Three Self-Directed Family Learning Activities
My children were my greatest teachers.
Being aware that we are learning together all the time made it easier for me to create family activities that we could all share. The activities led to extended learning experiences – not just for the kids, but for everyone.
Conversations endured for weeks. Trips to the market resulted in new recipes. Nature walks inspired poetry and science. Museum visits sparked forgotten memories and made us yearn for travel.
Here are three activities that made a lasting difference for us on our homeschooling journey:.
What to Say to the Naysayers
What do you say when people question you, judge you, and don’t believe you? What do you say to the naysayers? As a homeschooler and alternative educator, I have encountered many false judgments and one-sided questions. Here are some of my responses.
Eight Changes We Made After Homeschooling
Every time I see a post about teachers no longer assigning homework, it brings me back to a time when boring, senseless homework ruled our world! School was the elephant in the room that we all catered to. Our lives changed radically when we homeschooled.
Here are the biggest changes that I remember making when we first started homeschooling.
Ten Steps to Successful Homeschooling
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially at first. When I started homeschooling, I didn't know the first step to take. I didn't know what the law was, how to do the required paperwork, how to choose (or create!) a curriculum, or how to find sports and group activities for my son. It took me a month to find NYCHEA because it wasn't listed under the word homeschooling. And then, slowly, with the help of a wonderful support group, I found my way.
Over the past two decades I have sorted through the advice of teachers, parents and friends, and now, through the miracle of hindsight, I feel that I know just what the right steps are to take. I hope that this list will help others who are just starting down this path.
If you have any questions on homeschooling, just ask!
Ten Reasons Why Self-Directed Learning Works So Well
I discovered the child-led approach simply by paying attention to what worked. If my child wasn’t interested, learning simply didn't happen. You can’t force someone to want something, but a good teacher’s enthusiasm can be contagious, and it is possible to inspire interest.
But why go to such lengths when interest is already present? Skills in reading, writing, analysis, communication, presentation (and more), are much easier to acquire when the student’s interest is at the center. Yet I was unprepared for the real results of this approach. My children found their direction much earlier than I had thought possible, seeking higher learning in their chosen areas when they were barely middle school age.
With that in mind, here are 10 reasons why self-directed learning works so well: