Dec 12

Social concerns of homeschooling

Social skills is an area of deep concern when it comes to homeschooling. Many critics point out that since man needs to hone his social skills, a homeschooling environment where social interaction is limited is detrimental to his growth and development. But studies have proved this wrong.

Children put into the fiercely competitive school environments lack the confidence to hold a conversation. Such children show little genuine interest in the topic of conversation and don’t know how to interact with people of various age groups, especially their elders.

Children who learn at home are more aware of the implications and the purpose of their learning. They will ask intelligent questions and make accurate observations. Children begin their life by imitating their parents. Homeschooled children therefore pick up the sterling qualities they see in their parents. On the other hand, they are protected from the detrimental influences of their peers.

These children are thus better equipped with the tools necessary to face the world. The positive reinforcement that takes place in the homeschooling environment as opposed to being abandoned, embarrassed or ignored in a normal school environment strengthens their self-esteem. Children turn out to be better balanced and well-rounded as they progress into adulthood.

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Dec 12

Developed from the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, this style of teaching aims at duplicating natural laws that a child faces in life. Thus the aim of the teacher is to control the environment and not the child. It was observed that children who are left free to interact with their environment developed an innate self-discipline, love for order and natural curiosity.

The Montessori method of teaching is especially suitable to the preschooler who wants to do everything by himself. Finding ways in which your child can participate in the cleaning, washing, cooking, gardening and other ‘adult’ activities sets the perfect backdrop for the learning experience. By providing such opportunities for independence, the child’s self-esteem also gets a huge boost.

Artistic, cultural and scientific activities abound in the Montessori 3-6 class. There is no TV, junk food, or computer. Material is selected carefully. The child is never forced to work. Instead he is encouraged to do things that interest him, and the teacher picks up the teaching from cues given by the child.  The Montessori method focuses on the child’s inborn ability to learn from his surroundings. Thus the teacher aims to encourage the natural curiosity of the child. He is never forced to learn or explore. When the child understands why he needs to learn something, he will love the learning process.

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Dec 12

Once your child starts school, there are required several changes in his room’s layout. Now, a study place is a must, a place where the little scholar can prepare for school, learn and do his homework.

The study place has to be regularly near the window so that his arm will now place a shadow on the books in front of him. Accordingly to this rule, if we are talking about a right-handed child, the light must be on his left, and if talking about a left-handed child, the light must be on his right.
Due to the new born needs of the school-boy, the furniture must include a desk and some small cabinets or a small bookcase.

The study table or desk must have at least 60 X 90 cm and its height and inclination has to be adjustable. There must be some kind of drawers nest to it or in it to deposit books, paper, pens and other school stuff.

For this same purpose, the parents must consider buying a bookcase or a cabinet for books, which fits the room and the height of your child. For a optimal use of space, a desk with a study table and some shelves can be chosen.

Natural lighting has to be supplemented or maintained by a local light. This is why the desk must have on it a lamp with adjustable arm, placed in such a way that it can focalize the light precisely to the point it is needed.
The chair must have an adjustable height, fitting the one of the scholar.

Recently, the computer became a necessary object in the child’s room, even in the early student’s room. Used either for fun or study, it has to become a familiar instrument for the little one.

An “L” shaped desk allows a good position for the computer, with the monitor on one side in the corner. Be careful because the distance from the monitor and to the eyes of the person using the computer has to be of 50 – 70 cm. To better respect this distance, some desks are equipped with a special space for the monitor, positioned a little higher than the actual desk.

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