The arboretum plans got rained out, but my friend Michelle and I sat around and talked home school philosophy. We agreed that why you home school dictates how you home school. You need to know why you want/feel called to do it. If you think the only thing wrong with school is the political bias, you'll probably "school at home." If you think the whole concept of school crushes the child's natural aptitude for learning, you'll probably "unschool." Unless you firmly believe in the school model (sticking to a professionally prepared curriculum teaches discipline!) You need to know what your style of teaching is and what your kids styles of learning are. What do you want your kids to be like (generally) when you are done? How much structure do you and/or your kids need to be happy?
I think Michelle and I are both information geeks (except she has a much better fashion sense!), so we could talk all day about multiple intelligences and educational theories. She showed me a book full of charts to help you think through all these issues. It was called 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style.
3 comments:
I want to read that book!
I think I approach teaching my kids a lot like I approach feeding them--I believe in the power of their natural appetite, but it's my job to guard them against filling up on junk and to make sure their diet is balanced. I try to present the food well so that they will enjoy eating it. And sometimes DOB and I like something so much they'll just have to suffer along with it!
This is why I love your blog!!!
I love the way Q.O.C. stated that!
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