Comments on: Homeschoolers: What Must You Teach?

By: What is Cultural Literacy? • Doing What Matters with Janice Campbell

What is Cultural Literacy? • Doing What Matters with Janice Campbell — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 19:41:22 +0000

[…] the last post, What’s the least you need to teach?, I outlined the learning tools that can help your student study and absorb knowledge. Now, […]

By: Should You Teach Literature and History in Chronological Order? • Doing What Matters with Janice Campbell

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 23:19:49 +0000

[…] the focus outlined in the previous posts, “Homeschoolers: What’s the Least You Need to Teach?,” and “What is Cultural Literacy and How Can it Help You Homeschool?,” most […]

By: Janice Campbell

Janice Campbell — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:53:35 +0000

In reply to Jeannie. I replied privately to Jeannie, but realized that someone else might have the same question. It's a challenge to teach an unmotivated learner, so here's a general look at what I might suggest. Cultural literacy is based on a broad general knowledge gathered not only from school, but from books, movies, experiences, and other things. For a student who doesn't enjoy reading, I'd choose good movie versions of the classics and watch one or two each week as part of school. These will allow your student to painlessly become acquainted with the characters and works of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and other classic authors whose ideas form an essential part of the fabric of our culture. You can also use a video format to introduce major concepts in science, math, history, and other subjects. An ideal resource would be the college-level courses from The Great Courses (formerly known as The Teaching Company). There are also interesting and educational programs on the History Channel, Discovery Channel, and others. Beyond movies and videos, go to museums and concerts, take craft and shop classes in the community, travel if at all possible, learn to garden organically, try ethnic foods, read historical fiction and maintain a library of good visual books such as the Eyewitness books, TimeLife books, and other non-textbooks that are interesting and fun to browse. Learning happens every day, and if there are good materials in your home and you can explore interesting places and ideas, your student will definitely learn.

By: Taha

Taha — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:35:02 +0000

Hi, Luke. Because of Emperor’s autism, he has very dfiferent abilities depending on the subject. He is in a standard high school algebra course, but has trouble with his writing. He is in the process of getting USCF rated and so far is between 1100 and 1300 at the age of 9 (if that means anything to you). So, much of his day is spent doing math and chess. I cover English and the like but it is not the number one area of intense focus. I think focusing mostly on the things our children cannot excel in will only lead to frustration. I don’t mean not to do them at all, but that we should build people in areas they’re likely to actually be able to hold down a job. 🙂

By: How to Be a Good Quitter in your Homeschool: Part 2 | Janice Campbell

How to Be a Good Quitter in your Homeschool: Part 2 | Janice Campbell — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:45:18 +0000

[…] to study. If you provide books, resources, unstructured time, and access to learning mentors for foundational skills, cultural literacy basics, and areas of special interest, your gifted student can thrive.Can […]

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:26:11 +0000

How I needed to be reminded of this! You are absolutely correct, we can’t teach it all bu we can provide the framework for the remainder of their lives. If I can succeed in having my children gain the skills to think, write and speak effectively, they will be able to achieve whatever they want in this world. Thanks!

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:02:16 +0000

Janice,

As far as the Cultural Literacy, where would you begin with a fifteen year old, does not like to learn and gets school over with as quick as she can so she can enjoy her extracurricula. I do not have a very good education and am afraid of what may happen to her in college. I have heard some nightmares about the child who enters and exits the doors of higher academia, getting a diploma in ‘me, myself, and I’ They have not been taught to learn and I would so like to teach my daughter better than this.

Thanks again, Janice

Jeannie

By: Should You Teach Literature and History in Chronological Order? | Janice Campbell

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:27:24 +0000

[…] the focus outlined in the previous posts, “Homeschoolers: What’s the Least You Need to Teach?,” and ”What is Cultural Literacy and How Can it Help You Homeschool?,”most […]

By: January Newsletter: New articles, plus project and conference news | Everyday Education Articles

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:51:51 +0000

[…] Homeschoolers: What’s the Least You Need to Teach? Do you ever feel a bit overwhelmed at having to teach your student everything he or she needs to know for life? Here’s an alternative way to look at it that just may help you feel better. […]

By: Fatcat

Fatcat — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:36:09 +0000

Very well said!