Homeschool roots matter because without knowing roots, you can’t appreciate how precious your choice is. So in Day 2. of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers savor the homeschool lifestyle by understanding how it got started.
For instance, I did a unit study with my children on the American Civil War or as my grandmother called it The War Between the States,
I added in lesson plans on our family genealogy during the Civil War because we had a family member who fought in the war.
Looking at the war through the eyes of past family members heightened the feelings of my children for the sensitive issues on both sides of the war.
Homeschooling is no different.
Understanding the history and struggle of pioneer homeschoolers builds appreciation for the depth and value of teaching your children at home.
New to Homeschool
Taking time to understand your homeschool roots and heritage gives your journey meaning and richness beyond focusing just on a new math or history program.
When the time comes for struggling, you can take heart that thousands and thousands of homeschoolers have gone before you.
They not only pioneered the way, but in the process homeschooled, nurtured and cared for their family.
You too can do this by taking time to look at some of these homeschooling pioneers, past, and present.
{From left to right, Dr. Ruth Beechick, Dr. Raymond S. Moore, standing: Charlotte Mason, John Holt, Mary Pride.}
JOHN HOLT
One name written large in the history of homeschooling is that of author, relentless education reformer, and respected social critic, John Caldwell Holt.
Certainly, a pioneer in the homeschooling world, he is the author of Growing Without Schooling started in 1977.
It is no longer in print, but several of his articles can be found on-line and are worth poring over for encouragement. But also check out any books he wrote that you can.
Look at this link to grab some homeschooling roots and immerse yourself into the thinking of the past.
Click here to read Growing Without Schooling Resources.
CHARLOTTE MASON/CHARLOTTE MASON APPROACH
An 18th century British educator and a popular method of education that a lot of homeschoolers follow. She believed that education is “an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”
Some of her methods include narration, use of living books, short lessons and nature studies.
Click here to read Simple Charlotte Mason
New Homeschooler
DR. RUTH BEECHICK
Dr. Ruth Beechick was a former teacher, professor, and curriculum developer. A respected pioneer in the homeschooling world and now retired.
She writes for homeschoolers whom she sees as the greatest hope for the future of our society.
There are too many excellent books and curriculum to list here. You will want to add most of her books to your homeschool library.
MARY PRIDE
Because there were not many books in the 80’s on homeschooling, Mary Pride’s work is considered pioneering.
She is also considered a curriculum guru in the homeschooling world. Founder of Practical Homeschooling magazine, her books are still considered some of the very most informative. In addition to a long list of books she wrote on homeschooling, we have to mention she did all this with nine children.
RAYMOND MOORE
Often referred to as the “Grandfather of Homeschooling”, he authored Better Late than Early.
The Moore formula of homeschooling can be summed up as follows; high success comes when you pay attention to the individual needs of the student, follow their interest and allow them to mature at their own rate.
This is NOT a complete list by any means of pioneers or those that paved the way.
Look at the National Home Education Research Institute Left, Right, and Online: A Historic View of Homeschooling.
By avoiding the “I’ll-give-homeschool-a-year ” attitude you are on the road to understanding that homeschooling is so much more than choosing curriculum or taking it for a test run.
It is a lifestyle change and it takes longer than a year to adjust to any major change in your life.
Absorb the gems and pearls of thoughts from the minds of the past and the present and be determined to stay the course by watering your homeschool roots.
Other Resources for New Homeschoolers:
- Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)
- The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
- Top 5 Homeschool Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know
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