The Best Homeschooling Method

We want to start homeschooling, but right now I'm so confused. Every book I read and every person I talk to says something completely different! There are so many ideas and theories out there. I just want to know--what actually is the best way to homeschool?

There's no shortage of advice: you have to use a packaged curriculum, a structured schedule is necessary, flexibility is the key, just leave the kids alone and let them do whatever they want, and so on, and so on . . . . And the amazing thing is, all these different things seem to be working for the families that suggest them!

Asking what's the best way to homeschool is a little like asking what's the best name to give your new baby. The fact is that only you can answer your question. Only you can decide what's the best way to homeschool your child. The reason for this is that the answer depends entirely on your child's age, interests, and learning style as well as your family's lifestyle, goals, and financial situation. There absolutely is not one single "best" way!

The best thing for you to do is continue reading and talking to people. Consider all ideas offered, but don't feel that you have to find one you completely agree with. As you learn what other people do, you'll probably start getting some ideas about what will and won't work with your family. Feel free to use parts of someone else's plan or adapt it to meet your needs. For example, you may decide that you don't want a packaged curriculum, but do want a formal math program. You may set up a specific schedule for one child and let another child have more flexibility. You may follow a typical grade-based curriculum this year, and use a topical study method next year. And if it works for your family, then whatever you choose will be the "best" way for you.

Remember to include your child in the planning process. Not only will she or he have lots of good ideas, but learning is usually easier and more fun when the student has some control over the process. Listed below are a few of the things to consider when deciding what homeschooling style is best for your family.

Child's learning style:

Is this a very active child who can't sit still for more than a few minutes, or a dedicated researcher who looks everything up on the Internet? An early bird or a night owl? Trying to force a child to go against his or her natural learning style probably won't be very successful.

Your organizational style:

Do you like to have things planned and organized in advance or do you prefer to wait and see what happens? Are you comfortable with your child's learning pace, or do you need a formal assessment method? Forcing yourself to go against your own nature will only cause unnecessary stress.

Child's interests and desires:

Does your child enjoy workbooks? Hands-on projects? Reading? Will he or she tackle any problem if it involves a specific favorite topic (i.e. Egypt, or horses)? Children do love to learn, but they have their own ideas of how and what they want to learn, which should be taken into consideration.

Your family's lifestyle:

Are your days pretty regular and calm, or do you have frequent upsets? Is there a baby or toddler in the house? Do you have outside activities to schedule around? Does a parent's work schedule frequently change? Allow enough flexibility to deal with other events and surprises.

Your financial situation:

What kinds of materials can you afford to buy? What materials are available to borrow, rent, or buy second-hand? If you can't afford a high-speed computer connection, then you don't need some of the newest computer-based programs.

Available resources:

What educational resources are available in your community? Check out local homeschooling groups, youth groups, and libraries. If your library has family activities each week, you may want to include them as a regular part of your schedule. If an art or cultural event is coming to town, you may want to jump ahead and study that particular topic. Take advantage of what's offered, when it's offered.

Don't feel that you have to have it all planned out before you start homeschooling. Get some basic ideas of what you want to do and how you want to do it, then just start. Whatever plan you start with, you'll probably revise it numerous times as you go along--and that's okay! One of the many advantages of homeschooling is that you aren't locked into one teaching theory or style. If what you try first doesn't work, or if your circumstances change, you're free to change your methods at any time. You'll probably find many right answers along the way. And that is the right way.

 

Copyright © 2007 by Barbara Klapperich Senn