To some parents learning styles are the driving force behind curriculum choice. For others, it is directly related to their life philosophy and for yet another group it may be the method that directs their choice. Each of these has an important part to play in curriculum choice, which will be discussed in the next part of this e-course, but for today let’s examine the major differences.
Discovering Learning Styles
Determining your child’s learning style can be useful for you so that you can understand better how your child thinks and acts. It is helpful to attend a seminar or do a brain profile when your children have been in the school system and you are beginning your homeschooling journey so that you can discover their learning preferences.
For those parents who have young children, or who have always had their children with them, it is an easier task as you can spend time watching your children and see how they interact with their world. Cynthia Tobias’ book The Way They Learn is especially helpful in this area.
The ways we think and acquire knowledge have be classified as follows:
Concrete Sequential – a predictable person who does not like surprises. They are systematic and organised and have a strict black and white outlook on life. They do not easily take risks.
Abstract Sequential – a very deliberate person who like things done correctly. They love information and are great thinkers.
Abstract Random – an outgoing sociable person. They care more about the people and the feelings of others than about the task at hand. They are highly sensitive and are often the peacemakers in the family.
Concrete Random - an on-the-go person who likes to initiate projects and accomplish much. They sometimes seem impatient but are actually highly instinctive people, whose intuitions are mostly right.
It is important to identify your own and your children’s learning styles. Homeschool consultant, Martie du Plessis travels the country offering seminars and private family consultations to help homeschoolers choose the correct course for their unique families. Invest in your family’s education – to find out more or to book your consultation, go to Dynamis Learning.
Philosophies
A homeschool philosophy is a school of thought that a parent subscribes to which is complemented by certain homeschooling methods. Philosophies are adopted through reading books written by educationalists in the homeschooling and education realms.
There are a few basic philosophies that drive the homeschool movement. You can read more about these in Shirley’s book Homeschooling the Primary Years and then dig deeper into the ones that attract you.
Methods
The homeschooling method that you choose to follow will be an outworking of your belief system. If you believe that a child should work independently from a young age, you will probably choose a curriculum which trains your children in this aspect. If you are a parent who seeks to be involved with your children’s learning process, then you will choose a programme which facilitates this. If you are happy with a textbook approach, then there are many curricula which following this method.
There are families who choose curriculum or methods based on lifestyle and religious walks as well as traditional methods followed in schools. Each family must decide what suits THEIR particular situation.
Martie du Plessis, an experienced homeschooling consultant, reports that in consulting over 8000 families she finds the following: 85% of homeschooling families change their curriculum after about 2 years. 87% of families waste time trying to duplicate school at home, only 13% manage to find another way and these families are making a significant impact on society.
So ask yourself, do you want to be in the 13% or the 87%?
Do your homework and find out what programmes and materials would best suit your family and the individual learning styles of each child. Get professional advice, if necessary, to avoid making a costly mistake.
Homeschooling is not SCHOOL at home. You don’t need tests and records. You aren’t teaching 35 kids in a class like a teacher – you will know exactly how your child is progressing because you will see his work daily.
Watch the 6 x 1 hour webinars for parents who are Starting Homeschooling – by author and veteran homeschool mom of 6, Shirley Erwee.
Watch these to avoid the most common mistakes made by new homeschoolers.
Suggested Reading
Coming up in Part 5 of this E-course: Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum
Top of Learning Styles