Last Saturday,  HAPI (Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands) shared the wonderful benefits of homeschooling with parents who were at the Expo Kid 4 at Rockwell Tent.   Emphasizing the need to lay a strong foundation for our children,  they shared with us the five TOOLS needed for a successful do-it-yourself education.

1. The RULER represents the learning context.  Homeschoolers can choose the homeschool provider that best fits their family or can opt to be independent of one.  Whatever they choose, there should be Dep Ed supervision.
2. The HAMMER represents the learning content or the curriculum.  This can be customized as there is a wide range of curricula and textbooks to choose from.
3. The SANDPAPER represents enrichment activities that hone the talent and skills of the homeschooler.  Homeschoolers can enrol their children in music, arts, or sports programs to best utilize their God-given talents.
4. The SHARPENING STEEL represents the support group where like-minded and helpful parents share parenting ideas and homeschool help.  The H.O.M.E. Library is one such group that provides encouragement to those who are homeschooling.
5. The PLUMB LINE represents the purpose which shall guide the family throughout their homeschooling journey. This is the most important tool for all and you, as a parent, must define a clear purpose before you embark on the homeschooling journey.

The PRODUCTS of successful homeschooling also shared their experiences and why they choose to homeschool their children as well.  Louise Mabulo, a finalist in the first Junior Masterchef, shared how difficult it was for her to adjust to the local culture when her family moved to Camarines Sur.  The language barrier left her isolated from her classmates and caused her grades to drop.  Things changed for the better when they started homeschooling through TMA.  Homeschooling has enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a young chef and has allowed her to meet respected politicians and statesmen.

Paul Tan-Chi, the captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles before graduating Cum Laude, is also an exceptional example of how successful homeschoolers turn out to be.  He credits his success to the values his parents inculcated in him at a very young age. He remembers being told to “Do your best in everything you do for God’s glory” and to this day, he always asks himself before making decisions, “What will bring glory and honor to God?”

We parents, as BUILDERS of a strong family foundation, must lay the values system of our children.  Undoubtedly, this is not an easy task and we need all the support we can get.   God has given us such wonderful gifts, our children, to nurture and to raise.  With God as the architect, the Master Planner, of our D.I.Y. Homeschooling, let us help our children achieve their full potential for His glory.

We’ve been practicing “homeschooling” our children since last year.  They are only 3.5 and 2.5 years old now and are still too young to be enrolled in a homeschool provider.  Since we started our Playhouse Preschool sessions last year, I’ve been scouring the web for materials to use and for themes we can follow.   My little ones always have great fun during our sessions and our discussions about our week’s lessons even extend beyond our morning sessions.

Though I am quite happy that they have already learned much, I often feel that I am driving around in circles and lost without a map.  I often wonder if I am teaching them the right way, if our pace is too slow or too fast, or if I’m using the proper tools.   This is the main reason why hubby and I are currently looking for a homeschool provider who can help guide us in our homeschooling journey.

Thus, when I heard that the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) was holding a seminar at the Expo Kid 4, I asked hubby to take the entire family to Rockwell Tent before 11am.  For an hour or so, we were enlightened about the wonderful benefits of homeschooling and were inspired to lay a strong foundation also for our children.  As Mr. Edric Mendoza put it, “we only have one shot at parenting” and we really should make it our best shot.

After watching the performances of Homegrown, listening to the testimonials of successful homeschoolers – Louise Mabulo and Paul Tan-Chi, and learning more about homeschooling, we are all the more certain that homeschooling is best for our children.

We are looking forward to learning more about the benefits of homeschooling at the Philippine National Homeschool Conference 2012 in the Ortigas Center on May 19, 2012.  Debra Bell, a homeschooling authority and a best-selling author, and Bo Sanchez, one of our country’s best inspirational speakers and author, are slated as keynote speakers.

Active homeschoolers and those who are, like us, aspiring to be homeschoolers are sure to benefit from and to be inspired by the outstanding roster of speakers.  If you would like to know more about HAPI and the upcoming conference, you may email [email protected] or visit www.hapihomeschooler.com.