Get a couple of earthmovers and construction workers and if there are any kids around, you’re sure to have a rapt audience! Kids are not the only ones who are enthralled – everyone likes watching a building go up. Seeing something take shape where there was nothing before is very satisfying.
Ever wonder how a homeschool is built? It goes something like this:
Foundation The foundation of any homeschool are the reasons for choosing to homeschool. Families choose to homeschool for many different reasons. Some families are unhappy with the academic quality of their local public school while others want to protect their children from bullies and other dangerous situations. Still other families desire to educate their children according to a faith-based worldview or be more proactive in the influences their children encounter. Closer family ties is yet another reason parents choose to homeschool. Some families desire a more laid-back approach to life and learning. These reasons, whatever they may be, become the foundation of the homeschool. Everything from curriculum choices to schedule is built from these reasons.
Framework Curriculum is the framework of homeschool. Just as there are many various reasons to homeschool, so “curriculum” means many things to different families. For some families who “unschool,” the curriculum is whatever life lessons they happen upon that day. Other families design their own curriculum while still other families opt for traditional hardcopy curriculum. These usually come packaged with books and workbooks as well as CDs and DVDs. They can be for one course or an entire year of learning. Or families can take advantage of online options. Web-based learning has proven to be an effective tool for homeschooling. The opportunities are endless, with students able to take one course or an entire comprehensive, year-long program. There are even virtual schools where certified teachers can be involved in the learning. Internet learning is a great choice because it is individualized, easy to access and track progress, flexible, and highly cost-effective. One of the best resources for online curriculum is Global Student Network (www.globalstudentnetwork.com). GSN offers 5 different curricula as well as a virtual academy. The choices GSN provides means any student with any learning style can have a successful educational experience.
Drywall After the foundation is set and the framework is up, it is time for the living space to take shape! The schedule or plan a homeschool family will follow determines how things will look and “flow” – like putting up the walls inside a house. Families choose their schedule based on:
- Age of their children (younger children can usually wrap things up by early afternoon in time to play outside)
- Desired emphasis (extra reading or writing time, a science field trip, a history unit)
- Family needs (travel, chores to keep large family operating, a non-stressful routine)
- Learning needs (time of day or location that works better for some children, optimal learning environment)
- Academic goals (college preparation, professional aspirations)
Doors and Windows Despite its name, homeschooling offers many meaningful connections with the outside world. There are homeschool co-ops, library programs, music lessons, community theater, service projects, sports, museums – so many opportunities to make the whole world your classroom!
Decoration How can you describe exactly what happens to make a house into a home? Every home has its own personality and every family adds its own flair to homeschool, making it uniquely their own. The traditions and memories you create are what transform homeschool from merely education to a family learning together.
Go for it! Build something beautiful!
Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com