If you already homeschool in Oklahoma, you may know that the state of Oklahoma is THE best state to homeschool in. We have the freedom to homeschool written right into our state constitution. There is no better state to raise your child in a homeschool lifestyle, in my opinion. This isn't because everyone in Oklahoma loves and understands homeschooling so they have left it alone. No. This is because people have been watchful, observant, and dedicated to the preservation of these rights.
I have enjoyed these freedoms for 15 years. I have been blessed by the work of others for many years. The bubble of ignorance and freedom I have been living inside of has allowed me to raise my babies in peace and tranquility. There has been no outside interference. I have been happily plugging along, mostly assuming that my rights are here to stay, permanent, taken for granted.
It's not as if I wasn't busy with raising and homeschooling 4 children. I gave myself an "out" for lifting a finger in any way. I was a busy woman. My focus was inward, on my family and day-to-day tasks and routines. I was balancing the budget, finding and creating a curriculum that works best for us. I was cooking and cleaning. I was running a co-op that my kids would enjoy, hosting playdates in my home, taking my kids to activities and field trips. We visited the Oklahoma Capitol, every museum and aquarium, and we had yearly passes to the zoo for years. You may be in this place in life right now and I hope this post encourages you.
But now, my kids are teenagers. One is in college, one is about to graduate high school. We are still busy but they are independant and I have freedoms I didn't have 10 years ago. Life is, in a way, slowing down, but at the same time, speeding up. I am able to look outward and not just inward. And what I am observing is alarming.
The homeschool lifestyle is under scrutiny here in Oklahoma.
Our freedoms are at risk.
There are people that want to regulate homeschooling as if it was a public school. There are bills being written that IF passed, take us down a very slippery road. Oklahoma is at risk.
So, after 15 years of homeschooling, and feeling the occasional twinge of guilt for not being more involved, I attended my first Homeschool Capitol Day. I took my son and we delivered cookies and visited representatives and discussed the dangers of the bills that are trying to be passed. This is something I have seen take place every single year in February - organized by Homeschool Oklahoma (Oklahoma's Christian Home-Educators Community). This year was their 40th Capitol Day! For 40 years they have been showing up, meeting with legislators, delivering cookies and saying "Thank you!" to those that serve. It was a wonderful experience. I encourage everyone to visit their website (click here) and review the bills that are being watched. Send emails and phone calls to your senators and representatives. I believe it really does make a difference!
To sign up to receive their Informer Newsletter, click here. It is sent out twice a month, containing upcoming events, homeschool encouragement, and their Simple Beauty Fine Arts and Nature Study.suggestions for the month.
I have so much respect and appreciation for our homeschool community. If you are like me, and want to be more active in what we believe so much in, check out Homeschool Oklahoma.
So, after 15 years of homeschooling, and feeling the occasional twinge of guilt for not being more involved, I attended my first Homeschool Capitol Day.
Homeschooling is a lifestyle, it's an extension of parenting.
We also ran into some co-op friends while we were there! It was wonderful to see all the families, dads included, getting involved. One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that the entire family is included. Homeschooling is a lifestyle, it's an extension of parenting. It's doing life and learning along the way. It's intentionally connecting learning to life, creating habits of asking questions and finding answers. When you are teaching your children at home, the world around you is your classroom.
Homeschooling is a gift from God and it's worth fighting for.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4
--In Christ,
Jessi
Comments