Planning Prompts for Interest-Led Learning

by on June 7, 2010
in methods & philosophies · 3 Comments

The following is a guest post written by Christie Burnett of Childhood 101.

As an educator passionate about interest-led learning, I know that planning for and recording a child’s learning journey is about so much more than which subjects or developmental areas have been covered. Typically the exploration of a child’s area of interest will encompass multiple subject areas, some of which I am unable to even predict when I first notice the onset of a new fascination.

As a result I have always found it more helpful to brainstorm about the interest in a way which helps to set a context for the learning. This prompts me to consider the potential of the environment, literature, resources, creative expression, and even the community as learning resources.

These are the prompts I use when brainstorming the learning potential of a child’s interest. [Read more...]

Keeping up with the Homeschooling Joneses

by on June 4, 2010
in methods & philosophies · 13 Comments

One of the worst mistakes rookie homeschooling parents can make — and sometimes veteran ones do, too — is to compare their kids with another.

“Little Betsy is studying German and French and taking college-level algebra. Her vocal instructor says she has the voice of an angel.”

And while it’s wonderful for Little Betsy, it’s possible that in comparison your own little one, who is fluent in Pig Latin and loves to sing about how Batman smells, might seem less than admirable.

You may start to wonder: Is my child falling behind? Is she missing out on something? Should she be spending two hours a day on Rosetta Stone? Perhaps you’ll even begin to doubt your ability to give a decent education to your child. Don’t go there.

You will be miserable trying to live up to someone else’s expectations, and your child will be miserable forced to follow someone else’s schedule. [Read more...]

Preparing to Funschool this Summer

by on May 7, 2010
in family time · 16 Comments

When we first started homeschooling, I saw summer as a way of preparing for the next year–a few months to dedicate to intense schooling and perhaps, complete half of the next grade-level.

Looking back, I clearly see that this was a totally unrealistic goal, not to mention an unpleasant way to spend the summer. Given the choice, almost no child would chose schoolwork over fun in the summer months. That’s not to say they are opposed to learning. I firmly believe that most children are wired to learn, but on their own terms.

There is no better time to let them explore their own interests — without the constraints of “school” — than during a long summer vacation. For us, that means taking full advantage of the outdoors and local activities.

Although we are relaxed homeschoolers, we are part of a charter school, and therefore must abide by their rules — we have to participate in standardize tests and turn in a certain amount of busywork every month. Summer is a welcomed break from all that and through our years, I’ve learned to embrace the freedom, rather than abuse it to “get ahead.” [Read more...]

Curious about Unschooling?

by on April 30, 2010
in methods & philosophies · 42 Comments

Did you know that at least 100,000 kids in the US are considered “unschooled?” And after Good Morning America’s segment on unschooling last week, outraged educators and concerned grandparents are linking arms.

But what’s the truth? What’s it like to be unschooled? What are those parents thinking?!

As a mom of three unschooled kids, including one who became a National Merit Scholar, allow me to explain.

Unschooling is Built on Two Simple Observations:

[Read more...]

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