Susan T asked:
I am thinking about home-schooling my children, ages 7 and 11, and I know there are different curriculum’s for homeschool. I don’t know where to go to find out about homeschooling resources or how to compare the different programs. In addition, what resources are available to home-school parents? How can you suplement the social aspects, art, PE, and other programs offered in school. I would like to find the program that is right for my children and encorporate all of the additional activities to create a well rounded education for them.
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Tags: Home Schooling
For many people, homeschooling may call to mind the picture of two or three children sitting at a table and writing feverishly in their workbooks, while mom or dad stands nearby. This is the not entirely true. There are different methods of homeschooling, and the method you choose will decide the curriculum and your style of teaching. Given below are some of the most influential and popular homeschooling methods.
The Charlotte Mason method: Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of the homeschooling movement. A homeschooler herself, she was passionate in her zeal to lay out the foundations for an effective a complete homeschooling program that is fun and educational at the same time. This method focuses on all the core subjects with emphasis placed on classical literature, poetry, fine arts, classical music and craft. Mason used a variety of books from classical literature, which she called ‘Living Books’. Since this method encourages a passionate awareness of literature, the child is read to daily from the ‘Living Books’. After this, the child is asked to narrate what she has heard. This process begins at the age of six, and by ten the child is expected to write her narrations in her book. Mason also advocated the use of ‘Nature Diaries’. After each short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go to Nature and draw observations from Nature. Thus the child also gains a sense of respect for her environment. Mason believed that development of good character and behavior was essential to the complete development of the child’s personality.
The Eclectic Homeschooling: This is a mixture of various homeschooling techniques. Here, the innovative parents trust their own judgment and pick out the topics that make the best curriculum for their child. Such parents continuously look out for the best products that will meet the needs of their homeschoolers. Most Eclectic homeschooling curriculums are improvised. This means that the basic curriculum is ready-made. The parents then make changes in the curriculum to accommodate the individual needs and interests of their children. The child’s gifts, temperament, learning style and interests dictate the curriculum. Eclectic programs include visits to the museum, libraries and factories.
Unschooling: A Boston public educator name John Holt laid the beginnings of the unschooling method. He believed that children learned best when they are free to learn at their own pace and when they are guided by their own interests. His message was to ‘unschool’ the child. This method is a hands-on approach to learning, where the parent takes definite cues from the children. There is no definite curriculum, schedules or materials. This method is the most unstructured of the various homeschooling techniques.
The Montessori Method: This method began in Italy, when it was observed that children have acute sensitive periods, during which they undergo periods of intense concentration. During such phases, a child will repeat an activity till he gains a measure of self-satisfaction. The Montessori method depends on a prepared environment to facilitate learning. All the materials used in this method are designed to satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child. The materials used progress from simple to complex, and are rather expensive.
These are just a few of the methods of homeschooling. Whatever the method, the underlying factor is flexibility and a keen interest in the desires of the child. The secret is to use the child’s desire for knowledge to further his education.
Tags: Homeschooling
Kris Koonar asked:
Home schooling is not a new concept. It has been around for years and once again is making rounds as the favored choice of many parents. The concept involves an interaction between the parent and the child. The traditional brick and mortar school building is replaced by the comfort of the home and the teacher is the parent. There are a number of children, who learn better this way.
The choice of home schooling your son or daughter has many benefits. Even though the number of educational institutions have increased world wide, the pre-school, primary and secondary public schools are not the only options available for education. Home schooling enables the parent to give the child personal attention. The child also gets the opportunity to pursue his or her understanding of a particular subject at a pace that he or she is comfortable with. Home schooling requires regular monitoring and addressing of the application of shared values and morals.
The methodology adopted is highly interactive. The parent is able to ensure that the child holds to certain standards that mean a lot to the family values and traditions. Home schooling is a great way to take the mother-child or father-child relationship to another level. The lessons, time frame and environment are all conducive to learn within a comfort zone. Education imbibed this way stays longer. The parents get the opportunity to play larger role in the learning process, beyond getting the snack ready or buying the books.
The educational system the world over is now beginning to realize and acknowledge that children are able to get proper, sound education at home too. The task is not easy though, but very fulfilling. When you choose to home school your child, you have to consider the paperwork involved and decide on the right curriculum, depending on the child’s aptitude and interest in certain subjects over others. You would also need to take time off to really convince the school committee from where you wish your child to be certified. Nevertheless, the experience is a great one, both for parent and the child.
When you choose home schooling over traditional school-bound learning, you get to spend quality time with the child. You also, as a parent, have more control over the subjects, system and education to impart. In fact, in your teaching, you enjoy the ‘back to school’ experience and get educated yourself too! Home schooling enables you to give the child individual and due attention needed for him or her to grasp a concept. However, you do have to comply with the policies for home schooling set by the law in your region, state or country.
The basic requirement anywhere, for Home Schooling a child, is that the child should be at least 6 years of age. This age requirement enables the child to make the most of the formative years. Home schooled students graduate and go on to college just like their peers, who attend the traditional schools. Today, there are a number of online and offline resources that are dedicated to endeavor and make valuable information available at a single click!
Governments and educational institutions all over the world now recognize this form of teaching and integrate the children who are home schooled, when and as the requirement arises. The ability of the home-schooled child to learn at a comfortable pace and homely environment is probably the best benefit of home schooling.
Blog America
Tags: Homeschooling
How many, how often and when? These are some oft-repeated questions when it comes to homeschooling hours. Flexibility is of course one of the key underlying principles behind homeschooling. This flexibility applies not only to the curriculum but also to the number of hours. It is only natural that parents, especially if they have just started out on homeschooling should feel that their children should be at their books all the time when regular school-goers are at school. This is not only fallacious but can also be damaging and counter-productive.
One of the most ignored but glaring drawbacks of the public schooling system is the sheer waste of time and energy that it causes. Many periods are simply wasted away and the child effectively derives only 1-3 hours of study everyday. Then, there are days when the studies become too intensive and other days when it’s only games and no work at all. There is a lot of ‘invisible wastage’ involved here.
Early on in your homeschooling practice, work out a schedule. It is advisable to stick to the same hours everyday. A routine makes it easier to learn and gives structure to the learning experience. It also tells the students that parents are strict about their learning. A routine also allows your child to free his mind from other activities and concentrate on studies. He knows that a particular time is strictly set aside for learning.
The actual number of hours that you need depends on the curriculum you have chosen and the learning style that suits your child. If you are dealing with a subject that seems to be more complex, you may need to sit with the child for a longer period. Using various techniques, it may be necessary to demonstrate what you are trying to teach. For instance, a lesson in Algebra may take more time than a lesson in English.
Homeschooling does not refer to the practice of sitting in front of the books and learning the printed matter. Field trips, watching documentaries, visiting factories and libraries also make up an important slice of the homeschooling process. It makes sense to intersperse these activities so that learning becomes fun. You may want to finish off the few hours of textbook learning in the morning and dedicate the afternoons to these kinds of activities.
Given the fact that too many public school hours are wasted in meaningless activities ranging from talking to extra-curricular activities, do not allow public school hours to dictate the time you should spend teaching your child at home. Remember that at home, he is getting a high-quality one-to-one time that is highly productive. About 1-3 hours of study is enough in the primary level. It is of course true that the more number of hours you put in, the more learning takes place. This is also the reason why homeschooling children are much smarter and more balanced than regular school going children.
Tags: Homeschooling
November 17th, 2008 · 2 Comments
Mickey asked:
What are the first steps?… How do I start and get into homeschooling? And where can I get the curriculm and books that will help me get started with my education..?? I am in Canada BC… if anyone can help me… would you find the sources at like say Chapters??.. I am not sure.. I think I could teach myself to a certain degree, but would need help in some things, like math, I could be okay with other subjects though perhaps.. So how do I get started???
Thanks for your time and effort
Blessings!
Americas Athletes Blogging
Tags: Home Schooling
Michelle Bery asked:
In this society, hard work towards a specific goal generally culminates in a celebration when that goal is achieved; there is no better example than that of graduation from school. A milestone of every school-aged child, graduation means the end of twelve years of schooling and the opportunity to go on to higher education in pursuit of a career. But when you home school a child, it is important to ensure that their home school diploma is accredited and acknowledged.
Children today often face the challenge of low-quality education, overcrowded classrooms, or programs ill-equipped to meet their particular educational needs. In such circumstances, or in an instance where a traditional public or private school does not offer a learning environment in line with a family’s religious or cultural beliefs, the parents of these children are often moved to implement a home school program. In most states, the only requirements to provide home schooling is the desire to do so and the commitment to offering consistent and quality instruction in keeping with the educational guidelines set forth by the state and particular school district. Parents offering home schooling do so with the help of specially designed curriculum to keep students on par with the lessons being traditionally taught in their grade level. And in many cases, the quality of education achieved through home schooling not only matches - but surpasses - the traditional in-school education.
Parents or qualified instructors have a responsibility to ensure that the students in their care are meeting the educational benchmarks set forth by the state. But when schooling comes to an end, it is also vitally important to ensure that the home school diploma will be recognized by the school district, and subsequently by any colleges or universities to which the student may apply. Each particular state has home school guidelines that explain the procedure necessary to provide an accredited home school education that will earn a student a recognized home school diploma.
No less impressive than a diploma received through a traditional school program, the home school diploma celebrates the hard work of a student and represents the beginning of a whole new chapter in life.
Americas Athletes Blogs
Tags: Education
November 15th, 2008 · 1 Comment
Aleah asked:
My Mom is trying to find out how to start a school so she can paid money for home-schooling my sister and I. How do you do that? Does anybody know? She’s been looking online but can’t figure anything out. Help?
Somehow scholarship pays for it. She heard about it.
Blog America
Tags: Home Schooling
November 15th, 2008 · 2 Comments
dani_kin asked:
I’m working on a group project for a Management class in Library Science, and our task is to spend 5% of our hypothetical budget on materials and resources for homeschooling kids. However none of us know anything about homeschooling, besides that many people do it because they don’t want their kids to learn about evolution, so we have no idea where to start.
Do you homeschool your kids? If you do, do you use your local library? What for? What do you wish your library had or could do for you? Do you want books, electronic resources, or just meeting space? Do people homeschooling for religious reasons have different needs then those homeschooled for other reasons (lousey schools, etc).? We’re open to any suggestions or any resources that could help us out.
Blog America
Tags: Home Schooling
According to the National Center For Education Statistics, almost 1.1 million children underwent homeschooling in 2005 alone. That’s a lot of children. Once upon a time, homeschooling used to be a radical statement - something like a declaration of independence. It was the conservative Christians who advocated homeschooling in the ’80s and legalized it in every State. But the typical homeschooler of the day is not religiously motivated.
Recent surveys indicate that parents are actually quite fed up of the public school systems where much of the learning is superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about negative school environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer pressure. As a result, we have a surprising mix of people who form the homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious and regional borders. Their main aim is providing meaningful and productive learning through a method that strengthens the bond between the various members of the family.
All these families have one thing in common - a long enduring commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and rightly so, that homeschooling allows parents to bring up children in a more natural and nurturing environment. Public schools can make one nervous, diffident and downright mean. Children who get schooled at home are protected from these damaging negative influences till they reach an age where they can handle it.
Homeschooling draws the whole family into the almost religious task of schooling. Everyone is put to work. The parents together form a bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into an educational experience. Both the parents are aware of exactly what is going into their child’s head. Parents also have greater control on the kind of religious and moral values that the child imbibes. Even watching a movie together can become a learning experience. Trips to the libraries and other places become educational as well as recreational.
A homeschooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one earning member. That means that often spending has to be curtailed and proper planning of expenditure is a must. This helps to bring the family members together and everybody gets involved in the process of saving money.
Having a parent at home to supervise, to nurture and care for the children brings with it a lot of love and caring. Even your husband chips in and there just is no room for boredom. Yes, problems do crop up, and there are a lot of misgivings in your mind. But when you know that your kids can always count on you, and your kids know it too, then homeschooling becomes a richly rewarding experience.
Tags: Homeschooling
Kris Koonar asked:
Home schooling is an option that is becoming more attractive to parents as time goes on. Schools have become increasingly unstable over the past couple of decades. Children roam the hallways unchecked, textbooks are outdated, violence is prevalent, children are bullied mercilessly, and the quality of education on the whole has greatly diminished.What options do parents have to combat this downward spiral? Initially, private school was thought to be the answer. As enrollment in private schools soared many parents failed to see a difference between public and private schools. The problems were still the same.The option of home schooling has been around for a long time; however, until recently it had not been so popular. The idea of home schooling seems like a cure-all to many parents due to the advantages this type of education provides over traditional schools. Children who are home schooled can avoid many of the problems schools have become known for. For one, the environment is less threatening. Children can learn without fearing other students, aggressive or nasty teachers, and be under the constant supervision of parents. In addition, home schooling allows parents to dictate the academic course of their children. Home schooling also allows students to proceed at their own speed. If a child is weak at multiplication and division, a parent can focus lessons on those skills in favor of another skill that the child might grasp rather easily.Home schooling is also advantageous because it keeps children away from other students that may be corruptive forces. There are many students in school who do not value learning. This is not any fault of the schools; however, it is still a painful reality. These students can lead to the destruction of a stable learning environment. Home schooling keeps children focused on learning and not on avoiding social pressures.It may sound like the perfect option, but there are many disadvantages of home schooling. First of all, home schooled children are usually less socialized. While schools can sometimes be the breeding ground for poor social behaviors, school is also a place where students learn to interact with others and build social skills. It seems a bit like a catch 22.In addition, another drawback to home schooling could be implementation of an educational plan. Many parents are not qualified as teachers and may not understand what is necessary to ensure a child has access to the proper curriculum.Finally, another disadvantage to home schooling is the necessity for parents to take full responsibility for their child’s education. If you choose to home school your child there is no one for you to blame if your child does poorly. The responsibility falls completely on the parent.There are many advantages and disadvantages to home schooling. Before you begin a home schooling plan make sure you have evaluated your ability to properly instruct your child and provide a quality learning experience. If you do not think you can handle it, you might as well send your child to school but become more involved with his or her education.
Americas Athletes Blogs
Tags: Homeschooling
