There have been many questions around "Homeschooling - especially the younger children in the age group 2 to 4 years.
HOW DO WE START?
WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN WE USE?
WHEN DO WE START TO TEACH THEM TO READ AND WRITE?
WHAT ABOUT SKILLS IN NUMERACY?
WHAT AND HOW DO WE TEACH THEM?
HOW DO WE ASSESS THEM?
HOW DO WE KNOW WHETHER THEY ARE AT PAR WITH OTHER SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN OF THEIR AGE?
Then there are questions that enlist so many issues and concerns -
My child doesn't listen.
He doesn't like to sit in one place.
She isn't interested in activities I plan,
doesn't want to write. This list goes on and on...
I would like to suggest a few points to the parents of children looking for homeschooling -
Homeschooling is a philosophy, an approach, a lifestyle change and it definitely is not about creating a school at home.
Homeschooling is not about seeking ready-made curriculums but finding your own learning and living rhythm. It is about customizing learning to suit the needs of your child.
Homeschooling is not about buying a curriculum and forcing your child to go through something that someone totally unconnected with your child has created and has vouched that it is the best solution to your child's learning needs.
Homeschooling is not about wanting your child to be at par with the schooling children. It is not about adhering to learning milestones set by curriculums. It is about being happy and comfortable with what your child is learning without comparing whether they are have achieved a milestone or not.
Words such as slow learners, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorders, learning disorders do not have a place in Homeschooling. Each child is unique and learns at their own pace. The problem doesn't lie in the child - but the adult who makes standardized demands.
Homeschooling parents need to do their own research before entering this journey. #Read books, #blogs, watch #videos, listen to #podcasts. The least that parents can do is search for Facebook groups and read the responses to various queries that have been raised by other parents. Go through the "topic" section and take time and effort to go through all the resource material people have uploaded.
Participate in various FB Live sessions and seminars. Design, develop and direct a learning program along with your child.
Enjoy and have fun in the homeschooling journey.