Time to Get Personal!

In order to identify your concepts and create a plan, you must know what you are going to teach.  Here's a guide to figuring that out.

Supplies

• Notebook
• Writing Utensil

Make this notebook your journal.

Process

Be Self-ish

Start chunking down tidbits about yourself.  Have your kids, if age appropriate, do so also. Make lists of favorites, strengths, weaknesses, goals and fears.  These things will point to interests and provide inspiration.

Unique Circumstances

Take note of any special qualities that will impact your design.

• Travel
• Special needs / Disabilities
• Work

The Family Fortune

Take note of your most treasured family jewels-the intangible ones.  

• Beliefs
• Values
• Ethnicity
• Goals as a family
• Parenting style

These are your why.

Mentoring for Mastery

You are guiding your child through this education you are planning.  How you do it makes all the difference.

Think of yourself as an OWL:

• Observe the student
• Work beside the student
• Listen to the student

These 3 behaviors done consistently will build trust for you in your child.  

OWL Tips

• Take notes on behaviors and responses.  What brings your child joy? What frustrates them?
• Treat your schedules and lesson plans as guides.  Embrace the off-topic questions and spontaneity.
• Literally sitting beside your child, especially during the tough lessons, reassures them you are on their side.
• Listen to complaints.  You may or may not be able to do anything about them, but listen anyway. Then ask for suggestions. 
• Seeing you pursue your interests encourages your children to do the same.
• Notice when something isn't working. Then brainstorm other options.
• Be an example: further your education right along with the kids.
• Find out your child's goals and help them design a learning plan.  Help them see their own potential.
• Give personalized, age appropriate evaluations of work-this is different than grades.  
• Keep it simple.
• Don't get stuck in the comparison trap. 
• Don't seek approval.
• Know your (and your child's) limitations.

Class Discussion

What are some ideas you have for personalizing your child's education? Please share!

Questions? Ask away!

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

How Do I Teach … 5 Day Blog Series is brought to you by the following blogs:

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom ~ Homeschool Gameschool ~ Are We There Yet? ~ Life with Moore Babies ~ No Doubt Learning ~ Mrs. Redd’s Classroom Blog ~ Proverbial Homemaker ~ My Joy Filled Life ~ Preschool Powol Packets ~ Adventures in Mommydom ~ Vicki Arnold ~ Only Passionate Curiosity ~ Living Life and Learning ~ Farm Fresh Adventures ~ 3 Dinosaurs