OVERVIEW
Homeschool planning is both an exciting yet overwhelming experience for parents. The biggest challenge is knowing where and how to start. There are too many details to consider and a plethora of information available online to filter through. The following framework provides parents with specific steps to help maximize their planning time without leaving essential details.
To help families plan their homeschooling, I’ve created The Core, Mission, and Elements (CME) Homeschool Planning and Teaching Guide. This Christ-centered, three-level approach outlines the proper order of steps homeschooling families should take to help guide their planning. This framework is simple yet unique because it first begins by having families consider their personal beliefs, values, and goals before delving into any other details.
Creating the perfect homeschool environment runs through every parent’s mind. We want to pick the exact curriculum suitable to our children’s personality and place them in extracurricular activities to maximize their growth potential. These are reasonable goals, but the reality is that homeschooling requires trial and error. Although we can’t guarantee a perfect experience in any endeavor, purposeful planning with direction can result in a meaningful and beautiful educational experience for the whole family.
WHAT THE GUIDE OFFERS
- A simple, three-level approach action plan
- A unique approach that considers your worldview and values before jumping into planning the minute details
- Biblical worldview and values parents should consider
- Mission statement how-to guide
- Detailed list on elements involved in academic instruction in the home
- Student learning processes
- How to create a home environment conducive to learning
- Behavior management, discipling, and redemptive disciplining
- Curriculum factors to help guide your decision making
- Schedule examples
- List of resources for topics discussed above
WHAT THE GUIDE DOES NOT OFFER
Each family is unique in its wants, needs, and goals. With that in mind, the framework does not delve into:
- Educational philosophies or methods. This article by Sarah Jones summarizes popular educational philosophies amongst homeschoolers and redirects you to a fun quiz. I encourage you to do some in-depth personal research on your own if there’s one that you might be drawn to. In all things, be vigilant. Take time to ensure these philosophies or methods align with Biblical values and your family’s needs.
- Specific curriculum choices. Visit Cathy Duffy’s Homeschool Reviews website if you’d like a comprehensive list and very detailed summary of available curriculum.
The Inspiration Behind This Planning & Teaching Guide
Nine years ago, I began my intense research on all things education when my husband and I agreed to try and homeschool our first child. My undergraduate was in communications, and I had done some education research for a big final project. Still, homeschooling was on a different playing field. I was still pregnant with her at the time, so I felt I had plenty of time to figure things out.
After a while, I was utterly overwhelmed. It was a challenging start because I didn’t know exactly how or where to start. There was so much information online, books I read, and ideas from homeschooling friends! Who’s advice was right and which should I follow?
After doing much research (both from data driven sources to experienced homeschool bloggers); homeschooling my own children; lots of trial and error; asking more questions from seasoned homeschool veterans; and going back to graduate school to get an Education degree (with the hopes of just broadening my understanding on learning development), I FINALLY pinpointed what was missing in my planning approach: a general plan to guide my steps!
All Teachers Need a Guide
Public and private school teachers are equipped with tools and strategies to facilitate positive student academic experiences. They call this a Classroom Management Plan, which includes what they will teach, how they will teach, the environment they plan to create for students, etc. Furthermore, they are guided by values, vision, and mission with end goals in mind.
Inspired by this, I developed a framework and guide to specifically help homeschool families in their own planning. When we have a question about doing a project, we take time and research guides to help us from start to finish. Homeschool planning should be approached in the same way to maximize our efforts! Home education is a real vocation that requires proactive and thoughtful planning. Academics are blended with the daily rhythms of life alongside expected disruptions and challenges. A thoughtful plan of action combined with teaching strategies adapted for the home can minimize stressors on parents and maximize positive learning experiences for the whole family.
The C.M.E. Framework Levels
Plan your homeschool with PURPOSE & DIRECTION!!!
THE 3 LEVELS
LEVEL 1: THE CORE
The first level of planning your homeschool begins with the CORE. Your CORE includes your worldview, values, beliefs, and ideals that dictate thoughts, behavior, and day-to-day choices. Personal experience and views, ethnic backgrounds, politics, and religion can influence your CORE. For Christians, having a Biblical worldview rooted in Scripture and the Gospel message of Christ should be the primary influence on our worldview and every aspect of our lives. Therefore, how we look at politics, evaluate past experiences, and treat others should stem from having a Biblical worldview (and not the other way around). Read more about the Core level here.
LEVEL 2: THE MISSION
The second level is crafting your family Mission statement. Like any organization, this statement provides families purpose and general vision to help them stay focused on their goal to homeschool. This statement articulates the big picture objectives while drastically narrowing academic and extracurricular choices that may not align with long-term goals. The homeschool mission statement may change based on family needs and seasons. Still, it should be generalized enough to guide families over a long time horizon. Read more about the Mission level here.
LEVEL 3: THE ELEMENTS
The third level of this framework lists the essential components of academic instruction. We must consider and prepare for these elements found in academic teaching and daily rhythms of home life. It includes but is not limited to:
- Student learning processes (how students learn)
- Student learning needs (what students need to learn effectively)
- Behavior and disruptions
- Curriculum
- Schedules and lessons
- Extracurricular activities
- Community participation
- Parent’s own teaching style and manner
- Physical home environment and learning spaces
Read more about the Elements level here.
Be Confident in the Lord!
This may seem overwhelming at first, but we don’t have to fret or be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Our source of strength and wisdom comes from the Creator of everything (Psalm 2:6, John 1:1). Feel confident that you don’t need an education degree or prior teaching experience to provide a meaningful education for your children. All it requires is a genuine desire to honor God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and love for your children (Proverbs 22:6). Those two essential things are a significant driving force that clearly motivates you to homeschool with purpose. Thankfully, there is plenty of resources and practical advice from teachers and seasoned homeschoolers to further equip you, including this guide. It will take time and effort, but you are already in the right direction by taking time to seek guidance! I hope this framework proves helpful and is a blessing for your family.
Click on the following links below to read more about each CME Level:
*IN-DEPTH C.M.E. PDF Guide Available for purchase {coming soon!}
The C.M.E. Homeschool Planning & Teaching Guide comes in an easy-to-read eHandbook version. It offers more research-based strategies, resources, and practical advice to implement in your home. However, if you’re not ready to purchase, I present the main ideas and methods from the guide on this blog at no cost. Visit the C.M.E. Framework page for more information.