Archive for September, 2011
Best Tips on Training Self Learners
Posted on September 29, 2011 | Home Schooling.
Homeschooling has often presented some challenges. If I let it, the paper tiger would devour my life. However, I am constantly looking for ways to simplify and streamline my life. From taking an introspective look at my self to gadgets and apps, I want to be effective. Yet, my goal in homeschooling is not simply to de-stress, but to give my children a better education without making myself insane. After researching and studying ways that I might accomplish this, I am convinced that I can do this by training them to be “self -learners.” A self learner will be able to progress through a curriculum, read “living” books, and discover knowledge on their own. Here are a few tips that I am putting into practice:
1. Introduce your children to the love of reading. Encourage them to read at every possible chance. Be an example to them by living this yourself. Reading is the gateway to knowledge, and if your child has a love for this the possibilities are endless!
2. Find homeschool options that lead your children to self learning. A curriculum that requires a person to impart to the child the knowledge contained in it – is definitely not conducive to self learning. During the very young years this is more of a necessity. However, as the child gets older – and we train them to discover knowledge for themselves – they will become independent in this area.
3. Study by immersion. Allow your child to study one subject or book until they completely tire of it. This can be several days to several weeks. They can do part of the book or complete it. I am particularly hopeful about this at our house. I believe that having less “starts” and “stops” may actually help my children stay on task.
4. Teach them the value of a “job well done.” This is something that my father taught me, and his father taught him. Doing something right just because it is the right thing to do – will be a lesson that will serve our children the rest of their lives. If they don’t do the job well the first time, make them do it over. If that doesn’t correct the issue, make them do it over several times during the week. This applies not only to home education, but also to household chores.
5. If a child comes to me asking me for an answer to a question in his homeschool studies, I invariably respond with… “Look it up.” or “Read the section over, I am sure the answer will pop out to you.” Encourage your children to find answers on their own. They can re-read their books, look it up in an encyclopedia, or even Google it. Being persistent in finding the answer will also be a priceless lesson learned for the rest of their lives.
Though I believe that these principles will serve our family well in the years to come, other homes may have different perspectives. I know that each family and each child has individual needs that will determine how they must be educated. I hope that you will find exactly what you need to be successful.
Tips for Picking the Right Home School Math Curriculum
Posted on September 25, 2011 | Home Schooling.
Mathematics is an essential part of the core educational curriculum. Parents who choose to home school their children are given the option to choose which math curriculum best fits their students.
The most important factor to keep in mind when choosing the right home school math curriculum is the student. Parents must be aware which learning style their child learns best under. Parents must decide if their child is an auditory or visual learner, if their child works best with active learning, how much time is spent on instruction, and weather or not the student is able to learn in a step-by-step or sequential manner.
Visual learners often appreciate colorful textbooks and benefit from the use of video demonstrations. Auditory learners benefit from having the concepts verbally explained.
Most children work best with active learning. Active learning incorporates activities to ensure that the child knows, understands and is able to apply the concepts learned. With this method of teaching, children put what they learn into practice, separating the difference between memorizing concepts and actually learning them.
When choosing a math program it is important to distinguish if the program is spiral or mastery. Spiral programs introduce various topics without expecting students to fully comprehend them. The concepts and topics are continuously repeated which allows students to master the topics, as they understand them. This type of program often works as a great method for teaching students with attention difficulties and students who are perusing a career plan that does not require in depth mastery of math concepts. Spiral programs are more flexible, allowing students to change topics, keeping them from becoming overwhelmed and stifled. This program also allows students to learn and understand basic information and formulas needed in everyday life. This makes spiral learning ideal for students that are working for a career in a non-mathematic field.
Mastery programs are presented in steps. Mastery programs ensure that a child fully understands a concept before continuing to the next. This type of program usually takes the student longer, but is much more extensive. This type of program is extremely beneficial to students that are working towards a career that requires mastery of mathematical concepts. Mastery programs ensure that the student completely understands the topic before moving to the next.
When choosing a math program, parents must also decide between concrete and abstract mathematics. Concrete mathematics refers to the actions taken to perform mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Abstract mathematics deal with the reasoning behind mathematical functions and actions.
These are the exact ideas and concepts parents must keep in mind when choosing the right home school math curriculum that best fits the student. Choosing the program that best appeals to the student ensures the student’s success. Parents may also want to consider an online math tutoring platform as a way to supplement their home school curriculum.