Education Customized for optimal learning and schooling success.

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize your curriculum to fit your interests and your unique way of learning. It’s true that everyone learns slightly differently, and homeschooling offers the flexibility to use those techniques which work best for you. So how can you customize your education?

Do you remember things better with hands-on learning…doing science experiments yourself, or studying the constellations through a telescope instead of in a textbook? Then you need a curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning, instead of auditory or visual learning. The same goes for good listeners and bookworms. Help your parents develop your curriculum around your strengths. You will perform better, you won’t find it difficult or frustrating, and you’ll actually have fun learning!

In addition to how you study, look for ways to enhance what you study.

Here’s a quick exercise:

1. Close your eyes. (Actually, first read all of these bullets, then close them!)
2. What subject do you love more than any other? What do you look forward to the most when it’s time to crack open the books?
3. What aspect of that subject do you love the most?
4. If you spend free time browsing the web to learn about things that interest you, what are those things?
5. Try to find a connection between these passions of yours – whether they’re extracurricular or a part of your current studies.
6. Look for electives that combine your interests. Are you someone who loves to shop and is good at math? Try a course in consumer math, in which classes can include trips to the mall with Mom!  Some schools offer dual-enrollment options, if you want to study a subject not available as part of your curriculum choices. It’s also a great way to get a head start on college work.
7. Another idea: try creating your own mini-course this summer and learn about something that interests you!

Here’s an example of a fun non-credit mini-course:

Matt E., a 16-year-old homeschooler, never cared for chemistry or biology…but he does enjoy physics. When he’s not homeschooling, he likes to browse the web and study high-end stereo equipment….he even memorizes all of those obscure specifications. Sure, he’s dreaming about one day purchasing a $15,000 A/V receiver, but he’s also studying and learning. And now he’s found the perfect way to combine some of his interests. By designing his own non-credit mini-course in the physics of high fidelity, Matt made his own class for the summer. He’ll be studying audio wave theory and spatial delay! And he’s sure it’ll make physics much easier next semester.

Matt was able to design a course that keeps him engaged in physics over the summer (while nurturing his interest in abnormally high-priced stereo equipment!). He’s enjoying himself, and he’s learning quite a bit. And he still gets to dream about really cool, high-end electronics while giving himself a leg-up heading into more physics classes this fall. That’s pretty cool!

Have you ever customized your curriculum, or added a subject that interested you?