Marijo Young

Assistant Moderator of Classical-LDS-hs and of Saints and Scholars

Beginnings of Homeschooling in the Young Family 

After the birth of our 7th and last child (in 1989), we had become seriously upset with the public school system and what it was and wasn't doing. We had grown to hate the intrusion that it was making on our private home life, as well as many other problems, including bad textbooks. My doctor started talking about their family homeschooling (they had 10 children), so we began to think on that. We had not seen good things come of homeschooling with my husband's sister's family, so we never really thought of that option before. So we started studying things out. Then we became acquainted with the Kimbers. They were starting their CER curriculum at this time, so in 1991 we made the plunge into the vast experience we call homeschooling. 

When I started, I knew that repeating the pattern of "school at home"  was not what we wanted. During those early years, I read Reed Benson's dissertation, Joyce Kinmont's books, The Moore's books and Ruth Beechick's beginning books. I also attended some unschooling workshops and unit learning classes at a couple of homeschooling conferences. We also became friends with the Kimbers during this time, and started with their early CER materials. So we started with quite a mix. 

As time has gone by I have studied every method out there: the Principle Approach, unit study, unschooling, delayed learning, Charlotte Mason, and now Classical. Did I leave any out? I indeed have gained an education. When we started, my oldest son was going into 7th grade. Well, now several years later, he  returned summer of 2000 from serving a mission. My two youngest sons have never attended public school. We have used some delayed learning with them and it has worked, but it is now time to step things up. 

After having read The Well Trained Mind, Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning and numerous online materials, we have settled with Classical Education, with Charlotte Mason influences also. I have been married for 24 years, and we have 7 children, 21 yo son, 20 yo daughter attending SUU here in Cedar City majoring in Music and about to graduate Institute in May, a 19 yo son preparing for a mission (looking for work) but highly involved with music (Institute Choir, Barbershop Chorus, and SUU Scarlet and Black Bagpipe Band), 18 yo daughter getting ready to graduate high school and figure out what she wants in life, 16 yo son who is involved with music, sports, Scouts and computers, 12 yo son who like the outdoors, and scouts and an 11 yo son who is kind of a twin to his just older brother. 

I think to sum up our mission in homeschooling our children, it was to nurture in them a love for learning, and to equip them with those things our Heavenly Father would like them to have to learn to fulfill their mission here on earth as well as for the eternities. A favorite scripture of mine is Proverbs 3:5- 6 "Trust in Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

 I hope as I venture out into this new path with this group that I will continue to remember this council and make the wise choices that will be of benefit to all. So onward and upward to further a good cause! 

Your sister in the gospel, 

Marijo Young in Utah

youngfam@pdqnet.net