Homeschooling with a Method

When I started homeschooling in 2006 (?), I was pretty lost in how to go about doing it. One factor that gave me a footing was my Montessori training which I had used even before we started homeschooling. I didn't have a set objective, honestly, when I started. I just didn't think the public system was something I believed in nor want for my children. I also thought homeschooling was beautiful and we'd try for a few years. It seems we are still here.

However, it's never too late to set an objective. As Muslims, God has spelled out clearly that our objective is to serve Him. Al- Ghazali said "the sum total of learning" was "to know the meaning of obedience and service to God."

And in 2: 30 of the Quran, He mentioned that He will place a vicegerent (man) on earth, the khalifatul ardh. If I can sum it up, my child's education should answer their questions of "Who am I?", "Where do I come from?" and "Why am I here?". His education should among others; build his identity, make him internalise his beginnings and purpose in life and prepare him to carry out the role Allah has set for him using the gifts He has blessed him with. 

In addition, one needs to consider the culture and faith the child grows up in in considering what should be taught to the child. Hence, while Arabic might not be that relevant in Singapore, it is relevant to the child's spiritual growth and the hereafter. 

Upon defining our purpose for educating our children, it is only natural to move on to how we are going to do it. The methodology should be in line with our beliefs and objective and provide an overarching framework that would mould our education structure. An education that is Islamic, for example, should not also be secular. 

It can be liberating to just do it your way, while this may be possible for some, the rest of us can tap on the wisdom of those before us, i.e. the existing schools of thought like Al Gazali, Montessori, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason and the Classical educators. We can choose what is closest to our hearts and cherry pick from one or many. 

There is thus no reason to not try Montessori, for example, because preparing the environment and learning the philosophy seems too much to bear with five children and the house to care for. Sometimes it's a matter of degree how much you want to practice in your homeschool. You may not have the particular materials but you can still practice the core of Montessori; following the child and giving him the freedom and respect he needs. 

When you choose a methodology, you also skip the wild jungles of curriculum and resources, and end up in a smaller jungle of just the method you chose. So let's say you chose Charlotte Mason or CM, there are various online resources and booklists ready for you to use with your child. You also have a ready tribe of seasoned practitioners to help guide you in your journey with support groups and Facebook pages you can join. 

When it doesn't work out, fret not, you can always leave. Sometimes with financial losses, (which can be minimised by selling the curriculum you bought) but always with a wiser you, insyaAllah.