I find the word “trim” intriguing! This fascination began when two of my sons used their birthday money to buy a remote control helicopter. In reading through the instructions, I came across the step entitled “Trim the blades.” Trim them? Like bangs? Snip, snip?? Alas, no. Come to find out, “to trim the blades” means to make adjustments so the helicopter will be balanced and fly straight.
As I’m writing this, “trim” has a seasonally significant meaning. Tonight we are planning to trim the tree! Lights and ornaments will be added to the lovely smelling balsam fir now towering in our living room.
In a few short weeks it will be time for another kind of trim – the time to trim off the holiday pounds!
So trim can mean to adjust, to put something on, and to take something off! Fascinating, right?! (Well, maybe only to fellow word-lovers. . . )
Another fascinating thought is that all three definitions of “trim” could accurately describe the homeschool experience. Here is what I mean:
Homeschool is a means of adjusting the course of a child’s life so he or she can move in the right direction. Just like those little helicopter blades needed particular attention during its maiden voyage, so children require immense input during their formative years. And as trained, experienced, and superb a teacher can be, no one will care for and be devoted to your child like you will. You are the one with the greatest vested interest in monitoring the influences on their life, offering exposure to a wide range of opportunities, ensuring quality academics, and instilling beliefs and values to guide their life. You will the make necessary adjustments in their schedule to maintain balance as they grow and develop. You will tweak their manners. You are the best one to do the million little but significant things that keep them moving in the right direction.
Homeschool adds so many beautiful and enriching aspects to a child’s life. Homeschool allows more time for reading and delving into subjects merely for the sheer joy of learning. Because learning is more efficient in a smaller environment, there is more time for active play. Homeschool co-ops, educational field trips and church or community involvement opportunities also embellish the life of the homeschool child. No doubt the “crown jewel” of how homeschool enhances a child’s life is the time spent together as a family. The resulting strong relationships and sense of family identity shine forth like the treasure they are.
Homeschool removes what is unwanted or unnecessary. Many families look at public school and see bullying, unsafe conditions, unsavory influences, biased ideology, excessive testing and homework, and crowded classrooms. These families opt to trim all this out of their children’s lives by homeschooling. Without the constant weight of these concerns, families are free to devote their efforts and resources to more positive endeavors. Instead of addressing all the issues that arise from the simple question, “How was your day at school?” parents can instead ask, “What should we learn together tomorrow?”
While mulling over the word “trim” can keep me occupied for a while, homeschool with all the “trimmings” can impact the life of a child forever.
Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com