Today we are eager to address one of the greatest challenges parents have faced during the coronavirus pandemic: millions of parents across the globe have found themselves partnering with their children’s schools to educate students at home. It’s not homeschooling in the truest sense of the word, but for parents whose careers have nothing to do with education, running a classroom in the family den is a daunting task.
We have two sets of parents with us today to discuss this challenge. The first pair is Brett and Erin Kunkle, founders of MAVEN and veteran homeschool parents of five children. The second couple is our own Kevin and Tracy Yi, who have a third grader and a first grader, and a delightful three year-old! Their children’s school is closed temporarily and they have some questions for the Kunkles about making this transition work for their family.
Please click here for Homeschooling 101: Educating the Whole Person.
A few takeaways from our conversation:
- More than anything, what our families need right now is grace. These times are unprecedented for us all. We are learning to do things we don’t know how to do, and that takes time and patience. Your child needs grace. Your spouse (if you are married) needs grace. Your child’s teachers need grace. Your best friend, who seems to want to “win” homeschooling (as if it were a competition!), needs grace. God tells us His grace is sufficient for our sin and suffering. If He gives enough grace for those things, He certainly has overflowing grace for schooling at home. You, too, need to drink deeply of His grace, in His word, in singing, and in prayer. If you do, you will have grace to give your family too.
- Remember, if you are a parent, you HAVE been educating your child ever since they were born. You taught your daughter you would respond when she cried. You taught your son to roll over. You have rocked, bathed, and snuggled this child. Your children have learned “Jesus Loves Me,” the ABC’s, grace before meals and prayers before bed because you have done these things with them. Yes, the lessons are different now; grammar and geometry may be beyond you. Remember: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). You may not be familiar with common core curriculum, but God made you a parent, and He will give you what you need to lovingly raise that child to know Him.
- Structure, to the extent that you can implement it, will help both you and your children. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you develop school routines in your home. Pray for creativity and inspiration; these are hallmarks of the Holy Spirit, and He is your helper.
- Search for ways to help your child connect schoolwork to the marvels of creation and of the Scriptures. Our God is a God of order; math and science teach us more about Him. God’s Word contains story and poetry, history and prophecy. Our exploration of these things though education indicates both our yearning to know Him and our nature as image-bearers.
- Remember, this is temporary. Unless we find ourselves thrilled to teach them at home, our kids will go back to school. They may or may not make much academic progress during this short season. God is sovereign either way. He was not surprised by this pandemic or its reverberations through our world, and His grace is more than sufficient for your family.
The resources mentioned in this video include:
I AM- Forty Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz
A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
A Student’s Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
Brett Kunkle is the founder and president of MAVEN (www.maventruth.com), a movement to equip the next generation to know truth, pursue goodness and create beauty. He has more than 25 years of experience working with junior high, high school, and college students.
Brett has developed a groundbreaking approach to mission trips, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses participants in real-life engagement in apologetics, theology, worldview and evangelism in Berkeley, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
In addition, Brett is a Teaching Fellow at the Impact 360 Institute. He was an associate editor for the Apologetics Study Bible for Students and co-authored A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World.
He received his Master’s degree in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology.
Erin Kunkle helped launch MAVEN in September 2017. She is a speaker, co-host of the MAVEN parent podcast and director of the MAVEN Conference. She has a vast array of ministry experience over the last 20 years, from teaching in children’s ministry to training children’s ministry workers to serving in youth ministry to mentoring young moms to leading small groups and more. She’s done it all.
In addition, Erin keeps the entire Kunkle household running smoothly and is a veteran homeschool mom. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in political science from Biola University. Erin lives with her husband Brett and their five kids in Southern California.
Tracy Yi is a beloved member of the Rooted community, a pastor’s wife and a pastor’s daughter, with over 15 years experience working with youth and children’s ministries. She has a background working in design and is mom to a daughter and two sons.
And Kevin is Tracy’s husband.
