7 Keys: #4 - Structure Time, not Content

Once again, this is similar to Montessori theory.  In Montessori schools, children are given the freedom to choose their own work, as well as how long they will spend on it.  The time in the classroom is the structured time for children attending a Montessori school, but homeschoolers need to set up a routine of study/learning time.  This is something that most homeschoolers do.  However, instead of setting a time for math, then for writing, then science, etc., I set up a time for studying and let the girls choose what they will do during that time.  They are strongly encouraged to do a bit of math each day, and sometimes there are other things that need to be done, such as homework for a class taken outside the home.  But they do have a choice of what order they will do it in, as well as what resources they will use.

Swimmah, at 15, has set up a schedule for herself: first, she practices piano (usually for 30-45 minutes, although occasionally she plays for an hour or more).  Then she studies French, then does her math lesson for the day (Math U See Geometry, which she helped choose).  Recently, she read a book of retellings of some of Shakespeare's plays, and today she picked up The Complete Works of William Shakespeare and started reading. 

Turtlegirl, on the other hand, is 2 years younger and has a different personality.  She prefers to spend most of her time feeding and caring for her animals.  Right now, she has a mini nature center in our "all purpose" room.  She has tadpoles at various stages of metamorphosis (in different containers based on how many legs), another tank with the new toadlets, a bigger tank with adult newts, a small tank with newly hatched newts, another with fish, and finally, a big tank with 2 turtles.  She also has a lizard in her bedroom.  This all takes a lot of her time!  I do need to remind her to do a little math and writing and practice trumpet most days.  But, my goodness, she knows more about reptiles and amphibians than I ever will!

During this time, in addition to being available for any questions or to give needed help, I do my own studying.  I have been working through Math U See Geometry myself, and I spend time reading whatever book I have going at the moment, or perhaps work on writing a blog post.  I am setting the example that studying is a worthwhile activity and that learning never ends.

By choosing what to work on when and for how long; in other words, by taking ownership of their education, students learn that their education is their responsibility.  Ultimately, they must educate themselves.