by Kristi Walker

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2008

Trying to answer the question of how to homeschool your children is an impossible task. That statement is almost as easy to answer as how to be a "good" parent. Actually, I'd say it's an oxymoron. There are no molds to homeschooling, because children don't come in little molds. They are their own unique individual and all homeschooling methods should be adapted to each child's ability to truly learn.

There are, of course, difinitive learning methods for the parents to choose from. This is really more about what THEY,the parents, are comfortable with more so than how they should actually approach each child with a successful learning method. To say that any curriculum or method is "how" to homeschool your child, is simply incorrect, even if it is the simplest answer and the one most people want to hear.

Every child will learn and comprehend the information provided to them in a different way. They will have unique perceptions and unique methods for understanding each subject. That's one of the primary reasons that I chose to homeschool my four children. I wanted to give them every opportunity to learn in their way.

I currently have an 8th grader, a 3rd grader, a 1st grader and one in K-4. None of them learn in exactly the same way. My 8th grader takes direction very well and is highly self motivated. I use more traditional textbooks and computer correspondence with him. The others, not so much.

My 3rd grader is artistic and learns very well using visuals. He takes the information in better if he can "see" what I'm teaching him. A perfect example was his multiplication tables. He couldn't understand as well with traditional methods like writing them out and memorizing them. So, I took pens and literally lined them up. Four rows of four equaled sixteen pens. Therefore, four times four equaled sixteen. He still mentally visualizes when multiplying and rarely misses a single problem. Traditional memorization worked best with my oldest child.

My 1st grader is incredibly gifted and self motivated. She can take information in verbally, visually and using traditional methods. Therefore, she's very easy to teach. However, she's also impatient. She wants to learn it all right now. I have to provide her with a broader range of textbooks and computer curriculum so that she has variety. It works wonderfully for her. My oldest would become frustrated that way because he needs method and continuity. My 3rd grader would simply be confused.

My youngest is still a mystery. I'll figure her out as we go and determine what method works best for her. That's the absolute beauty of homeschooling.

We also incorporate a homeschooling co-op, a large homeschool band, debate and soccer into our "homeschooling", just like a traditional school environment would include. It's really completely up to the parents.

My biggest advice is don't become so bogged down with traditional methods that you lose sight of the reason you homeschool. Providing your child with the most comprehensive and compelling learning experience is the most important goal. Preparing them for a successful educational experience is your brass ring. Don't get hung up on the how's of doing that so much as making sure that the "how" you've chosen is actually working. Every child is different and should be honored and loved enough to respect that. Isn't that how we'd all like to be treated and taught when we learn new things? They are just little people learning and understanding new things. Treat them that way. They, and you, will have a much better homeschooling experience for it.

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