How to Home School Your Child - Basic Math and Language Skills

Computer activities have another major advantage. Children must learn to use computers from an early age. Our entire society is now based on knowledge of technology. By the time your child reaches a sixth grade level, he should be completely familiar with Windows or Mac OS, Microsoft Office products, and internet searches. Using the computer at an early age teaches them how to manipulate a mouse, how to type, and how those actions appear on the screen.

Science

Science concepts are most easily learned by doing. Reading a textbook or telling a child how something works is helpful, but that isn’t where the lesson should end. One of the fallbacks of public school is that children are mostly taught using textbooks, with little hands on interaction. Public schools simply don’t have the time or resources for every child to have the opportunity for hands-on learning on a daily or weekly basis. As a homeschooler, you have the ability to give your child that edge.

Stock up on science supplies to perform all types of experiments. Physical science can be taught through observation at parks, on nature walks, through rock collecting, at nature centers, or at your department of conservation. Biological sciences can be taught using hands-on models easily purchased online. Seeing a miniature of a plant, animal, or a human being that shows the various parts of the plant or body can go a long way towards helping children absorb knowledge.

Children who learn about science through hands-on learning activities are more likely to utilize that knowledge in the future. They will have a love of science and perhaps even grow up to be veterinarians, nurses, or doctors.

Social Science

Social sciences should be taught using primarily open discussion. Textbooks are, of course, important. Children need to learn names, dates, and events. Some of this can only be ingrained through memorization. But textbooks have limitations. It is said that history is written by the victor. Textbooks are every bit as guilty of that as anything else. You can use uncommon resources to supplement learning. You can teach your child how to see history and current events from different points of view. This encourages them to be more open to the experiences of others. In addition, it teaches them more about the event than they would ever learn in public school.

Another side of social sciences that children in public school do not see is the ability to draw conclusions and form opinions about that history or even current events. Open discussion is often discouraged in public schools. Teachers do not have time to both teach the basics while also fostering discussion that can include all students. This is the largest reason that most children find social studies completely pointless. They know they are being forced to learn about history but they often don’t have the slightest idea why it is important to do so.

When you are homeschooling, you have all the time in the world to spend on open discussion. You can ask children why they think events happened the way they did. You can ask them what outcomes might have been different if pivotal events had not occurred or been altered in some way. You can apply cause and effect of events in history to what is going on in the world today. You are teaching your child to think outside the box and address issues from all angles.

This deductive reasoning is important in every aspect of life. By teaching your child to question events, explore options, and search for the truth, you will help them become more productive members of society. This type of thinking creates informed voters, as well as businessmen, lawyers, or even politicians.

This is an excerpt from the book: How to Home School Your Child and Develop a Well Trained Mind