Teacher Training

My brother and I.

Today I would like to write to the stay-at-home-daughters (SAHD). This is officially my first year as a SAHD, as I just graduated in December. But as I am doing an online school course, I still feel like somewhat of a student. I am looking forward to graduating, when I will have more time to devote to things for training to be a stay-at-home-mother. But I am doing what I can now. This year in homeschooling, my mother is letting me teach my younger brother spelling. It is going pretty well so far-spelling is one of my stronger points, and my brother is a pretty good speller. ;) I am enjoying it and learning a lot-about my teaching style, changes to make when the curriculum needs some improving, etc. If you are a homeschooled SAHD with younger siblings, I would highly encourage you to try teaching a subject-with help and supervision from your mother. In most cases, she has been homeschooling for many years, and can offer an amazing amount of advice. It will give you wonderful training for the future when you may be homeschooling your own children. Also, start out small. This year I am only teaching spelling. But maybe next year I will teach 2 subjects. I would also suggest to teach not only with your strengths but your weaknesses as well. (I guess that means I should take science or math next year... oh dear!) As a SAHD you have a wonderful opportunity to learn and train at home, and get a "jump-start" for when you have your own family. Take advantage of this opportunity!

~Brooke Reninger

Facing the Opposition

I have told you in the past about the group I have on Facebook. Recently our fan numbers have skyrocketed to over 5,000. Unfortunately this has also brought with it quite a lot of horrible posts containing inappropriate content and language. Of course, I delete these posts as soon as possible, but I was finding it very discouraging. But then someone will put an encouraging post on the page. I have had more than one husband say something such as, "My wife and have been married for such and such years, and I wish I had saved my first kiss for her. It would have made it so special. Stay strong in your convictions!" I have had more than one mother write, "My children are all saving their first kiss for marriage." These sort of posts are so encouraging to me, and make me believe, once again, that the page is doing some good. And recently someone wrote something that encouraged me the most, "When you are doing the right thing, you are probably going to meet some opposition." So I hope to encourage all of you as well - if you are meeting a lot of opposition, maybe you are doing it right! Stay strong with the strength of the Lord and never give up. =)

P.S. Let's celebrate - this is our 30th post! ;)

~Brooke Reninger