Locals constantly ask me how we educate our children here in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. My answer is that we choose to homeschool. From what I have learned so far, homeschooling can be taken to mean one of four different things here. One, it may mean that you pay a teacher(s) to come to your house and educate your children in your home. Two, it may mean that you take your children to a building where other homeschool kids gather to be taught by teachers chosen by the parents. Three, it may mean that your children are still young and instead of putting them in playgroup you find other parents of pre-school aged children to get together for occasional play-dates. Or Four, the parents are the sole educator of their children.
The fourth option is where we are placed. Because the idea of homeschooling is a relatively new idea here, I think it is hard for the general public to believe that a parent has the capability to handle that task. Even after explaining that I am the sole educator for Sarah and Seth I am usually met with looks of confusion. I explain that I teach all the subjects from Math, Grammar, Literature, History, Science, and so on, though the aid of books I have selected. Most people usually just nod their heads but there is still a look of amusement in their eyes.
Some of the moms I have talked with whose children are still very young express their concern over where to send their kids when they are of age. They are not happy with the idea of the government school system for one reason or another.
I believe there is potential for home education to be a great success here in Indonesia. I have met several families in Jakarta who are doing just that. With some dedication and creative thinking, kids can have a great home education. There are already a lot of resources available in the local bookstores for teaching the major subjects. There are also a lot of resources available on-line to supplement studies.
My encouragement to those beginning the process is to keep at it. Our children are worth every minute that we invest in their lives. :-)
Some of my favorite curriculum:
Saxon Math
Shurley English
Veritas Press Phonics
Veritas Press Self-Paced History
Question: If you are a homeschool parent, please share with us some of your favorite resources. Please click here to leave your comment.
Julie,
It might seem surprising for most people to believe, but I, a public school teacher, believe that the way you are educating Sarah and Seth is the absolute best education possible for all children. The issue becomes parents being willing to make the great personal sacrifice for their children. May God bless you in all you do for your children. You are a wonderful mother and great example to all.
Dina
Thanks Dina for such kind words. God is a gracious God! I choose to look at it as a choice rather than a sacrifice. I have chosen this path as a stay at home homeschool mom. A choice I do not regret! :)
Julie ~ I’m so glad that you’re in town. Please do spread some of that positive ‘education at home with mom as sole educator is possible’ spirit in Jogja. May the homeschooling community here flourish because of you and your family’s presence. Thank you for your sincere encouragements, I really need it!
Tessa, I am so glad to have met you and your sweet children. I hope we have many opportunities to visit while we are here in Jogja. Thank you for your nice comments about our blog posts.
Great post Julie! You are a meticulous mom :) I’m glad that I meet new friends along my homeschooling journey.
It has been great to get to know you too Ully! We are looking forward to many more play dates with you, Lala and Aggil here in Jogja.
While we were homeschooling our 5, I did a little research about homeschoolers in the USA. Believe it or not, most of the homeschool families were educators from public schools. I was one of those, yet I had people challenge me over and over about my ability to teach my own. They respected my ability to teach their kids, but not my own.
Go figure!
Beth, seems a bit strange to me too! :)
Who knows our children better than we do? We should be the one to pick them up when they are down, encourage them to do better, cheer them on when they have succeeded and on and on and on. Our biggest role is to lead them to Christ. We can do a much better job if we are walking and talking together every day, (Deut 6) !
HI Julie ( I left you a comment here and on FB previously and it is gone for some reason)
I homeschool both my children now, especially since I work from home. For many years, my goals was to homeschool. My son is in a highschool program (from home) and in addition I have “my father’s world” books which I love. I teach my daughter also and she says that she loves school:)
I ran into people in Germany who said that homeschooling is not permitted there. They where really surprised when I told them I homeschool both my kids. I feel like it is such a blessing and if it works for the children and parent(s) then it is really good in many ways.
I truly enjoy teaching my kids and wouldn’t want it any other way (for now) :)
Love reading your posts.
Natasha
Natasha, I love reading your comments! You are such an encouraging person. Thank you for taking the time to write. I am so thrilled that you have the opportunity now to homeschool your kids. I know you have been working towards that. Our children are such a blessing from God! He has given us a huge responsibility to train them and teach them so that they will one day choose to be servants of His! :) May God bless you as you take the opportunities to love and nurture their souls.
One link you might like to investigate:
How to Help Your Homeschool Student Improve Their Math Skills
Thanks for the tip Beth!
Hi Julie,
I came across your blog when I was searching for homeschooling in Jakarta. I have a 16 year old son who has autism, he’s verbal but academically he’s at grade 2 or 3 level. We’re moving to Jakarta from California in about another month, I understand that there’s only one Australian International School that has special needs dept. and school fees is very expensive. I’m planning to just homeschool my son, but have no idea where to start, please shed some light on the topic when you’re free. Thanks for any advise.
Take care.
Rgds,
Mienny
I think of all my mother taught me and those memories are precious! Be a good mother and teach him all you know. Teach him to make a bed, sweep the floor, wash the dishes and put them away. Those skills will make him independent when you are gone. Teach him to iron a shirt or polish his shoes and then he can do those things for others one day.
Then… start with baby steps and teach him math. Make is interesting and make it fun. Laugh a lot and teach him to see the good in math. Teach him reading–the good kind where he can find great heroes of the Bible and follow them. Teach him to write about those heroes and how he wants to be like them.
Give him a purpose for learning and he will learn. Gentleness and patience are the keys.
Thanks for sharing with us Beth! It is good to be reminded that we are molding future leaders of God’s kingdom. Their precious souls are in our hands for such a short period of time!
Mienny,
Just want to send a quick message here to see if you receive it. Otherwise I will contact you through email.
Hi,
Yes, I’ve received Beth’s tips and advise….those are good basic life skills…I will continue to instill good Godly teachings to my son too. Btw, for academics did any of you ever tried online curriculum? such as ACE, sonlight of BEKA? if yes, are they effective? Thanks again! God Bless everyone.
Hi again, Mienny! How long are you planning on being in Jakarta? Are you moving for work? Do you already know Indonesian or are you planning on learning it?
I have a good friend in Jakarta who home schools her two young kids. She is involved in at least 3 homeschool groups. I can get you touch with her if you would like. I suggest getting connected with other families. It will give you a good outlet as well as encouragement. Do you already have ideas for curriculum, or can I provide you with some of my favorites? My friend speaks very good English. One of the groups she attends is an English speaking group. Let me know how I can help.
I know space is limited when you are packing, but I would suggest bringing curriculum with you because shipping materials from the states is not cheap.
Another question, do you know what part of Jakarta you will be living in?
Dear Julie,
I send my children to a regular school, but have also been teaching them at home. We may have an opportunity to be in Indo where we can start a group as described in number 2 of what you describe in 4 types of homeschooling.
Can local children be taught in this type of homeschooling groups? Will it be in their language? If not, where will they go to university locally in the future if they are able to?
When you have time, do you mind dropping me an email.
Thanks,
Liz
Hi Liz, Good to hear from you. Yes, local children can be taught as I described in #2 of the post. As far as the language goes, that will depend on you and those that you engage in your group. The Indonesian government is opening up opportunities for homeschool children to enter University here. There are many gains in this area. There is a test that is offered in some cases.
Hi Julie,
We just moved to Batam, Riau from Australia. I am planning to homeschool my children (a 14 year old daughter and 8 year old son) especially my son who is autistic (asperger). He is very intelligent academically but he’s got difficulty interacting with others in a social situation.
He went to a state school in Australia and the school provided a teacher aide for him. I’m not sure if we can find a school that supports children with disabilities like my son here in Batam.
Would you be able to help me start by, for example, telling me which curriculums I should use etc. or do you know anyone here in Batam who homeschool their children? We are Indonesian and Christian, and we speak Indonesian and English at home.
Thank you very much and God bless.
Indry
Dear Julie,
Thanks for your posting about homeschooling.. I have my 15 yrs old daughter who wants to move from her previous regular school to homeschooling… In our point a view, we decide to choose type of homeschooling number 2 as you describe above.
Could you please give me the info about the location and also the contact number of type 2?
I really appreciate your help.
Thank Youuu😊😊
Hi Julie,
I guess I can only thank God my 2 y/o kid woke me up at 3am because I discovered Yogyakarta, your YouTube channel and now your amazing blog.
Thanks for so much positivity.
God bless you all :)
Mohamed