Lesson 4: Home Preparation
Daily Activities
Children at home spend some time doing their own activities and some time interacting and participating in the activities of others in the home. At my house, my daughter may spend some time playing by herself, drawing, doing puzzles, playing with dolls, or some other make-believe game. Later, she may choose to join me in preparing a meal or doing household chores. She may later ask to watch a video or listen to music. Then she may ask me to play computer games with her or read to her.
Young children learn from everything they do including dressing and undressing, brushing their teeth, and washing their hands, operating electronics equipment and household appliances, and all activities in which they mimic adults.
An older child may be more independent in his or her learning activities, reading, doing workbooks, experimenting, playing. Then he may ask questions or ask for help in working on a project. It is likely that each day will be different than the one before, changing with the changing moods and interests of your children.
Technology:
The use of technology for learning is controversial among homeschoolers. Some readily embrace the possibilities provided by television, videos, DVDs, computer games, Internet, audiotapes, etc, while others minimize their use or don’t use them at all. Some homeschoolers even use online courses or telecourses. Besides the use of these devices, the controversy goes further into whether they should be used only for educational purposes or also for fun with learning only as a possible side effect.
Television is probably the most controversial of the technological devices. Unschoolers’ views range from no limits to no TV. The arguments for limiting or excluding television usage, in general, are that television is harmful, or at least not beneficial, and that it takes time that could be spent doing more beneficial activities; and that it provides an unrealistic view of the world that emphasizes the worst characteristics of our society (violence, commercialism, sexism, etc.)
The arguments for use of television and associated media (videos, DVDs, video games), in general, are that television watching is enjoyable, and that it provides learning experiences, or triggers further learning, through cartoons, regular programming, public television, documentaries, and special learning channels.
“Binges of TV-watching long enough to worry parents are especially common among kids who’ve just started homeschooling or unschooling. Free of schedules imposed by someone else, such kids often need time to get used to the idea of taking responsibility for their own learning. Watching television becomes a way of adjusting to the new freedom, and also perhaps a way of testing how serious their parents are about the whole idea of child-led learning.” - Mary Griffith, author of The Unschooling Handbook.
Computer use is less controversial among unschoolers. Most are in favor of their use, although some parents feel that computers are not appropriate for young children. Most arguments against computer use are actually against computer games or Internet use.
Computer software is available for a seemingly limitless number of topics and purposes including games, education, reference, genealogy, word processing, painting, graphics, print-shop activities, etc.
