Should homeschooling families have a summer break? The Scripture certainly speaks of a Sabbath rest (Gen. 2:2-3, Ex. 20:8-11), which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Heb. 4:9-10), though its temporal observance is still debated within Christian circles. But what about extended suspensions of a standing command? For instance, the command for us to teach our children day in and day out, giving no indication of a prolonged neglect of this duty (Deut. 6:7). Should we be allowed to give our children and ourselves a break for the summer? I mean...no. Why would we? Our duty as Christian parents is to train our children how to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ all throughout the day, every day (including on the Sabbath - even in the Old Testament system). There is nothing in the New Testament that indicates that commandment for us has been abrogated. To the contrary, the command for parents (particularly fathers), to bring their children up "in the instruction of the Lord" (entailing the way He prescribed) is even repeated (Eph. 6:4). Does that mean we continue a rigorous academic curriculum even through summer? I think the answer to that would be yes - hear me out - to the extent that our Lord commands we have them in a rigorous academic curriculum the other nine months out of the year. ... But does He? Clearly Proverbs teaches us the prudence of seeking wisdom and knowledge (Prv. 1:7, 2:3-5, 3:13-18). And a rigorous academic curriculum can help achieve that. But is that the only way? What about a less rigorous academic curriculum? Does the Bible give details on how and in what manner the academic curriculum must be executed? To my knowledge, the academic curriculum is not really specified. Much of it is implied of course. To have dominion over God's creation entails learning specific things (language, math, science, history, reasoning, etc.). But how rigorously those subjects are to be taught and to what extent is not given in specific detail. Our children are meant to be taught about the Lord and His creation, His commands, and His saving acts. But there are certainly age-appropriate ways in which we teach our children these things. God has very clear commands concerning adultery, but I'm not about to go into detail about what that means with my five-year-old. In the same way, our children need to be given academics in a level, and at a pace that best fits the capacity with which He created them. Remember, knowing our sinful tendencies, Paul writes specifically for us not to provoke our children (Eph. 6:4). Just as our Lord "knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust" (Ps. 103:14), so we also need to remember our children cannot handle "the rigors" of some of the things we want them to know while they're still so young. At the same time, they're still supposed to be getting instruction over the summer - just as through the rest of the year - in an age-appropriate way and pace. On the practical side at our house, while we fully recognize that God doesn't want us to stop having dominion for three months, and neither should we stop teaching our children for three months, we do have a less-stringent curriculum for them in the summer. It gives them a chance to reset and be refreshed while still learning who God is, what He's created, and how He relates to us and the rest of His creation. Nine-months of strict academics with three months of less stringent academics (and twelve months of spiritual formation) seems to work well for us. But I wouldn't say that's the only way. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I would say it's important for all homeschooling parents to continue their homeschool throughout the entire year. Otherwise why are we homeschooling? If we're homeschooling our children to be Jesus' disciples, but then in our example hang up one of his commands for three months out of the year, what are we actually teaching them (Gal. 2:13)? Comments are closed.
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AuthorAdam T. Calvert (BTh, MS) and his wife Mary currently live in Saint Johns, Florida where they homeschool their three daughters, Lilianna, Olivia, and Clara. Archives
July 2023
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