The traditional “school at home” method which is similar to the different subjects being taught class after class in a regular school is not the only method that can be used for homeschooling. A number of more relaxed and flexible methods are often used by homeschooling parents. Here are a few of these techniques and a brief look at how you can incorporate them into your own homeschooling curriculum.
[am4show have=’p8;p9;p11;p38;’ guest_error=’Guest error message’ user_error=’User error message’ ]
Unit Studies
This is an integrated way of teaching the child a number of different subject related material based on one central topic or theme. It enhances the creative skills of the child and allows him to explore different aspects of the same topic. It helps the child to learn without any fixed and rigid subject structure. The method does need some preparation by the parent before it can be implemented at the level of the child. It includes field trips and hands on activities to help understand the topic better.
Montessori Method
This method was first advocated by Dr Maria Montessori who said that learning was a natural, and self-directed process for the child. Dr Maria said that the learning process followed certain fundamental laws of nature. It was the job of the teaching to guide the child to follow this learning curve on his own. The teacher must not force her own preconceived prejudices on the child. The child is allowed to learn at his own pace and sometimes no two children in the class are on the same page.
Unschooling
While the term may sound strange, it was originally coined by John Holt to mean that children were not sent to school. However today the term refers to a method of teaching where the adult steps back and allows the child to learn what he likes, how he likes. learning takes place in a natural way following the interests and passions of the child rather than the syllabus approved by the state. While this method allows the child a great measure of creative freedom in gaining his own education, it can make record keeping a bit difficult for the parents.
Article Inspiration: About Homeschooling
[/am4show]