Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Home School Legal Defense Association Chairman and General Counsel Michael Farris has been talking all week with veteran homeschool mom and author Debra Bell about ways to motivate our reluctant learner. Join them as Debra outlines four final suggestions for restoring enthusiasm in your homeschool, today on Home School Heartbeat.

Michael Farris:

Debra, yesterday you encouraged our listeners to evaluate their resources and their home environment. You also challenged parents to hold their kids accountable to complete work on time. (I think that's a really good one.) I'd like you to wrap up the week with your final four suggestions.

Debra Bell:

Well, first, Mike, thanks for having me. It's been great to be with you. Here's a very quick run-through of what remains. First, use outside resources�join a homeschool co-op or hire a tutor. Second, add an element of competition. My kids would never have been interested in geography if we hadn't participated in the national geo-bee each year. Next, use rewards�stickers, a pack of baseball cards, incentive charts, etc. Finally, discipline with grace. The bottom line when our kids are reluctant can very well be sinful attitudes�rejection of God's love and leadership in their lives. When this is the real root of resistance, then some good old-fashioned consequences are called for, along with a reminder to our kids they need to look to the Lord as the ultimate motivator for them in their learning.

Michael Farris:

Debra, I appreciate your sharing with us. I know my wife and I will have good ideas that will come from this program for our own reluctant learners. I'm Mike Farris.