Advice to a Harried New Homeschooler
The options for today's homeschoolers seem limitless. Which method? Which curricula? And what about the new baby? And the housework? Or that part-time job? How can I do it all?
Let's face it: We can't do it all. Neither, for that matter, can the schools.
What we can do is focus on the most important things. The history of classical education tells us what those things are: classical languages and math. Less really is more. Ask all those people who wrote the Great Books, the majority of whom were educated this way.
So what do you really need to educate your young children? Less than you might think.
For the youngest ones, all you need is:
- phonics
- some kind of simple number/arithmetic work
- penmanship as far as they are able (which may not be much)
- lots and lots and lots of read-alouds
Once they've got the mechanics of reading down, typically some time between kindergarten and third grade, the basic subjects are:
- Latin (Prima Latina is perfect for young children)
- arithmetic
- lots and lots and lots of read-alouds
Many people would add:
- religious instruction
- copywork/penmanship
and some would include:
- music - appreciation, instrument/voice, or both
- memory work (some of which is already included in Latin, math, religion, etc.)
History, science, literature, and the rest fall under "lots and lots and lots of read-alouds" at this age. If kids can read these subjects independently, great, but actually hearing the language read to them is important. Books on tape can be handy, too.
If you get the basics done, a little every day, you will be giving your children an excellent foundation.
So take a deep breath. You can do this. Simplify, simplify!
Drew Campbell is the author of The Latin-Centered Curriculum.