of formation going on a little closer to home. IN my home, actually! I have little masterpieces in the works even as a type this. Five of them. They are my children. Just like so much went into shaping those amazing Nevada vistas, much goes into shaping a child. Social, cultural, academic, spiritual, physical – all these factors are at work in a child’s development.
Makes it easy to understand why so many families choose to homeschool. Homeschooling gives parents unfettered ability to determine the forces that impact their children during those formative years.
Parents who homeschool can choose who will be involved in, and thus influence, their child’s life. They can more actively ensure a safe learning environment for their child. Education can be aligned with the family’s belief system. Time to engage in physical activity can be made a priority. Many tout strong family bonds as one of the greatest and lasting results of homeschool. Time to devote to academic pursuits shapes kids into life-long learners. As parents choose curriculum and programs, children can learn at their own pace, excelling or receiving extra time and attention as they require.
It takes many, many years to form a landscape. We don’t have many, many years with our children. We have precious few. Homeschooling can allow parents to make the most of those mere moments between birth and adulthood.
And when all is said and done, if we can behold a mature adult who can think critically, embrace learning, strive for integrity, be passionate about her work and calling, respect the world around him, love her neighbor, be true to his beliefs, stand in any situation with solid character, then we have played a part in the creation of something grand.
Perhaps as grand as that breath-taking landscape. For, after all, both make the world a place of beauty.
Copyright © 2014 J. Hoffman / Global Student Network
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com