by Shari McMinn

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night (Exodus 13:21 ESV).

My late husband was a car enthusiast! Whenever we prepared to drive long distances from our remote farm, he would spend hours and hours prepping our vehicle to be roadworthy for our travels. Thanks to his patient tutelage of our children with vehicle maintenance and repair during their homeschooling years, several of my adult sons are enamored with vehicles, too. And my daughters all know how to change oil, check tire pressures, jumpstart a battery, and spot-check under the hood for problems.

Just as he helped us prepare for safe driving by maintaining our vehicles, we homeschool parents need to gear up for our new school year, which many started earlier this month and others will begin after Labor Day.

1. Have God Drive You

In the Old Testament, we learn that the Israelites needed God’s presence to lead them day and night. In the same way, we need Him to be with us continually as we raise and disciple our children. Practically speaking, these strategies are foundational to remaining in His presence as you homeschool this year:

• Attend church weekly to worship and grow in faith through biblical preaching and teaching.
• Enjoy regular fellowship with other like-minded Christian homeschool families. 
• Make time to enjoy daily personal Bible devotions.
• Plan regular family Bible reading and discussion; the Book of Proverbs is a good place to begin. 
• Pray individually and together as a family throughout each day, during both the good and the difficult times, that each of you will be filled with the Holy Spirit to become doers of the Word, not just hearers of it.

2. Make Sure Your Engine is Branded “Biblical Worldview” 

I do not know much about vehicles myself; but from my own personal experience of owning a number of used cars and trucks, I do know that when your engine is shot, you need to replace it — or else it is time to switch vehicles completely. Our homeschools run best with a biblical worldview as the impetus that powers the discipleship of our children. If our own knowledge of the Bible is falling short and our personal walk with Jesus is weak, then our worldview needs an overhaul. What is your worldview as you teach your children? Does it need to be replaced with a biblical one? These ideas will help your homeschool run more smoothly:

• Attend online events that offer God-centered encouragement and instruction.
• Teach and disciple your children with Christian Homeschool Curriculum.  

3. Regular Maintenance is Crucial 

When your student has very unique learning challenges, it is important to stay on task to continue steadily all year. It takes planning on our part as the teaching parent, but we also need our students to take ownership of their learning journey. A few things to consider include:

• Help your student understand his or her weaknesses and equip him or her to develop their strengths. Consulting with a tutor or evaluator can be beneficial; this page can help you find one. 
• Prepare for year-end testing by reviewing with your student what he or she needs to accomplish this year. If you belong to the CHEC Independent School, Option #3 CHEC Independent School Parent Evaluations are a great alternative to standardized testing; you and your student can review this form as your education journey begins this year.
• Work with your child’s physical needs throughout the day. Improve their running order with refueling breaks for snacks and water, along with physical exercise. Steer them toward wise choices for relaxation by limiting technology while encouraging outdoor play and hobby craft.

If you need specific homeschooling guidance or encouragement for your unique learner(s), these online resources might help:

• CHEC Unique Learners Resources 
• HSLDA’s Homeschooling with Special Needs
• SPED Homeschool Heroes  

My next Unique Learner blog, “Assessing Your Child’s Progress Weekly, Monthly, Annually,” will be posted on September 25th (the 4th Wednesday).

P.S. If you have a topic I should write about, please email me with your suggestion(s). This blog is for you!

Shari McMinn, your trusted homeschooling friend   

About the Author: Shari McMinn

Shari Howard McMinn has graduated from homeschool teaching and is a professional editor, public speaker, and writer. After living in Colorado for 45 years, she continues to work remotely for Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) from her new home in the Fort Myers, Florida area. Shari is the author of five books, which are detailed on her website, ShariMcMinn.com. She is an advocate for adoption, homeschooling, safe and stable families, and unique learners. A few years ago, she entered a very fun new season of life: grandparenting! She is available to answer your questions via email, Shari@CHEC.org.