Most homeschoolers say that choosing curriculum is one of the most challenging aspects of homeschooling. To educate yourself, read books that evaluate curriculum, study catalogs (Rainbow Resources is GREAT) and home school magazines such as The Old Schoolhouse, attend book fairs and talk with veteran homeschoolers. Many curriculum resources have teacher’s guides and/or lesson plans.
For those who prefer more guidance, correspondence schools provide curriculum, teacher support, record keeping and testing. The more you learn about the resources available, the easier it will be to select the best direction for you and your child.
It is never too early (or late) to begin researching all of your options. Research through the library and the internet (Google is your friend). Ask questions and solicit help from veteran homeschoolers. We have all been right where you are. Encouragement, insight and assistance is available!
Here are a few websites with resources that are popular with many homeschoolers:
www.Abeka.com
www.Apologia.com
www.rodandstaffbooks.com
www.Sonlight.com
After choosing your curriculum, choose a start date and a finish date for your school—following the public school calendar may be a good starting point your first year. Allow for holidays, sick days, teacher planning days, etc. Try to stick to your schedule. Gradually you will learn a pattern that works best for your family. Be patient with yourself and your children since all of you are making major adjustments.
The cost to homeschool each child varies considerably but can range from about $100-$1,000. It is usually proportional to the preparation time needed—the less time the parent spends planning the lessons, the more the cost and vice versa. You know your home situation and abilities best. If you design your own curriculum mainly using library resources you will spend considerably less than a prepared program. Used curriculum can be assembled for a fraction of the cost of new materials. Craigslist, Ebay, used book stores and curriculum fairs are wonderful resources.
Friday, November 5, 2010
COMMON TEACHING APPROACHES
The two approaches are rather self explanatory: Traditional and Non-traditional.
Traditional homeschooling curricula is textbook based with Teacher’s manuals, tests, and a scope and sequence covering each subject in 180 daily increments over 12 years.
Where Traditional Homeschooling is simple in it’s description, Non-Traditional approaches are anything but simple in description! Although there many excellent textbook programs available, a great number of homeschoolers take on a less teacher-directed, scheduled, “school” at home approach. One of the objections is that the textbook programs seldom take into account different learning styles of children and the creative process of sharing information.
The following is a list of the various Non-Traditional approaches:
THE CLASSICAL METHOD began in the Middle Ages and has recently been revived in the writings of Dorothy Sayers, Jessie Wise and Susan Bauer, as well as Douglas Wilson. The goal of the classical approach is to teach people how to learn for themselves. The five tools of learning, known as the Trivium, are reason, record, research, relate, and rhetoric. Younger children begin with the preparing stage, where they learn basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. The grammar stage is next, which emphasizes compositions and collections, and then the dialectic stage, where serious reading, study, and research take place.
THE PRINCIPLE APPROACH looks at each subject from a Christian worldview. Based on the works of Rosalie J. Slater and Verna M. Hall, it seeks to teach using the Bible as a textbook, relating and applying God's Biblical principles to all areas of education. The seven principles associated with this approach include individuality, self-government, Christian character, conscience, government, local self-government and political union. This is not merely a history or Bible course. This method is seeing all subjects through a Christian worldview and application.
CHARLOTTE MASON APPROACH focuses on Living Books and Life Experience. It is best summed up in the quote "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”
THE UNIT STUDY APPROACH is designed to give both in-depth and broad understandings of subjects revolving around an entire theme that interests the child. This integrated approach will includes science, math, geography, art, music, history, language, literature and often drama.
UNSCHOOLING philosophy is that the child learns and retains much more when allowed to follow interests, share in real life experiences and exploration.
THE ECLECTIC APPROACH is a blend of the different approaches. For example, many use traditional math and science textbooks but build unit studies around historical periods that include language arts, music, and art.
Do not be afraid of what you do not know! Many veteran homeschoolers will testify of the great joy and strengthening of their relationships that is the result of learning together.
Traditional homeschooling curricula is textbook based with Teacher’s manuals, tests, and a scope and sequence covering each subject in 180 daily increments over 12 years.
Where Traditional Homeschooling is simple in it’s description, Non-Traditional approaches are anything but simple in description! Although there many excellent textbook programs available, a great number of homeschoolers take on a less teacher-directed, scheduled, “school” at home approach. One of the objections is that the textbook programs seldom take into account different learning styles of children and the creative process of sharing information.
The following is a list of the various Non-Traditional approaches:
THE CLASSICAL METHOD began in the Middle Ages and has recently been revived in the writings of Dorothy Sayers, Jessie Wise and Susan Bauer, as well as Douglas Wilson. The goal of the classical approach is to teach people how to learn for themselves. The five tools of learning, known as the Trivium, are reason, record, research, relate, and rhetoric. Younger children begin with the preparing stage, where they learn basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. The grammar stage is next, which emphasizes compositions and collections, and then the dialectic stage, where serious reading, study, and research take place.
THE PRINCIPLE APPROACH looks at each subject from a Christian worldview. Based on the works of Rosalie J. Slater and Verna M. Hall, it seeks to teach using the Bible as a textbook, relating and applying God's Biblical principles to all areas of education. The seven principles associated with this approach include individuality, self-government, Christian character, conscience, government, local self-government and political union. This is not merely a history or Bible course. This method is seeing all subjects through a Christian worldview and application.
CHARLOTTE MASON APPROACH focuses on Living Books and Life Experience. It is best summed up in the quote "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”
THE UNIT STUDY APPROACH is designed to give both in-depth and broad understandings of subjects revolving around an entire theme that interests the child. This integrated approach will includes science, math, geography, art, music, history, language, literature and often drama.
UNSCHOOLING philosophy is that the child learns and retains much more when allowed to follow interests, share in real life experiences and exploration.
THE ECLECTIC APPROACH is a blend of the different approaches. For example, many use traditional math and science textbooks but build unit studies around historical periods that include language arts, music, and art.
Do not be afraid of what you do not know! Many veteran homeschoolers will testify of the great joy and strengthening of their relationships that is the result of learning together.
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