Homeschool Better-The Best Way to Homeschool

Homeschool Better

Homeschool Better

Homeschool Better After deciding to homeschool their children, many parents dread the thought of choosing the "right" curriculum to use. Choosing a curriculum is understandable as parents take the responsibility to educate their kids out of the hands of the public school system. How can the parents be sure that they are making the correct decisions? When I first began homeschooling my kids, I heard many moms and educators assure me that it was not the curriculum that would make or break my child's education. The truth is, with the right attitude toward learning, a homeschooled child can excel far beyond the constraints of any "curriculum." Attitude is everything. The character is paramount. If the child becomes a brilliant student, who aces every test and measures given them but cannot relate compassionately with the environment around them. What good would that be?

Homeschool Better Learning

I would instead invest heavily in the training of "how to learn" with my kids than "what to learn" any day. A Child that learns to become an independent, self-motivated, compassionate learner would be my primary goal. So what about curriculum? The primary purpose you as a homeschooler need to set is your standard's for success. In my own family, we have four fundamental goals that would define our mission statement as homeschoolers. Keep in mind that these are different for each homeschooling family.

Homeschool Better Understanding

Our faith is the most important thing we can pass on to our Children. As Christian parents, we include the Lord in everything we do. Math facts need to become reflexive. A child cannot hope to flourish in math if they do not have those basic facts memorized Children need to read books and great literature. Reading is key to becoming an excellent communicator. The understanding of the text is a necessary skill both on paper and in front of others. Nothing exposes children to vocabulary and culture like great novels.

Homeschool Better Practice

Children need lots and lots of practice perfecting the art of writing and communicating. There is no way around this one. To become a great writer, one must write a lot. Since these are the personal goals for my children, I would expect you to agree with some and disagree with others. Once we established these "filters of success" we look at the various curriculums and subjects that we teach our children. We consider a few things when planning our school year.

Homeschool Better Age

The ages and grade levels of each of our kids will determine what we will teach. Can any subjects be combined and customized to teach a variety of ages simultaneously? The standards of the Department of Education encourages homeschool families to enrich education every day. Engaging activities, field trips, hands-on experiences, and people who will add to the depth of knowledge of each child.

Homeschool Better Summary

Every family approaches curriculum differently. I use the state standards as a guideline and then locate books and resources that cover those rules.I am entirely unimpressed with busy work, so I tend to use actual books, novels, and textbooks and then choose projects that culminate a topic (like the Weather). I then select engaging materials and supplies to facilitate "topic-driven projects."

Our school work takes the form of journals, lapbooks, pocketbooks, Powerpoints, and presentations that each child will complete. Keep in mind that what the kids learn is not as important as how they learn. In this technology-driven age, the "world is at your fingertips."