mo2 Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 How do you decide what is important in your child's education and what is not? How do you make certain that they know everything they need to know? There is so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 How do you make certain that they know everything they need to know? I don't. I can't possibly teach my kids everything they need to know. No one taught me everything I need to know. I am still learning what I need to know. That's what life's about. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 I don't. I can't possibly teach my kids everything they need to know. No one taught me everything I need to know. I am still learning what I need to know. That's what life's about. :iagree: I was going to post something along the lines of- Gaps? What are gaps? ;) We just keep moving... hopefully in the right direction. Gaps are not something that I sit around and worry about. But, this post was so much better.:D HTH- Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 How do you decide what is important in your child's education and what is not? How do you make certain that they know everything they need to know? There is so much! They're never going to know *everything* they need to know, but you can teach them to learn for themselves. I would start by taking a good look at what you feel is important for the children to learn above and beyond the 3Rs. How important is your religion to you? Art? Foreign languages (and which one)? History or social studies - and what kind, American, state, world, civics? For example, being part Native American, I feel it is important that my child learn more about native cultures and their history, stories, etc, and will spend quite a bit more time on that than someone who places more importance on something else. At this point I have no intention of teaching my child Mandarin or spending a lot of time on the history of the Middle East - they are subjects that are not that important to me. Once you have narrowed your focus a little bit, you can plan on how to approach the subjects you choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 How do you decide what is important in your child's education and what is not? How do you make certain that they know everything they need to know? There is so much! First, realize they will not learn everything they need to know in their first 18 years. Hopefully that will help you breathe more easily. :) Second, I switched my thinking to making sure they have some foundational learning *skills* (as opposed to content, such as history, science, literature), so that they can go on learning content and new skills (whether academic or practical) for the rest of their lives. I make sure my kids get math, writing, how-to-read-how-to-spell, and English grammar. And some Latin practice as far as we can go. And I'll teach them logic and rhetoric skills as they grow, to help them with their writing/thinking skills. Then, we use content reading to practice these skills on. They will not read about every historic figure/time period/event/musician/artist/etc., nor will they learn in depth about every branch of science or read every good lit. book in their time with me. But they will be introduced to major time periods and major science branches, and be allowed to explore within those, practicing their skills on their reading. I'm hoping this will set the stage for a lifetime of studying enjoyment. Hmm...I just reread your question - OK, there are other things I think are important for my kids - I want them to be familiar with the Bible and Christian faith, so we incorporate that into our life. I want them to have living skills, so we incorporate chores, cooking, baking, helping out with household projects, grocery shopping, etc.. hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Totally agree with Aurelia's and Colleen's well-stated responses, and agree that those big picture educational, spiritual, and life skills goals need to come FIRST -- academics are very much secondary, as they are just the MEANS to reaching your goals. :) As far as academic specifics, The Well Trained Mind is very thorough in listing subject areas and specifics to consider covering -- though, again, you must adapt that to your own family's interests, strengths, gifts and priorities. In addition, I find the Core Knowledge series of books "What Your .... Grader Needs to Know" to be helpful -- covering general education subjects and facts that are good for any student to know. Throughout elementary school grades, we would just read through sections of whichever grade level books we were at, about 2 pages a day, several days a week, during our morning "together time". And finally, while I don't use these as strict checklists -- but more as "idea lists" -- the Curriculum Standards (listing typical course of study by grade level) at the World Book website can be helpful: http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?curriculum Like the other ladies suggest: - first let go of the idea that anyone ever "learns it all" or "covers it all" - do some reading/research to help think about what is important to your family - talk to other homeschoolers for ideas of what they cover or find important - discuss, think about and determine what are YOUR family's educational goals - and then find programs that help you best meet YOUR family's educational goals BEST of luck! Warmly, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielle Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 You can't do everything, but if you follow WTM even loosely, you will be teaching WAY more than most public school kids get. I recently heard a talk by a children's librarian and a reading specialist, and the literature they were describing was so EASY compared to what we read. A lot of what I consider to be classics have been eliminated because of politically correct problems (I say this shaking my head, even though I'm definitely politically liberal). Books such as The Sign of the Beaver are out. Many Newberry books--out. Many of the books SWB considers pre-high school are now assigned as high school because they're too hard--Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde were two mentioned by the librarian. In fact, in our school system, kids don't get any world history until 8th grade--everything else is american history, civics, state history, and a mashup of social studies (geography). Don't even get me started on art, music, art/music history--dd's orchestra teacher was actually shocked that she was conversant about Chopin (in 9th grade!!) Dd's strong suit is definitely not math, but she's at least at the level with all the honors programs had she gone to our local high school. We did a different science plan than WTM, (World of... books in 5th, Jason Project in 6th, Chem 3000 in 7th, Conceptual Physics in 8th) but dd's science knowledge is way beyond her ps 9th grade peers. Looking back, I think one of the main factors was just time--hsing wastes so much less than sitting around in regular school--assemblies, lining up, waiting---even in high school level, dd can take 8-9 subjects in the time the ps offers 6, and she practices harp 3 hours per day. Over the years, this extra time available for study makes a tremendous difference. Yes, she's really busy and we've always done a full day, 5 day school schedule, but she also doesn't have tons of homework every nite (unless she slacks off during the day). So I don't think she's any more "stressed out" than the ps kids, and she's getting a lot more bang for time invested. What's good, what you need to do, etc. should be evaluated, imho, for what you think is important to learn. But also consider, "compared to what" and you might feel comforted. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKaye Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 A quick answer: IMO Classical Education is about teaching our kids to have a desire to educate themselves for a lifetime. I hope my kids will have a desire to be lifetime learners. I hope I am teaching my kids skills that will help them be able to solve problems, think for themselves etc... I don't see myself as trying to teach them everything that there is to learn. (That is what Core Knowledge is about, and I know I forget things that I am not currently reviewing and studying.) I've noticed the kids and I enjoy learning better when we slow down and spend time reading, doing experiments, fieldtrips etc... not just hurrying so we can check off that we have completed a curriculm book on time. I have to admit I do worry if my kids are going to be able to spell well, write well without me reminding them to not be sloppy, and all the others things that nag me in the back of my mind. I want them to be good at everything but I know that is unrealistic so I keep reminding myself of two of my goals which are to teach them how to learn and have a desire to keep learning. I think it is going to be really important when they are highschool age to focus in on a few areas that my kids excell in to give them more time improve certain areas, but I am learning daily that we can't do everything! OK, so I couldn't leave a quick comment, but I could go on, however lunch break is over. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MistyJ Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 I think about this question a lot. It helps me to think about what I knew when I graduated from college at 22, from a very good, private college on the east coast. Not so much! And I was a good student, who studied broadly, graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts. I agree with others who have stated that my job is to instill a love of learning, a curiosity about the world and logic and reason, so my children can spot bad reasoning when they see it (while learning about the love of our good God as witnessed by my husband and me). My learning didn't stop at high school or college. I am still filling in gaps in my learning in history and science, and enjoying it so much. Perhaps our concerns about gaps come from the artificiality of public school objectives? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 I once went to a talk by Tammy Duby (of Tobin's Lab) on that very topic. The bottom line is that EVERY student will have gaps, but since we are homeschoolers, we get to choose our gaps. Seriously, though, I find WTM to be very thorough. If I'm trying my best to follow it, I think I will hit the major points, and my children will learn how to learn so they can fill in the minor points themselves later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barefoothomeschooler Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I like to do checks for gaps 2 times a year. Usually half way through and then at the end. We found tons of gaps this year in our Language Arts - grammar and writing. We went back to the basics. I just had the kids tested and was delightfully suprised!!! they test grades above level in everything but math (on level there), even my 6 year old tested at 3rd grade level in areas. So nice to get outside ideas sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shenan Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Its those who try really hard not to leave gaps that fail. The stress in trying to accomplish it all can be overwhelming on the child(ren) and create burn-out on the mom. Your child can be above grade level in English, Math and Science, but that doesn't mean you aren't still leaving gaps somewhere. I wouldn't rely on tests to tell me how my children are fairing educationally. Tests DO NOT measure intelligence! Maybe your children have gaps in their Biblical knowledge. Or their behavior seems to be a little out of whack. Or they aren't getting along very well with their siblings. Which gaps would you rather your child have? Would you rather they have gaps in English or gaps in their behavior. (if your a spiritual person, would you rather the gap be in their walk with the Lord?) I'm still filliing in my own gaps and I ain't no spring chicken. I understand how you feel though. We hold our children's future in our hands. If they end up panhandling in the streets because they can't get a job due to my inferior teaching practices, I would be devasted. If I leave (GASP!) gaps does that mean I have ruined/destroyed their future? I'm totally with ya on that feeling! ;) Relax and enjoy your homeschooling adventure. They grow quick! Don't spend your time fretting over gaps. Spend your time enjoying each other's company, bonding and learning together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterbabs Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 (edited) I have a copy of my state's standards of learning. We don't follow them, but they're an okay reference. We only report for math and language arts prior to high school, and I'm confident in the curriculum we are using this year (CLE). This hasn't always been the case; the math book Yacko used last year leaves much to be desired, I think, and we're going to have to work hard to get up caught up to a reasonable place. Edited July 14, 2009 by skaterbabs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I don't ensure that. It's not possible. There's simply too much out there for me to teach them everything they need to know. School certainly didn't teach me everything I needed to know, so I know it's not a homeschooling issue. What I do make sure is that they can read well, so that they are capable of learning anything they want to know. And I teach them as much as I can in the time I have them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyW Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I teach everything I think they should learn, then supplement with What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know. I find this teaches a lot of the things kids in public schools learn, plus a lot of other stuff. It's a great fill-in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyWifeandMommy Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I use the What Your __ Graders Needs To Know and I buy the Spectrum PrepTest for my daughter's grade. I know that I cannot teach her everything but we do want her to keep up with others in her grade at least in what is covered in the local district. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 How does that old saying go? . . . "Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and he eats throughout life." I strive to teach "how to learn anything", as well as teach the usual expected subjects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Its those who try really hard not to leave gaps that fail. The stress in trying to accomplish it all can be overwhelming on the child(ren) and create burn-out on the mom. Your child can be above grade level in English, Math and Science, but that doesn't mean you aren't still leaving gaps somewhere. I wouldn't rely on tests to tell me how my children are fairing educationally. Tests DO NOT measure intelligence! Maybe your children have gaps in their Biblical knowledge. Or their behavior seems to be a little out of whack. Or they aren't getting along very well with their siblings. Which gaps would you rather your child have? Would you rather they have gaps in English or gaps in their behavior. (if your a spiritual person, would you rather the gap be in their walk with the Lord?) I'm still filliing in my own gaps and I ain't no spring chicken. I understand how you feel though. We hold our children's future in our hands. If they end up panhandling in the streets because they can't get a job due to my inferior teaching practices, I would be devasted. If I leave (GASP!) gaps does that mean I have ruined/destroyed their future? I'm totally with ya on that feeling! ;) Relax and enjoy your homeschooling adventure. They grow quick! Don't spend your time fretting over gaps. Spend your time enjoying each other's company, bonding and learning together. Totally agreeing with this. Such a great thread, and so many wise words! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 My education wasn't so hot, neither was my parents'. The most important thing my mother taught me was to be curious. You have to teach your kids to care. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightMaiden Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I didn't read the other answers to your question..not am I acutally going to try to answer that question. I think EVERY home schooler has those fears/questions. But I would say to you that you are going to strive to give your child more than any public teacher ever would care to give. You are going to have one on one time and you know your child better than anyone else. Christ loves your children more than you ever could...he will fill in the gaps for you. Keep him first and all else will come into line.:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 My 17yo ds who just graduated has this to say about any gaps in his education: "Google and Wikipedia" :lol: My priorities were always building character, instilling a love of learning, teaching the skills necessary be life long learners, honing written and oral communication skills. Seems to be working. You simply will not cover everything, nor will any school, no matter how outstanding! Check out this recent thread from the high school forum: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109964 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieB Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I have found that one of the most important things that I am teaching my children is not history, math, science, bible, language arts, music, art, etc. It's the LOVE OF LEARNING. If you teach this to your child and are lucky enough that it sticks, then you have given them the tool to fill in the inevitable gaps. And the love of learning also means that the things that you DID teach them, but they don't quite remember clearly when they're older will bring them back to learning it again. But, since I do understand your question, lol.......there are a lot of books that give a snyopsis of what the author feels that your child should know....one of the more popular is probably "What your ___ grader should know" (fill in the blank with K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., I believe they only go up to 6th grade however). The author of that series is E.D. Hirsch Jr, from the Core Knowledge Series. There is also a website coreknowledge.org. Some others along this same line: What your child needs to know according to the Bible....state... by Robin Sampson What your child needs to know when by Robin Scarlata ____Grade Success by Amy James and many more. Check your library for these as they may not be as useful as you really think they will be, though it is a comfort to go through and come away with a rather short list of what you think you "missed" that is truly important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ester Maria Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 One can never do everything, nor teach everything one "should". One can, however, make sure to teach the skills our children will be able to use to learn anything they want and need later in life, as well as the love of learning and the need to continuously work on themselves (not only regarding the intellect - but also regarding the body, personality, etc). Since my daughters regularly take (and rock! :D) the exams in one Italian school for all subjects they'd have there, at least formally we have the situation clear and know that we aren't missing anything. I've also tried reading those "What should your X grader know" stuff, but in my opinion they don't reflect that which an X grader should know. I think the education is much, much more than some written "standards" for some "grade". Another reason why I chose to homeschool - to give them education rather than "filling the requirements". So we do quite a lot, and I don't really care that much about the formal division by grades (but then again, I don't because they excel, if they weren't meeting the requirements for their "grade", I'd probably be worried and think I'm doing something wrong). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moni Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 How do you ensure you don't leave gaps in your child's education? I don't. My goal is to leave some gaps. I certainly don't intend to teach ev-er-y single thing in ten years. ;) Instead of thinking in terms of what is omitted, I think of what are my Goals, what to include, and step-by-step how to get to my pre-determined end point. Whew....I most certainly hope they'll have gaps at the end of all this. :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I have two comments this topic. First, imagine your favorite book ever. Then imagine discovering it now. Wouldn't it be amazing if you had never read Lord of the Rings until after you had been an adult and studied hero epics, classical mythology, and Norse mythology? You would understand so many more nuances of Tolkien if only you had read it later in life. The gaps your kids have are future opportunities for amazing discoveries. Second, I heard an interview with the head of the economics department at Yale the other night. He stated that it would be far better for our education system if students graduated from high school with a deep foundation in math, science, literature, English, and history than anything else we could do for education. Then as young adults, they would have a firm foundation from which to explore higher learning opportunities. I'm not advocating that you let your kids skip fractions or semicolons, but I am a strong advocate of a deep and rich education instead of one that is very wide yet shallow with no gaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryanne Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Early in my days of homeschooling I remember reading that the purpose of Elementary level science was to build enjoyment of the subject. The purpose of Middle School Science was to introduce them to the topics they will study in high school, so that when they got to high school it was not ALL NEW material--it didn't matter so much what they knew because students would be coming into it from all different backgrounds, schools, and curricula--they just need to have seen some of it before so they weren't overwhelmed with new material. It was only when they got through high school that it mattered what they knew--that is they were expected to have covered the contents of a typical high school Biology text for example. Keeping this in mind has really helped me avoid worrying about "gaps". Also following WTM cycles has also kept me from entirely forgetting broad areas of science. So following the WTM cycle we try to cover memory work, read great books and do fun experiments. I apply this same philosophy to history as well. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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