How Can I Build a Good Foundation with the Basics?
A common question plagues nearly every homeschool parent during their homeschool years: Am I teaching enough? We want to know that our curriculum choices are building a strong foundation for our children, equipping them with the basics they need to pursue a lifetime of learning.
Points to Consider
Here are some tips and suggestions for ensuring that you build a good foundation with the basics for your children.
- Preschoolers and kindergartners need to play! This is the perfect age for learning colors and shapes, alphabet and numbers, and sequencing as well as developing both fine and gross motor skills. The best way to learn these things is through games, crafts, and educational toys rather than a formal curriculum.
- Early elementary is time for the basics. Through second or third grade, do not stress if all of your energy goes into introducing your child to the foundations of math, language arts, and writing. If you do choose to introduce extras like history, science, foreign language (including Latin), and fine arts, consider using living books rather than a formal curriculum.
- Living books should remain prominent even into higher grades. Well-read children tend to have fewer gaps than children who have little exposure to living books, no matter what curriculum or teaching style you choose.
- Utilize establish curriculum lists. Whether you choose to use a ready-made curriculum or not, consider visiting the many curriculum websites available just to get some guidance and ideas. See what subjects and resources they include. Most of these companies are created by veteran homeschoolers or are the homeschool branches of traditional private school curriculum publishers, and their lists can offer invaluable assistance.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to school teachers or check your state’s educational standards. Either option can help you see what your child would be learning in a traditional school setting, allowing you to adjust the plan instead of starting from scratch.
Bottom Line
The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to do this on your own. Many resources are available to help you establish a great foundation with the basics for your children.
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