As a homeschooler, you've probably heard the term unschooling before. In fact, you may be an unschooler and not even know it. Before you jump to conclusions about what it means, let me clarify that it is not 'not teaching' your child. Unschooling is basically a very active learning process guided by the student's interest, personality and learning style. Since children are instinctively curious, unschooling aims to answer all those little and big questions that may not necessarily be discussed in a typical learning and/or school setting.
This method of teaching definitely is not by the book and can and usually does change from day to day. For some families, this method of learning is heaven sent. Busy families who love being outdoors and trying new things may find unschooling very fulfilling and convenient. A schedule may include a field trip, hours outside digging in the dirt discovering all kinds of insects, even building with Legos.
Unschooling can come in especially handy when your little one is learning to read. This exciting time in both a parent and child's life can be met with some resistance, however, choosing books in topics that the student favors can help kill two birds with one stone. They like bugs? Give them entomology! They like basketball? Give them sports! They like the beach? Give them oceanography!
Learning to read should be fun! Remember, you're setting the foundation for how they will feel about books and learning. Above all else, be patient with your little one and always encourage them and give them lots and lots of praise.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Change it up and make it fun!
Looking for online grammar programs and courses for your homeschooled child? If nothing is getting through to your student on when to use their or they're; or how to write a proper paragraph or sentence, trying a new approach, such as an online format, may do the trick.
Fortunately, as homeschooling parents we have the option to try new programs and different techniques when teaching a new topic or attempting to turn an unpopular subject into a favorite subject. For a lot of students, the idea of writing an essay or even a paragraph is enough to fill them with terror, so what better way to turn their fear into excitement than by having them log into an online grammar course to build confidence in their writing.
There are lots of courses to choose from depending on what your student needs help with; and with the help of certified teachers, you can't go wrong. Courses are available for high school, middle and even elementary students starting at second grade.
Building a child's confidence early on in all aspects of education is crucial in instilling a love of learning. The younger you get started, the better. Of course, it's best to wait till a child is ready to learn certain things, but as we know, we can make teachable moments out of just about anything. Preschool games can get your 2- or 3-year-old excited about learning. At that age, it's all about fun fun fun. Whether you opt for an online program or a book/workbook curriculum, be sure not to put too much pressure on your little one as this can result in defiance and an overall bad experience. Remember, don't do too much at one time as small children can easily become overstimulated.
Fortunately, as homeschooling parents we have the option to try new programs and different techniques when teaching a new topic or attempting to turn an unpopular subject into a favorite subject. For a lot of students, the idea of writing an essay or even a paragraph is enough to fill them with terror, so what better way to turn their fear into excitement than by having them log into an online grammar course to build confidence in their writing.
There are lots of courses to choose from depending on what your student needs help with; and with the help of certified teachers, you can't go wrong. Courses are available for high school, middle and even elementary students starting at second grade.
Building a child's confidence early on in all aspects of education is crucial in instilling a love of learning. The younger you get started, the better. Of course, it's best to wait till a child is ready to learn certain things, but as we know, we can make teachable moments out of just about anything. Preschool games can get your 2- or 3-year-old excited about learning. At that age, it's all about fun fun fun. Whether you opt for an online program or a book/workbook curriculum, be sure not to put too much pressure on your little one as this can result in defiance and an overall bad experience. Remember, don't do too much at one time as small children can easily become overstimulated.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Calling all newbies
Parents considering homeschooling or those who are new to homeschooling can quickly find themselves at wit's end with the plethora of information available online. If you happen to visit a library or bookstore in search of homeschooling books, the search can seem endless.
First of all, don't worry. As someone new to homeschooling you may think you will never get the hang of it. Even though you may feel completely lost now, you will soon be a pro. Remember when you had your first child, you were clueless, scared, worried, then a few months later you were changing diapers with one hand and vacuuming with the other..well, not really, but you know what I mean.
You will soon know all you need to know about homeschooling and keep learning more along the way. Many families turn to homeschooling books while others turn to the good ol' Internet. Wherever you go, you will find information -- a lot of information, so be prepared.
The best place to start out is your local school district. Since you are new to homeschooling you want to find out what your state's homeschooling laws and requirements are. Every state is different and you want to be sure you are doing everything as you should.
Next, it's time to do homework: what programs are best for your child and his/her learning style and educational needs; what kind of a curriculum should you use: books, web-based, etc; what kind of schedule and method you should follow.
Things will slowly and surely fall into place. Give it time and be patient.
First of all, don't worry. As someone new to homeschooling you may think you will never get the hang of it. Even though you may feel completely lost now, you will soon be a pro. Remember when you had your first child, you were clueless, scared, worried, then a few months later you were changing diapers with one hand and vacuuming with the other..well, not really, but you know what I mean.
You will soon know all you need to know about homeschooling and keep learning more along the way. Many families turn to homeschooling books while others turn to the good ol' Internet. Wherever you go, you will find information -- a lot of information, so be prepared.
The best place to start out is your local school district. Since you are new to homeschooling you want to find out what your state's homeschooling laws and requirements are. Every state is different and you want to be sure you are doing everything as you should.
Next, it's time to do homework: what programs are best for your child and his/her learning style and educational needs; what kind of a curriculum should you use: books, web-based, etc; what kind of schedule and method you should follow.
Things will slowly and surely fall into place. Give it time and be patient.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Fun with numbers!
If you're like me, the hairs on your neck probably stick up when you hear the word math. If you need me to be more clear: I don't like numbers, I don't like word problems or graphs or anything remotely related to math!
While I may be done with school, I will soon be reliving all that 'fun' stuff with my own children when they need help. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't mind helping, I actually look forward to it. All subjects, any subjects, except math. I think I'll let my husband take over that one.
Luckily, there are a ton of online math programs out there nowadays. You can even find online flash cards to help drill your students on multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
If you're currently struggling with a child who doesn't want to hear the word math, much less open their books and study or do math homework, try something different. It may all be just about researching all the different math programs available-- whether on the Internet or from a book or workbook. Do your own homework and find something that will complement your child's individual learning style.
Experiment with different programs and try to find those that have money back guarantees or trial periods before committing just to make sure you won't be throwing your money away.
While I may be done with school, I will soon be reliving all that 'fun' stuff with my own children when they need help. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't mind helping, I actually look forward to it. All subjects, any subjects, except math. I think I'll let my husband take over that one.
Luckily, there are a ton of online math programs out there nowadays. You can even find online flash cards to help drill your students on multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
If you're currently struggling with a child who doesn't want to hear the word math, much less open their books and study or do math homework, try something different. It may all be just about researching all the different math programs available-- whether on the Internet or from a book or workbook. Do your own homework and find something that will complement your child's individual learning style.
Experiment with different programs and try to find those that have money back guarantees or trial periods before committing just to make sure you won't be throwing your money away.
Hope and help for learning disabilities
Having a child with a learning disability or other special need is difficult and stressful for both parent and child. There are so many different learning disabilities that finding the right program, tutor or school can be a huge challenge, however, since in this day and age we know so much about all the types of learning disabilities that our children are plagued with there is more and more hope out there for all those affected.
It's always important for parents to assure their child that everything will be ok, even if the parent themself is up at night worrying about what they will do. In your child's eyes, you need to be confident, hopeful and reassuring. Remind them that life is not easy and there will be difficulties and challenges all the time, but the key is to get through them, be strong and patient.
While learning disabilities come in many forms, if your child has an issue with their spelling, trying a new approach can be the key and the secret to their spelling success. Spelling games are available online for all grades and skill levels. Some websites will even allow your child to input their weekly spelling and vocabulary lists to practice using all kinds of fun spelling games.
Be open to trying something new. Your child does not have to be glued to the computer for hours on end. You'll be amazed at what a few minutes each day will do.
It's always important for parents to assure their child that everything will be ok, even if the parent themself is up at night worrying about what they will do. In your child's eyes, you need to be confident, hopeful and reassuring. Remind them that life is not easy and there will be difficulties and challenges all the time, but the key is to get through them, be strong and patient.
While learning disabilities come in many forms, if your child has an issue with their spelling, trying a new approach can be the key and the secret to their spelling success. Spelling games are available online for all grades and skill levels. Some websites will even allow your child to input their weekly spelling and vocabulary lists to practice using all kinds of fun spelling games.
Be open to trying something new. Your child does not have to be glued to the computer for hours on end. You'll be amazed at what a few minutes each day will do.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Do not (don't) worry about Contractions
Need help with apostrophes? Can't get the hang of contractions?
Contraction word lists found online can be an excellent way to teach students where apostrophes should be placed and how to correctly use words like they're, their and there and its and it's. I know some adults that have trouble with these tricky words and need help with apostrophes themselves. So it might not be a bad idea to brush up on your contractions prior to teaching them to your little learners. ;-)
If you still have trouble teaching them, using contraction word lists will do the trick. Student's can use their own words or use lists already provided. There are several games to choose from to test their skills and help them understand where to use apostrophes when forming contractions.
Contraction word lists found online can be an excellent way to teach students where apostrophes should be placed and how to correctly use words like they're, their and there and its and it's. I know some adults that have trouble with these tricky words and need help with apostrophes themselves. So it might not be a bad idea to brush up on your contractions prior to teaching them to your little learners. ;-)
If you still have trouble teaching them, using contraction word lists will do the trick. Student's can use their own words or use lists already provided. There are several games to choose from to test their skills and help them understand where to use apostrophes when forming contractions.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Homeschooling: What's your approach?
Every homeschooler does it their way. What's your approach? Christian-based? Lapbooks? Online curriculums?
In today's every changing world, many parents are turning to eclectic homeschooling. But what exactly does this mean? Eclectic homeschooling allows parents to meet each child's individual learning needs. This can be especially useful with families with more than 1 child, where each child has different interests and learning styles. Families who take this approach don't stick with any one format or curriculum. They do for each child whatever works best for them.
There are also families that focus on secular homeschooling. The reason for this isn't always necessarily because they are not religious, but rather they prefer that their child be exposed to as much information as possible rather than only learning about things from one perspective, such as a Christian viewpoint which can usually be one-sided.
In today's every changing world, many parents are turning to eclectic homeschooling. But what exactly does this mean? Eclectic homeschooling allows parents to meet each child's individual learning needs. This can be especially useful with families with more than 1 child, where each child has different interests and learning styles. Families who take this approach don't stick with any one format or curriculum. They do for each child whatever works best for them.
There are also families that focus on secular homeschooling. The reason for this isn't always necessarily because they are not religious, but rather they prefer that their child be exposed to as much information as possible rather than only learning about things from one perspective, such as a Christian viewpoint which can usually be one-sided.
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