In last week’s blog we focused on the parent as educator. I presented several factors for parents to consider when determining a homeschool approach, philosophy, and method best suited to their personality, time, and goals. Once you have determined your preferences, you will be prepared to research curriculum. With so many excellent curricular choices, utilizing the self-assessment will help narrow the list of curriculum choices significantly, transforming a formidable task to a more more manageable activity.

In this week’s blog we turn our attention to the needs of the child. As parents, we want our kids to enjoy learning. It is important our kids have a positive educational experience and are encouraged in their efforts rather than struggle. Knowing your child’s learning style, as well as considering their age, personality, and other factors will influence which method, style, and ultimately curriculum you will employ.

Meshing your teaching preferences with the educational needs of your child may require some compromise. It is best to try two or more different styles and/or methods and monitor the results. Flexibility is key, be open to change. Know that it is not uncommon to switch things up in the middle of the school year.

I had originally combined this information in a single blog but it got too lengthy, so I split it up. Next week we will look at learning styles. If you’ve missed previous blogs in this series, you can access them here:

• New to Homeschool? Start Here
• Choosing Curriculum Part 1: An Overview
• Choosing Curriculum Part 2: The Four Main Approaches to Home Education
• Choosing Curriculum Part 3: The Parent as Educator

In this blog I will briefly mention a few specific homeschool methods and give a curriculum examples. This is by no means an extensive list of available resources. In future blogs I plan to examine each method in detail, and include a list of curriculum for each method. I am working on a chart which summarizes basic information about each method, but it is not yet complete. In the meantime, if you’d like to research these methods further I have included links to some recommended books in my previous posts.

Important factors to consider when evaluating your child for an appropriate curriculum include:

1. The age of your child

Young students (ages 2-6 years) don’t need to do much structured learning, nor do they need curriculum. Children learn through play, it can be considered their ‘job’. Provide age-appropriate craft items and toys to stimulate imagination and encourage creative play, such as Lego®, wooden blocks, and board games. In addition, coloring, drawing, and cutting paper with scissors will help develop their hand muscles in preparation for writing.

Should you choose to begin formal education, their school day will be short, typically less than 30 minutes of targeted education per day. Keep in mind that learning can and does occur at any time, not just during the hours of 8 am to 3 pm.

Children of all ages learn by observing, listening, exploring, experimenting and asking questions, imitation, simulation, and repetition. Give your kids opportunities to engage with others and their surroundings. As you go about your daily chores, talk to them – explain what you are doing and why. Let them help by assigning them age-appropriate tasks. Even preschoolers can wash potatoes, match socks, or feed pets.

Try to find a balance between sit-down activities and movement. Make learning fun by playing games and exploring. Be physically active – hike, bike, walk, jump, swim, and fish. Plan field trips to museums, farms, fire stations, and play centers. Encourage your kids to help with cooking, baking, and household chores. Concepts can be taught and reinforced through song, verbal repetition, by listening to audio books, and by watching various media.

Older kids can accept more responsibility for their education. Provide them some choices in subject areas, while ensuring the required courses are accounted for. Encourage independence and teach them how to find needed information on their own. Many older kids prefer to watch streaming or video classes which allows them to set their own schedule.

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2. Does your child have any health concerns?

Certain teaching methods may not work well if you must fit school in around chronic illness, frequent doctor visits, hospitalizations, and therapy appointments. These situations require a flexible schedule, with minimal preparation. If this is your situation, a pre-planned or ‘open and go’ method may be best suited to your needs.

Most homeschool methods include ‘open and go’ curriculum options, but Unit Studies are particularly useful. You may wish to look into workbooks which can be quickly accessed and easily stowed for later. Curricular examples include My Father’s World, Beautiful Feet Books, and Not Consumed Ministries.

If your child has special needs such as a limited attention span, ADHD, are easily distracted, or have other sensory issues a ‘sit still and listen all day’ traditional school method will likely be a poor fit. An eclectic style which blends outdoor activities, interest-led learning, and short lessons is likely to prevent boredom and distraction.

3. What is your child’s personality – are they introverted or extroverted?

If your child is outgoing, talkative, and enjoys being around others they will probably not enjoy sitting alone in front of a screen to learn. They may benefit from a Montessori, Unschooling, or Charlotte Mason educational approach, group lessons, a homeschool co-op, and/or team sports as part of their education.

If your child is more reserved, gets stressed out in large group settings, and/or prefers to keep to themselves a more intimate environment of 2-4 people, or individual learning may be best. They may enjoy a more structured approach, such as the Traditional school method.

This is not to say they should become hermits or always be alone – after all, they are kids! Time for socialization and fun is absolutely necessary for healthy growth and development.

It is good to find a balance between security and challenges. Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones can be a means of growth and boost self confidence.

4. Does your child prefer indoor or outdoor activities?

If your child prefer to be indoors, a homeschool method which employs reading, crafts, and other home-bound tactics will be enjoyable. However, if your family loves to garden, camp, hike, and participate in sports perhaps less reading and more hands-on activities would suit you best. Packing a picnic lunch and spending the day at a park, or sitting outside to read (I know someone who read aloud while her kids jumped on the trampoline) are innovative ways to accomplish learning objectives.

5. Does your child enjoy reading?

Kids who are avid readers may enjoy learning from historical fiction books. The Charlotte Mason method uses what she deemed “living books’ to teach history and other subjects.

If your child doesn’t enjoy books, you will want to avoid a literature-heavy curriculum. Unschooling, Unit Studies, Gameschooling, and online streaming or videos are all great options.

Of course it is important that kids do read, so help them pick out fun books on subjects they are interested in to build confidence in their skills. Alternatively, have them read the assembly instructions while assisting you with a project, or a recipe while helping you bake or cook dinner. This counts as reading… in disguise!

6. Is your child creative, does he or she enjoy arts and crafts?

The Charlotte Mason method places an emphasis on life skills, including learning handicrafts. Homeschool co-ops and 4H programs offer programs your child may enjoy. Other methods to consider include Unschooling, Gameschooling, and Montessori.

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7. Does your child want to attend college, university, or learn a trade?

Increasingly colleges are pursuing homeschooled students. They appreciate the individuality, independence, and skills an unconventional education provides. If a degree is their goal, you and your child can pursue as rigorous an education as you wish, focusing on as many areas as you like in order to apply for the school of their choice.

If an official high school diploma is of concern, accredited programs such as Abeka provide these. Check with your state board of education first though as accredited programs are not recognized in all states. High school diplomas can be created yourself or through an umbrella school if you wish.

Should your child wish to pursue a skilled trade, homeschool provides the time and flexibility for focused learning, an apprenticeship, and work experience.

If determining your child’s learning style seems overwhelming or you want confirmation of what you have observed, there are screening tests available to find out the learning styles best suited to your child. Search online to find the one best suited to your child’s age. I will link a few in next week’s blog.