I’ve stated before that every family has different reasons for choosing to homeschool. Likewise, each family’s homeschool goals are also unique. Some may plan for their kids to be educated enough to go to an Ivy League School. Others may homeschool simply in hopes to get their child to graduate. Still others primary goal in homeschooling is to give them a deep religious background in their education. So what about our family? What are our goals? Let’s get into it.
Goal #1 A Love for Learning
My primary goal with homeschooling is that my children will enjoy learning. I want them to realize learning isn’t something we have to do, but is actually something we get to do.
There are so many ways that I go about this.
First of all, I attempt to make learning fun and enjoyable by choosing a curriculum that works well for that child. A child who loves to read is going to thrive in a literature based curriculum, but a child who hates creative writing is NOT going to be content if expected to write a novel over the course of the year.
Secondly, I give them the ability to modify the curriculum to an extent. For example, if they can prove to me they understand how to do the work, I let them skip a few pages until a new concept is introduced. There have even been times we have skipped half of a year’s curriculum.
In addition, we often put the curriculum aside and learn the material in a different way. We may practice math problems outside with sidewalk chalk, turn facts they need to memorize into songs, measure actual objects instead of just pictures in a book.
There are also times that I turn the table and ask them to teach me for a little while. I may purposely make some silly mistakes to see if they can correct them.
Real life is also a major way we make learning fun. We learn by exploring nature, talking to those who came before us, playing board games, baking, and so much more! Learning is not limited to a curriculum.
Goal #2 How To Learn
I have heard many parents and teachers discuss how the public schools sometimes “teach to the test”. In other words, the school system places so much emphasis on standardized testing, that all they’re really teaching is how to pass.
I do not believe that is true as a whole, but I do believe schools tend to teach a “compliance” method of education. What I mean by this is that often times schools (and parents) will teach something and when questioned simply respond with, “You need to know it because you need to know it. Now learn it.”
There is very little explanation, and very little encouragement to find answers for themselves.
In a world full of technology, teaching children how to research and learn things for themselves is one of my top priorities.
The primary way that I accomplish this goal is by fueling their curiosity. When we are outside, watching a movie, reading a book, or just about anywhere, and one of kids says, “Mommy? I wonder how/why/who/when….?” I respond with, “That’s a great question! Let’s write it down and we’ll see if we can find an answer soon.”
And then when we get a moment, I try to sit down with them and look up a video on YouTube, or find a book, or even just an Internet article that answers their question. In a pinch, asking the Echo Dot works too 🙂
Goal #3 How To Read
While my first two homeschooling goals were a bit generalized, the third one is more specific: I want my children to know how to read well.
I emphasize being able to read to the point that we teach very little else the first year or two of homeschooling. Why? Because if a child knows how to read, they can teach themselves anything.
I am not naive enough to believe that I will be capable of teaching my kids everything they ever needed to know. But I am well aware that if they can read, they can learn anything!
And, like Frederick Douglas once said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
Goal #4 That Learning Is Never Limited
My final homeschooling goal is that my kids will forever know learning is not limited. I want them to know they should never be finished learning. I want them to know learning is NOT limited to a classroom, a curriculum, a clock, a calendar, or even to childhood. My goal is for them to have open minds, always looking for more information, and new points of view. I want them to know that learning isn’t limited to what the curriculum, the school board, or anyone else says they need to learn.
Instead, I hope that they will learn that they can (and should) learn anything their hearts desire. I hope they realize that every piece of knowledge gained is a blessing to them that can be used to help others. And I hope they know that if they learn how to learn, how to read, and have a true love for learning, they will surpass every single limit anyone ever tries to place on them.