Have you ever wondered, “what’s the point?” when it comes to certain subjects? Or found math to be a challenging subject to tackle with your kids?
Let me share a little of our story as far as math goes, and what on earth that has to do with this quote!
One of my children moved onto a different math programme early last year, because the previous one (and the previous one, and the previous one… you get the picture) were ill-suited. Basically, we both got frustrated and I decided something had to give. (Yes – every. Single. Time).
Anyway, this latest one was very textbook-based and as such, has required training in how to read along and learn a new concept at the same time.
The process has had it’s challenges, and each time I’ve been reminded so clearly that the learning in this instance actually had very little to do with the math, itself. The long division didn’t matter right then, as much as the ability to follow along an example, and repeat the process, until it made sense.
Yes, I sat alongside (& still do) and we talked about it and created tangible examples to bring it to life. But, I could see that implementing this programme was one of the tools through which I could help my child learn how to learn. The same can be said of any workbook, textbook, online programme, DVD course, activity, class, research project, discussion… or anything, really.
Everything you do with your child/ren, no matter what approach you take to homeschooling, comes with the side effect of providing them with tools for helping them to learn how to learn.
Because the thing is – like the quote at the top of this page says – learning how to learn is so valuable!
It’s a gift that we can give our children.
(And yes… so far so good… this particular math programme is actually working for this particular child, even 18mth and a pandemic later!)
So wherever this finds you: don’t lose hope. Remember that a good homeschool programme – in math or any subject – will not only teach your kids the knowledge involved, but it will equip them to learn how to learn. And that counts, too. It’s not only about the measurable knowledge that your children acquire.
That’s where a homeschool headspace comes in. And where your own thinking will directly impact your curriculum choices. This applies whether you’re living a lifestyle of unschooling or utilising formal curriculum.
Because learning HOW to learn, is key!
And what better way is there to equip our kids to be lifelong learners, than that?
Kristy x