Meet Joey Alexander, a 13 year old jazz piano prodigy musician. He began playing the piano at the age of 6 and by the age of 12 he was nominated for 2 Grammy awards. His parents didn't pressure him to play, he taught himself. According to CBS news he was a hyperactive kid. His parents decided to him give a keyboard as a way to channel his "restless energy". Although he comes from a family of musicians no one actually "taught" him. He was simply given access to his father's albums and the keyboard. He and his parents see his talents as a gift from God. But what does it take for such gifts to flourish instead of fizzle? - Nurture, encouragement, opportunity, and practice. Joey practices for hours everyday and is then homeschooled usually before performances that go late into the night. But Joey's parents don't push him he is both motivated and engaged; they make room for his talents to grow and support his pursuits.
As you begin your week remember, homeschooling is not just about textbooks, lesson plans, and schedules. It's about your love for the little person/people you've been entrusted with. You have your own little genius(es) who also have God given gifts. What do you notice about them? What motivates them and interests them. What will they gravitate to without prompting? Perhaps they are incredibly gifted in that area.
As a homeschooler you have the ability to provide the opportunity and encouragement necessary for them to pursue their passions. You can nurture them and provide the space for their gifts to develop and mature.
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