Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
As I was working on some research for my next book, I came across this wonderful quote from Sir Isaac Newton - "If I have been able to see farther than others, it was because I stood on the shoulders of giants."
Although I have read this quote before, it had special meaning for me today. Like many of you, I received several invitations to high school graduation events this spring - some for homeschool graduations, others from traditional institutions. Because I am approaching our first "official" year of high school this fall and I have noticed that I am especially sensitive to the graduation plans of my fellow homeschool families.
I am so blessed and encouraged as I see these wonderful young people who have finished their homeschool years - each in their own unique way. We have so many more options for high school now than a decade ago!
As we take advantage of these opportunities available to us and reach for the best resources for our young men and women, it is important to keep remembering that the successes and opportunities we have TODAY are because of those homeschool pioneers, those giants of faith who paved the way, often at great hardship, pressing on when homeschooling wasn't "cool" and resources were often quite limited and/or unavailable.
I am enjoying the freedom to think outside the box as we plan the next several years for my oldest son. We are excited about several self-designed courses he is completing now and that we have planned. Many families choose a very traditional route through high school, utilizing mainly traditional textbooks. We prefer to continue a more delight-directed path, but will also be using a few more "traditional" texts over the next few years.
No matter which education model or method you choose - just remember that all of us, those with kindergarteners and those with graduating seniors, owe so much to those who have gone before us on this journey. If someone reading this article is one of those pioneers - thank you for allowing me to stand on your shoulders!
