ëThe neatest thing about home schooling is...í
Posted 5/16/02

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times

Mara Byrd has been home schooling for six years now. She and her husband, Mike, made the decision to home school because Mara says, "We wanted to be the greatest influence in our childrenís lives."

Home schooling is becoming more popular every year. There is a network of home school families in communities throughout the United States.

Hearing about the success of home schooling, both morally and academically, Mara said, "We felt we could provide a much better academic environment for them."

Mara is the main teacher for daughters Marissa (5th grade) and Michaela (2nd grade), but Mike also steps in to substitute and to help with math and science lessons.

Home schooling for the Byrd family encompasses more than just academics. Daily chores, housework, church, and extra curricular activities intertwine with their overall learning process.

The Byrds are part of 20 home school families in the area that participate in the Christian Home Educators of the Milaca Area (CHEMA). Through that organization, the girls socialize with other home school students and learn about the fine arts.

There are candle making, quilting, scrap-booking, and doll making classes. And they regularly attend plays at the Childrenís Theater in St. Cloud and other field trips with CHEMA members.

The CHEMA moms also meet once a month and thereís a monthly family potluck where the members get together for food and fun.

Marissa and her sister, Michaela, also take ballet lessons.

Thereís also a science co-op through the Princeton High School. An instructor from the cities meets with the group and introduces new themes, such as aerodynamics, DNA, trees and gyroscopes.

Mara plans a schedule for the week, which she says has helped the girls be more independent. Of course, sometimes things change, or the girls will read ahead. "I can read all day," said Marissa. "I like mystery books."

About the teachers

Mara grew up in the metro area, but met Mike in California.

The two had Marissa while living in California and then Michaela was born in Colorado. The family moved back to Minnesota six years ago and have been in Milaca for three years.

"We both wanted a country lifestyle for the girls," Mara said.

Mara graduated from Northwestern College in Roseville with a degree in Christian Education.

Mike has two masters degrees, one in psychology and the other in systems management, from the University of Southern California.

The family owns a business called Kuman, which is a math and reading tutoring center in Roseville. Both the girls help out at the business and even earn money for college, ballet lessons and camp.

Home school lessons

A typical day for the Byrdsí home school begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon.

Mara utilizes several teaching materials, including "The Core Knowledge" series which allows her to guide and gauge the girlsí learning. It covers everything from history and geography to language and the fine arts.

Another resource for home school families is the Minnesota Association of Christian Educators (MACHE). MACHE also sponsors an annual conference in which thousands of home school families attend and check out new curriculum from vendors.

Mara said she appreciates the flexibility with homeschooling, which allows them to teach around what the girls are interested in so they can explore those areas further.

The family has a small library in their guest room to read up on things like oceanography. And Mara is currently reading "The Hobbit" to the girls.

They also have a greenhouse where they will be planting their own gardens this spring.

Marissa plans to have herbs, lettuce, beans and even some catnip for their tomcat, "Honey." Michaela is going to have tomatoes, lettuce and onions in her garden this year.

The greenhouse currently houses their sheep, "Charlie," several butchering chickens and laying hens, and even a couple bunny rabbits.

Do they like home school?

For the most part the girls say they really enjoy it, but, like all kids, there are some tough moments.

"We donít get days off for snow days or teachers conferences," Marissa complains. Though Mara is quick to point out the benefit of a snow day, "But sometimes you get to stay in your pajamas."

"And if we can get done early, we can go play," Marissa adds. "But just because you get it done early, though, sheíll find something else for you to do," Michaela interjects.

Mara loves home schooling the girls saying, "As the years have developed, we are more and more committed to us being the influence in their lives and instilling values and discipline.

"The neatest thing about home schooling is, Iím learning too," Mara adds.