Using Online Homeschool Classes To Develop Independent Learners
This post is sponsored by Time4Learning, a fantastic online homeschool curriculum source that we have loved over the years. All opinions are my own!
The educational goal of our homeschool all has always been to teach our kids to love to learn and to be able to learn independently. Once they master that skill, they can do and be anything. The world is theirs.
My goal was that my kids should be independent learners by the time they were in high school and definitely by the time they were finished. Of course, I would be there to grade assignments, offer help, and teach what I needed to teach. But, I wanted them to at least have the skill set and confidence they needed to be curious about something and be able to learn all they can without someone having to show them how.
So from the beginning, I sought out age appropriate ways for the kids to develop the ability to gather information and figure things out on their own. The kids did science experiments on their own, art projects, nature studies, interviewed friends and relatives, research assignments….you name it.
Online Homeschool Classes
One tool in particular that made a big impact on our homeschool from the early years on was online classes. We found that online homeschool curriculum and lessons are great ways for kids to experience Independent learning.
It is true that with online classes someone or some feature of the program is teaching the child. The independence is in how the kids become accountable enough to follow the structure of a program and have to find their own answers using the materials given. Mom is not there to hold their hand. Mom can and will help when needed, but as confidence grows it is rare.
Time4Learning
Throughout the years we have used many online homeschool classes and curriculum sources. Time4Learning is the one we used the most and always came back to. As a homeschool mom, I loved the fact that is was membership based. You get math, language arts, science, and social studies all included for one price! This allows kids to either use all the classes or explore others just for fun.
The kids loved the fact that the lessons are fun and interesting. They are full of animation, graphics, sound effects, and interesting characters. Definitely not a boring textbook.
The actual lessons are taught by great instructors who are interesting themselves. Quizzes, tests, reading material, and printable worksheets are available as well. The program even keeps track of grades and lessons completed. Easy record keeping for mom!
We used Time4Learning for entire courses or sometimes just for bits and pieces as they fit into what we were learning. The kids used it many times as another tool to gather information. My daughter even used Time4Learning as an ACT prep tool to brush up on her math skills.
Preparing To Homeschool High School
By the time the kids were in middle school, I really started to prepare them for more independent learning and the more advanced curriculum high school would bring. That is when we used Time4Learning the most.
Even if you have never thought about independent learning, Time4Learning is a great way to transition between teacher led education and independent learning and is a great way to make sure your kids are ready for more advanced high school work.
This is what that looked like for us:
In 7th and 8th grade, my daughter took a few Time4Learning middle school courses to shore up some skills and information we thought she should have to prepare for high school.
Near the end of 8th grade, she started looking at some of the high school courses from Time4Learning. She loved the literature covered in the English I course and decided to take it. Since other classes are available in the subscription, she did a few lessons in World Geography since this was a weak spot for her, learned a bit more about earth science, and started taking Algebra I….all on her own.
Half-way through the summer (before she actually started high school), she already had a semester of English and Algebra I out of the way!
How We Used Online Homeschool Classes
We probably didn’t use online classes like Time4Learning the way they were designed to be used, but that’s the beauty of homeschooling. Lessons, curriculum, resources can be tailored to fit your style of homeschooling and your kids.
With the goal of a solid education and developing independent learners, I used the resources that fit my kids learning styles and interests to get the job done. Time4Learning was a perfect fit for us.
How To Get More Info About Time4Learning
Visit the Time4Learning site to learn more about this comprehensive curriculum solution and you can follow Time4Learning on social media:
