So last week I talked about why schooling our children with intention is so important.  This week I thought it might be helpful to be a bit more practical than theoretical. I would like to share with you what my goals look like. These are broad goals without specifics as to how to accomplish them (that post will come later!) so as to help me keep my mind focused on what I want for the child who comes out of my domestic school in 12 years (it’s so easy to get lost in the nitty gritty of “how” and lose our long distance sight!).

My goals are not listed here in any specific order.  #15 is just as important as #1.

Please remember that these are MY goals for MY children.  Yours will likely look very different.

I would so love to see what goals you have in mind so please come back and share with me in the comments!

1.  Each child will learn to read – to be able to find beauty, truth and goodness through the Bible, great literature and a vast array of non-fiction.
2. Each child will be exposed DAILY to our faith and its riches so that when he grows up and wanders from his bearings he will have a solid foundation to hold himself steady.
3. Each child will learn a foreign language and study other cultures so as to broaden his opportunities and to instill in him respect for peoples unlike himself.
4. Each child will have a thorough understanding of world history and geography to help him grasp his tiny footprint in this great big world.
5. Each child will be introduced to science concepts fitted to his level in order to see the majesty of God’s creations.
6. Each child will form a personal relationship with nature by studying nature and its marvels in depth.
7. Each child will be introduced to the beauty of this world through a gentle introduction to great works of art, music, and literature.
8. Each child will practice math daily to help him develop a foundation of mathematical and reasoning skills to function in a fiscally mature manner and to carry out mathematical functions in everyday situations (cooking, measuring, estimating, etc)
9. Each child will be immersed in literature and experiences that pushes him to grow in virtue and character and empathy.
10. Each child will be supported and given proper guidance in life skills that are needed for daily success, survival and cultural enjoyment.
11. Each child will be nurtured and treated as the individual he was created to be.  He will be supported in the development of talents, interests and goals.
12. Each child should have a quiet time carved into his day in order to infuse his mind with great ideas through quality literature or imaginative play, depending on his age and capabilities.
13. Each child should be well versed in American and Texan history so as to appreciate the freedoms he is afforded.
14. Each child should be well acquainted with his local, geographic surroundings, understanding both direction and the general layout as well as a familiarity of plants and animals.
15. Each child will be allowed to practice, without judgment, the innocence, wonder and exploration that naturally occurs in a child’s spirit.
16. Each child will be disciplined in habits of attention, obedience, respect, self-control, integrity, truthfulness, and compassion so as to prepare him to be a useful contributing member of society.
17. Each child will learn forms of self-expression including but not limited to drawing, writing, and reciting.
18. Each child will learn to sing and play a musical instrument to fill their world with beautiful sound.
19. Each child will take care of the body entrusted to him by learning  about and taking care of his body through proper nutrition, physical education and restful leisure.
20. Each child will be immersed in positive thinking, joyful praise and honest gratitude to help cultivate the same thought patterns in his mind.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8