|
 
|
|
|
|
| |
Homeschooling Methods
For many people, homeschooling may call to mind the picture of two
or three children sitting at a table and writing feverishly in their
workbooks, while mom or dad stands nearby. This is the not entirely
true. There are different methods of homeschooling, and the method
you choose will decide the curriculum and your style of teaching.
Given below are some of the most influential and popular
homeschooling methods.
The Charlotte Mason method:
Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of the homeschooling
movement. A homeschooler herself, she was passionate in her zeal to
lay out the foundations for an effective a complete homeschooling
program that is fun and educational at the same time. This method
focuses on all the core subjects with emphasis placed on classical
literature, poetry, fine arts, classical music and craft. Mason used
a variety of books from classical literature, which she called
'Living Books'. Since this method
encourages a passionate awareness of literature, the child is read
to daily from the 'Living Books'. After this, the child is asked to
narrate what she has heard. This process begins at the age of six,
and by ten the child is expected to write her narrations in her
book. Mason also advocated the use of 'Nature Diaries'. After each
short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go to Nature and
draw observations from Nature. Thus the child also gains a sense of
respect for her environment. Mason believed that development of good
character and behavior was essential to the complete development of
the child's personality.
The Eclectic Homeschooling:
This is a mixture of various homeschooling techniques. Here, the
innovative parents trust their own judgment and pick out the topics
that make the best curriculum for their child. Such parents
continuously look out for the best products that will meet the needs
of their homeschoolers. Most Eclectic homeschooling curriculums are
improvised. This means that the basic curriculum is ready-made. The
parents then make changes in the curriculum to accommodate the
individual needs and interests of their children. The child's gifts,
temperament, learning style and interests dictate the curriculum.
Eclectic programs include visits to the museum, libraries and
factories.
Unschooling:
A Boston public educator name John Holt laid the beginnings of the
unschooling method. He believed that children learned best when they
are free to learn at their own pace and when they are guided by
their own interests. His message was to 'unschool' the child. This
method is a hands-on approach to learning, where the parent takes
definite cues from the children. There is no definite curriculum,
schedules or materials. This method is the most unstructured of the
various homeschooling techniques.
The Montessori Method:
This method began in Italy, when it was observed that children have
acute sensitive periods, during which they undergo periods of
intense concentration. During such phases, a child will repeat an
activity till he gains a measure of self-satisfaction. The
Montessori method depends on a prepared environment to facilitate
learning. All the materials used in this method are designed to
satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child. The
materials used progress from simple to complex, and are rather
expensive.
These are just a few of the methods of homeschooling. Whatever the
method, the underlying factor is flexibility and a keen interest in
the desires of the child. The secret is to use the child's desire
for knowledge to further his education. |
|
|
