Home Schooling: Origins
This alternative means of education actually originated in 1906 in the United States in Baltimore, Maryland. It was promoted as the “curriculum in a box” partnered with a National Geographic ad. It became very popular, and in 100 years has spread to ninety other nations across the world.
Home Schooling: Your Options
The methodology with which homeschooling is ultimately carried out have proven to be pretty effective. Yet, there is room for improvement. This is due to the fact the needs and requirements of learners change. So, now there are more spin-offs (modifications) of traditional home schooling methods.
Let’s take a look at some of these. You can choose a style of home schooling which will hopefully invigorate your child, and stimulate him or her to enjoy Learning.
First of all, if you have a child who is developmentally challenged, the first thing to do is have your child examined and diagnosed by a doctor. Of course, if your Kid has Aspergers, he/she will then have more options as aspergers is a higher-functioning disability.
*NOTE: If you are not comfortable sending your youngster to public or private school, a tutor or private educator is another way to go. See this post for tutoring recommendations (eHow.com article).
Special Needs Children: Resource Guide
The National Academy for Child Development – designs very specific home educational and therapeutic programs
for infants and children given the labels: Learning Disabled, ADD, ADHD, Hyperactive, Down Syndrome, Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome, Dyslexic, Williams Syndrome, Tourettes Syndrome, Rhetts Syndrome, Developmentally Delayed,
PDD, Autistic, Fragile X, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injured, & Gifted .
Home Schooling: A List of Alternative Choices
- Montessori Method– According to Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), learning is a natural, self-directed process which follows certain fundamental laws of nature.
- Charlotte Mason – an innovative educator. Charlotte Mason Books
- Eclectic Home Schooling – Eclectic Homeschooling Method – An Eclectic Homeschooler is one who looks at the different approaches and methods of homeschooling and takes from each, forming his own unique philosophy.
- Classical Education Method
- Traditional, or School at Home method
- Unit Studies Approach – The Unit Studies Approach integrates all school subjects together into one theme or topic.
- Waldorf Education Method – Based on the research of an Austrian scientist
- Unschooling or Natural Learning Method
- Self-Taught Schooling Grades 6 – 12. Video Learning, emphasis on critical thinking & full year on Teen Finances.
*Note: The above list is compiled from about.com. More Info: FAQ’s on Home Schooling
Home Schooling: Keeping it Exciting
It is essential to find fresh ways to stimulate your young children to learn – it is important that they don’t get bored, so look for ideas online. There are real good lessons to be learned outside the traditional classroom too – in the community. Thus, homeschooling field trips can be planned.
Home Schooling Tips: A Video
Home Schooling Field Trips
More Ideas & Inspiration
Initially, seek input from your youngster. Find out what they’re interests are. Suggestions for fun activities should be entertained, as well. Sometimes, a trip to the waterslide is in order. Or go to a farm, and let the kids ride horses and get acquainted with the animals. Mix it up.
It is so important that your kids are stimulated, and can enjoy the atmosphere of learning. This will go a long way. And since kids have shorter attention spans, something special should be planned other than just traditional lectures or lessons. Taking this into consideration, doing field trips to art galleries, libraries, & the local zoo may just do the trick for the youngsters.
In general, the usual methods and techniques of home school may not always apply, for each child. Modify these as you see fit. And always keep the best interests of the individual child in mind.
FACTOID: Did you know that both Albert Einstein and Ben Franklin were home schooled?
More reading: Homeschooling Field Trips and Home Schooling Requirements
From eHow.com: Teaching Life Skills Home School: Record Keeping
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