I had never heard the term “Sabbath Schooling” in my whole life. Recently, I was having a conversation with an acquaintance and she was telling me how they do their homeschooling. They do six weeks of school and take off the seventh week. I was thrilled. That is exactly what we do too. Then she told me it’s called “Sabbath Schooling”. I kind of chuckled because it made sense.
Sabbath schooling is when you rest on the seventh week of school just like God rest on the seventh day of creation. If God says rest is good, then it must be good. We didn’t actually start Sabbath schooling until last year. I wasn’t quite sure how it would work out but it was exactly what we needed.
Homeschooling is a 24/7 job. It’s fun and exciting but it’s also hard and challenging. We all need a mental break after a few weeks. I found that six weeks is just enough that we aren’t worn out from school yet but we are getting there. Taking off that seventh week rejuvenates all of us and gives us a fresh start. My children need the break just as much as I do.
My children work hard doing their school work. I work hard teaching them and preparing the lessons. Taking off for a week gives me the rest I need while also helping me to stay on top of planning and lessons. Although I do require my children to read for 30 minutes a day even on our off week. I take that week to go through everything we have done for the past six weeks and look at what comes next. I organize paperwork, check out new books from the library, and organize the school room.
Sabbath schooling has changed my outlook on homeschooling. Instead of it being this long, drawn out chore, it’s enjoyable and stimulating. Knowing we get a break after a few weeks of school gives my children the push they need to complete the tasks I have given them. They know that learning is essential but so is rest. I want them to love learning instead of dreading it and making it difficult to get through.
My goal with Sabbath schooling is to give my children a heart for each other and a love for learning. Breaking our year up into seven week chunks helps my boys to not feel so anxious about a new school year. They look forward to it and can see exactly how our year will look. This especially helps my oldest son who needs to know what’s happening at all times and hates surprises.
No matter how you choose to homeschool, remember to rest and make it pleasant for everyone. Though it can be challenging to teach children, don’t make it difficult on yourself or them. Instill in children and love for learning and a time for rest.
