Homeschooling offers the opportunity to teach a children based on what they are interested in. Rather than sitting through lectures on topics they find uninteresting, homeschooled children get to place their focus where they want it most. Homeschoolers should use a child's particular interests to teach the child to be a lifelong learner.
Preparing to Homeschool
The best way to prepare the parent and the child for the homeschool experience is by observation and documentation. Keeping a notebook handy and documenting some of the items below can help to narrow the focus of the child's interests. This gives the parent an idea of how to best capture the child's attention and relate education to the things that actually interest the child.
- Observe the child in his natural surroundings. What types of things does he seem most interested in?
- When the child asks questions, does he seem to understand things better when he is using a hands on approach or when things are verbally explained to him?
- What topic does he excel at? For instance, if the child excels at science, it is very easy to incorporate reading, math and writing into a science lesson plan.
- What type of atmosphere does the child seem to have the best focus in?
- What helps the child to maintain focus?
Using the Homeschool Information
Generally, if a child has a vested interest in a subject, he or she will be more likely to excel in that area. It stands to reason that if that subject can be used in conjunction with others, the child will excel at those as well.
For example, if a child has a heavy interest in science, then writing, math and reading can all be incorporated into the science area. Let the child do the measuring and the math for the experiments as well as the documentation. In one science experiment, 4 or more subjects can be addressed.
It's not just about helping a child to get good grades. It's about showing the child how any experience can be a learning experience – hence the term "lifelong learner." If adults look at their own lives, they will see that they subconsciously use this method themselves. If someone would have shown them how to do that at a young age, their learning patterns and accomplishments in life would likely be much more enhanced.
It's never too early to begin encouraging children to follow their interests. Children who are encouraged based on their own interests tend to develop confidence in their knowledge of the subject.
