How technology is changing the world

I watched this clip on youtube this morning. It really got me thinking about how this should influence how we teach our children. In the current climate, is it enough to simply teach a list of names and dates? Wouldn't our children be better served by teaching them how to learn? How to think? We need to give them the tools they need to help them adapt to the changing environment.

What does that mean in terms of curriculum choice? Right now, I think I need another cup of coffee. My brain isn't awake enough to think that deeply yet! But, hopefully, I'll be back later, after I've given it some thought. Please feel free to either email me, or just leave comments. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are!

Choosing curriculum

"How do I find the best curriculum for my family?"

This is a very common question among families who are just starting their homeschooling journey. To begin with, don't "go cold" to a homeschool convention. Do not sit down with a pile of catalogs, determined that you are going to find the perfect curriculum before dawn, even if it kills you. The place to start is with a good hard look at yourself and your children.

What are your goals--your goals for yourself, your goals for your children? What do you want your school to look like? What do you want to accomplish in your homeschool? What special gifts and/or disabilities do you and your children have that you want to nurture or overcome?

Once you have a clear picture of who you are and where you are going (preferably on paper so you can return to this at a later time), it's time to consider educational philosophies. This may sound very theoretical, however, choosing a curriculum that closely matches your own beliefs about education will help to ensure a positive experience for you and your children.

Do you want to have "school at home," complete with desks and a daily pledge to the flag? In this case, you will most likely be comfortable with a traditional, textbook based curriculum, such as Bob Jones or Abeka.

If you want to follow a path that is more classically oriented, then Veritas Press or The Well Trained Mind are worthy of your attention.

If, however, like me, you prefer a less traditional approach, a literature based curriculum, like Sonlight, may be just the ticket. In the coming weeks, I'll be discussing why our family chose the path we are on, how our school has looked over the years, and how Sonlight might work in your situations.