How do I choose curriculum? Curriculum resources are useful and makeour job much easier, but remember they are a means to an end, not an end in themselves.
Don’t rush out and buy books. Before you buy any resources take a look at what stage of learning your child is in. Human beings are designed to learn in different ways at different stages in their lives. As a home schooling parent, this is the most important thing you need to consider for, if you try to teach your child according to the needs of one stage while he is in another, your success will be limited. Both you and your child will be frustrated.
Your child’s learning happens in three stages:
Stage 1: Basics
(age 5-11)
At this stage, your children are designed to memorize.
It is the time to expose them to as much memorization as possible: numbers, times tables, letters of the alphabet, phonics and spelling patterns, poems, songs, scripture....
Read to your children every day, and talk to them. They will remember virtually everything you say. Encourage them to read all they can and discuss the things they are learning.
Language Arts - learn through Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing, Discussion.
Reading is assisted by learning phonics rules. Ultimately, the best readers are children who have been read to regularly, not necessarily those who have learned to read themselves at an early age. Be sure to include literary fantasy, a foundation for developing logical thought.
Writing - Begin by tracing letters to develop handwriting. Later, copy text (from classical works, the Bible, poetry....). Write letters, a journal, poems, stories.... At this age spelling patterns (rules) are more easily memorized.Work on relevant words from the children’s written material. Natural Speller is a good resource. Punctuation, capitals, and grammar can be taught when the student is writing.
Vocabulary is best taught by means of good Literature. Keep reading to them, always above their own reading level. If you think you need resources, you might consider WordlyWise, First Language Lessons for the Well Trained Mind, English from the Roots Up.
Math is logical, fun, and practical. If children are not enjoying it, maybe the approach needs to be changed. Start with hands-on: measuring foods; counting buttons, then money and minutes on a clock; pizza & other fractions; musical timing. A favourite of home schooled families, Math-U-See teaches concepts before functions, and helps children truly understand Math.
Select resources that serve your child; don’t try to apply your child to a resource.
Stage 2: Logic
(age 12-14)
Almost suddenly, memorization becomes less appealing, and the child is not interested in seat work. Now discussion & analysis should become the heart of the curriculum. If students do nothing else, it is important that they read good material and discuss it, preferably with their parents. The parents need not read all the material that the students do but must be available to listen to each child’s impressions and thoughts and offer their own perspective -an adult perspective.
Content should include study of historical and literary heroes and saints and consideration as to why they are heroes and saints. Main reading should be in the areas of history, classical literature, scripture, and should include fiction, science, and math concepts or theories. Discussion should accompany most of what is read.
This is a good time to study the basics of Public Speaking and Debate. Students need to develop an understanding of what is logical and what is illogical. They need to recognize how emotion may enter into a discussion or debate and cause deviation from logic.
Remember, at this stage students need todevelop their ability to think.
Stage 3: Communication
(age 15-18)
Students now employ the skills developed inthe two previous stages.
Writing becomes the heart of the curriculum.Students should spend most of their time reading, analyzing, researching, and writing.
Because the curriculum revolves around the need to express oneself, students begin to realize that they always need to know more.Gradually, they develop an interest in acquiring information, and they find new enjoyment in the poetic, beginning to employ effective and persuasive language.
Have students take notes when they read or listen so they have facts they can refer to in their writing. Encourage them to look at Science, Literature, and news items with an eye for comment and criticism; and have them write essays and articles in all subject areas.
They should write a number of essays throughout the year, write letters to editors or politicians, and explore creative writing such as poetry and song. They should study and participate in Debate and find opportunities tospeak in public.
NOTE: When studying subjects such as Math, History and Sciences, don’t be tempted to teach these by rote memorization. At this stage, students will learn best by striving to truly understand the subject and be capable of expressing what they have discovered.At the end of this 3-stage approach to learning, students will be well-prepared for post-secondary training and adult life.
Kenneth Noster is a WISDOM Founder. He and his wife Marlane home educated their 6 children through high school.