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The Educational Methods of Homeschooling |
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The educational methods of homeschooling are diverse and range from
prepackaged curricula, natural learning and unschooling. Every
homeschooler is encouraged to actively research which method would best
suit them and their child/children. It is so easy to get caught up in
the hype of using prepackaged curricula but, the reality is you have to
know your goals.
The prepackaged curricula are available for purchase on websites like
Amazon. This type of curricula is the most
widely used among homeschoolers. Many parents look to homeschooling as
an alternative to public education, but have little to no teaching
experience, so buying the prepackaged curricula allows them to become
the teacher without having to do the work of curriculum planning.`The
good thing about using these curricula is that you can mix and match
books to suit which best fits your child. Every child is different and
has their weaknesses and strengths, finding a match that will best suit
your child is easier using these curricula. An example of this would
be using the Calvert curriculum for all secular subjects except math
because you find that the Saxon books for math better fits the needs of
your child.
Natural learning is also known as the relaxed method of learning. This
method uses life experiences in a manner that teaches children.
Parents are not required to have any formal teaching experience in
order to choose this learning style. As a child grows his lessons will
be based on what he needs on an age appropriate level. Imagine
teaching math but instead of using a set lesson plan you decide to make
a cake, within making this cake you will need to know measurements and
its equivalent. Lesson planning may be necessary to incorporate in
this particular method. Remember the one thing about this style of
teaching is freedom. Freedom to teach life lessons the way you feel
are appropriate.
Imagine
teaching math but instead of using a set lesson plan you decide to make
a cake, within making this cake you will need to know measurements and
its equivalent. Lesson planning may be necessary to incorporate in
this particular method. Remember the one thing about this style of
teaching is freedom. Freedom to teach life lessons the way you feel
are appropriate. 
Unschooling is focused towards developing a child's interest. Children
are allowed to purse their likes and dislikes. Within this philosophy,
curricula are not used. Many homeschoolers are now choosing this
method because they feel that education should not be taught using one
set standard. Children actually enjoy this method, as it encourages
them to research and develop their interests.
These are some things to consider when homeschooling, in question format;
1. Curriculum- What method will be used, and which curriculum best fits the needs of your child?
2. Material and Equipment- What will you use to help to reinforce your child's learning?
3. Environment- Where will I teach? Is this environment the most suitable place?
4. Childrens behavior- Will my child's behavior change based on my choices?
5. Me, the teacher- Am I going to be effective in teaching my child?
The answers to these questions may require additional research. Don't
despair, every homeschooler asks themselves these questions, usually on
a daily basis. One of the most important things is to set your goals
and know your expectations. All of your goals must be evaluated or
else they will be meaningless. Goals must be assessed to determine
their effectiveness and likely hood of success. Setting a goal without
a proper assessment could lead to failure. Determine and examine your
expectations. Everyone to some degree, has an expectation as to where
they would like their child to be in regards to their homeschool
education. Evaluating yourself and your children is a necessary tool
in analyzing how well your goals are met.
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Umm Abdis Salaam Al Grenaadiyyah |
| About the author: |
| Umm Abdis Salaam Al Grenaadiyyah is co-owner of Salafy Ink. " Our focus is to produce and/or translate, da’wah/educational materials which are all taken from the works of well known, and trustworthy Salafy Scholars of both past and present." | |
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