Introduction

When I walk through the woods I often wonder what stories the trees could tell if only they could speak. One tree stands straight and tall, while another is twisted and bent.  Each has been shaped by its environment and the elements in some way.

 Children, also, are shaped by their environment. The friends they hang out with, the books they read, the messages they receive from their family, what they are taught at school... so many things can influence the growth and development of children. That is why I believe homeschooling is important, especially during the formative years.

I was homeschooled through parts of elementary school and high school, and have helped homeschool other kids, so I see the value of home education. There are pros and cons of course, but I believe that when parents are properly equipped and motivated, the benefits are tremendous. There are so many opportunities for teaching outside the standard "box" and opening up the wonderful world of learning. Here are just a few examples of the benefits I see with homeschooling: when homeschooling, you can go on a variety of field trips, do experiments, do hands-on-learning activities and projects, provide one-on-one guidance, progress at the pace of the child (fast or slow), tailor the lessons to the child's learning style, teach your child your values and beliefs, reduce the impact of negative peer pressure, and encourage your child's natural talents and interests.

However, homeschool parents don't always know where to look for teaching resources. Should they follow a curriculum or create their own? What program should they use? How should they start? I actually will not be answering these questions, because each family is different, each child is different and parents need to choose what works best for them. However, I hope to provide a variety of resources for those who choose to tenderly train their children from tender twigs into grown trees.

"How startling is the proverb, “As the twig is bent, the tree is inclined.” This is to be applied to the training of our children. Parents, will you remember that the education of your children from their earliest years is committed to you as a sacred trust? These young trees are to be tenderly trained, that they may be transplanted to the garden of the Lord." 

~ 6Manuscript 84, 1897.