Canadian family homeschooling 3 children
Are you homeschooling? Are you wondering what it means to classically educate your child?
A classical education focuses on returning to proven educational methods used in the past particularly focusing on the art and culture of Western civilization. It emphasizes languages, philosophy, art, and literature.
The philosophy is based on the Trivium which refers to the 3 stages of a child’s learning abilities – grammar, logic, and rhetoric. [Read more...]
What is unschooling?
It is child-led learning where the parents are facilitators not teachers. Unschoolers believe that because children naturally want to learn, they should be able to direct their own education. Parents are in a supportive role and provide materials or opportunities for the child to learn their topic of choice.
John Holt, author of Teach Your Own and many other unschooling books, first used the term in the 1970′s, he believed that children would learn naturally when they were ready to do so. As long as a supportive environment was in place, learning would take place according to the child’s interest. He felt that the school environment was unnatural and that children should not be pushed to learn things they didn’t wish to. [Read more...]
Are you looking into homeschooling and wondering what method to use? What about unit studies?
What is a unit study? It is the study of a topic or theme using numerous school subjects. For example, if we were studying butterflies, you would incorporate their history, geography – where they are found, math – count butterflies in your backyard, and science – raise caterpillars. Your homeschool revolves around one theme to unite all your studies.
First decide on a topic, ask your student what they would like to study and plan accordingly. The children will be more engaged in your studies if they are able to have some input. Also discuss how they would like to study the topic, they may have some ideas. [Read more...]
If you will be homeschooling, have you been asked about your childrens’ socialization skills? Over and over again my family members, friends, and neighbours.
The first question that people usually ask is what about socialization? As if families who homeschool live in a bubble, not interacting with anyone around them.
How will your children learn to interact with others? The answer is everywhere – the library, grocery store, sports, cub scouts or whatever activities you decide to have them participate in. [Read more...]
Are you thinking of joining a homeschool co-op? What should you consider before you join?
Co-ops are formed by groups of homeschooling families where one parent is responsible for teaching the students one subject. So for example, the the student may have 4 subjects that are taught by 4 different teachers. As a requirement, you would be required to teach a class or help out in someone else’s. There may be 2 or 3 terms in a year. [Read more...]
Have you thought about homeschooling but your spouse is against it? Do you think homeschooling would benefit your children but are having trouble convincing your spouse?
Perhaps they need some time to do some research themselves. You would never make a huge decision without discussing it with your partner first, however, maybe the can be persuaded to see your side.
Have you been unable to find your perfect curriculum? Maybe you don’t have enough money to buy that brand new curriculum.
Don’t worry, you can design your own curriculum.
This can be done using books you already have or books from the library. [Read more...]
Are you expecting a newborn and homeschooling as well? Are you worried you won’t be able to keep up with school and baby?
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No worries, plan ahead and take some time off to enjoy the baby.
Pregnancy brings a lot of joy and morning sickness as well, you will need to plan ahead a prepare for your little bundle of joy. [Read more...]
Do you want to homeschool but still need to work to provide an income? Can you really homeschool and work?
Of course you can, it will take some organization and work though.
Will your spouse be teaching the kids as well? What subjects with they do and will they be making their own plans or you be the one creating one? [Read more...]
