A Homeschooling Journey

Len and Karen Allen must be one of the few Black Christian parents in theUKwho homeschool their children.

The couple started educating their four sons – aged 9, 7, 5 and 2 – at their home inKentin September.

They teach their children a flexible curriculum, which includes devotion; personal development, which involves character building; people skills and life skills; financial coaching, as well as the core subjects.

Karen shared with Keep The Faith the inspiration behind homeschooling her children.   “When I had my first child, I thought I would love to teach him.  I thought that I would have one child, but now that my youngest is almost three, I thought it would be a good time to achieve my dream.”

“Being a mother of four Black boys, I know that the education system is not designed for boys to succeed in general, and Black boys in particular.  I don’t think a class with one teacher and 30 pupils is designed to bring out the best in a child.  Having said that, I don’t think homeschooling is for everyone; not all parents have the grace to do it.”

Karen’s approach to education is inspired by her faith.  “I believe wholeheartedly that everyone has been created for a purpose.  Our greatest role in life is to discover our purpose.  The education system is not necessarily designed to help individuals achieve their purpose.  I am now a speaker and writer, who failed English at school, and was told to keep quiet.”

Homeschooling her children is a major commitment.  Karen now gets up at 5.45am and says she’s whacked by 8.30pm, but she’s enjoying it. “Spending 24 hours a day with my children is not as bad as I thought it would be.  They are not going to be this age forever, so I’m cherishing this moment.”

She aims to give homeschooling her best shot, and will be happy with herself it she’s able to take her children through at least their primary school years.

To follow Karen’s homeschooling journey, visit http://keepingitrealwithkaren.blogspot.com