Homeschooling K-12 - 5 Pitfalls To Avoid As Parents Of Homeschooled K-12 Students

By Author: Margit Barreras
Total Articles: 1
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Teaching is not a perfect science. There are so many variables. Students, teachers, environment the list could go on forever! Here are 5 of the more common pitfalls that can be avoided if you are aware of them!

Pitfall 1: Teaching every single thing in the outlined curriculum

When facing any curriculum for the first time you must understand "what " in fact the curriculum is and how you might use it in your program. Curriculum are designed to teach materials to a cross section of learners. Therefore it is filled to the brim with materials so that every obvious category of learner is catered to. It would then be an almost ridiculous notion to think you are intended to cover the materials in their entirety, regardless of their relevance to your learner.

Solution:

Take your time to understand the outlined "objectives" and decide how you might USE the curriculum as a teaching tool to meet these objectives.

Pitfall 2: Thinking "more" is better

I have observed many well intentioned educators urge a student to write just one more sentence.

"You wrote the first 3 sentences so beautifully, ...
... just write 3 more."

As I watched a whole creative writing experience unravel I was left asking "What would 3 more sentences have told us?" Quantity does not communicate depth of understanding. It merely tells us that a particular student has a particular ease with this form of expression. A student able to produce small amounts of good quality self expression may be insulted and intellectually derailed by such a thoughtless request.

Solution:

Be open to sharing with your student that you are looking for thoughtful works that spark your curiosity. Encourage thoughtful and meaningful communication with regards to the curriculum content. Being positive and curious are two behaviors kids enjoy most.

Pitfall 3: Involving the learner in the adult aspects of the program

Home teaching can be an all too consuming job at the best of times. Often we will openly air our frustrations or expectations without considering what little ears may be hearing. Many homeschooling parents were not home schooled themselves and carry with them their own educational expectations. Releasing these and entering the un-schooling mode for many is a difficult transition.

Solution:

Have a homeschooling "confidante" that you are able to communicate with openly to air all pent up feelings! (out of the range of little ears of course!)

Pitfall 4: Not allowing time for student to "play" with concepts in learning

As adults we often get far to serious about the context of learning. Some of the most profound learning experiences or discoveries happen quite by accident. Think of the guy who sat in his bath tub and realized the water level rose!

Solution:

See play as the "active research" portion of your program. Playful minds are curious minds open to discover! Keep an eye on those water level rising moments! They are there.

Pitfall 5: Forgetting learning can be fun!

Again in the terribly serious world of adulthood we often forget learning can actually be fun. It is very difficult to judge what your child is going to be fully engaged in . Your student may find something you deplore, fun. How could this be? Well you are different people and different things will resonate with each of you.

Solution:

Draw a venn diagram with your child and fill in your differences and similarities. This will help both of you appreciate participating in different aspects of one another lives - whether you find it fun or not!

Live, learn and compromise!

Homeschooling has many paths and we all eventually find one that suits the needs of our family grouping. If you are looking for support and more ideas check out http://www.K12HomeschoolSupport.com