Q&A for Successful Teaching Styles
by Tina Jacobi (with Krista Thomas)
A. I recommend a mix of different teaching methods for all subjects so the kids don't get bored. For example, you may use the traditional approach for language arts and the literature approach for history. Mix it up to keep the excitement alive. You will also discover the teaching methods your child thrives under. However, you also need to consider your season of life when selecting curriculum. Are you working part-time? Are there toddlers to entertain? How much time do you have to prepare and research materials? How many outside activities will you be involved in?
Q. As a veteran homeschooler, which method(s) have you used?
A. All of them! It takes about 3 years of homeschooling to finally feel comfortable with what you are teaching and with what materials best fit your family. Take time to experiment! Some kids thrive on workbooks; others don't. Some kids can handle the pace of the classical approach; but, for others, it crushes their spirit. For the first few years of homeschooling, you are adjusting to the homeschool lifestyle, so expect your curriculum choices to change through the years until you find your niche. Note the flowchart to find out which method(s) suit your teaching style.
Q. Which method do you currently use, and why?
A. The longer we homeschool, the further away we get from the traditional approach since it is spiral in nature and difficult to adapt the pace if needed. The classical approach is a time investment of years to get the full picture which we never ventured into for very long. For our family, we prefer a mastery approach with language arts and math to ensure they get a firm foundation. With science, history and Bible, we use the literature approach for enrichment, enjoyment and wonderful family time. We incorporate the activities approach into all the subject areas when time permits or for reinforcement. For our extracurricular activities, we use the unschooling approach in our cooperative classes, science fair projects, history share presentations, and accomplishment night performances. This unschooling approach also unexpectedly pops up at various times during the school year (i.e. when you spend an hour studying this really cool bug the kids caught at recess).
Q. What is your best advice regarding curriculum choices?
A. Have a homeschool budget! Only buy for the current year and save a little to spend mid-year to tweak or add materials. Be careful not to switch curriculum year after year by going with the latest rave. You may end up with holes in your child's learning. Remember, no curriculum is perfect; learn which one you can deal with the best. Don't feel pressured to spend all of your budget at the curriculum fairs as you can always purchase anything online later. But most importantly, bathe all curriculum decisions in prayer! It will save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation.
About the author: Tina Jacobi has homeschooled all three of her children since birth. She actively manages the Training for Life in Christ Homeschoolers support group and the Frederick CHEN homeschool cooperative. Tina has over a decade of experience managing children's ministry at various churches and just loves developing new and existing programs into bigger and better things. Her husband Jeff lovingly supports all of Tina's efforts by listening to her many ideas and providing computer support. Contact Tina by email.