| Copyright 2006 Julie Shepherd Knapp |
| Copyright 2006 Julie Shepherd Knapp. All rights reserved. |
| about the book |
| The Homeschool Diner's Guide to Holistic and Alternative Homeschooling by Julie Shepherd Knapp, copyright 2006 Looking for a homeschool approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit of your child? Looking for an alternative, holistic, contemplative, global, earth-centered, Asian, or New Age approach? There are several programs that might meet your needs, or at least help you get started with a basic framework of curriculum. Because most of these approaches are not (yet) very popular, you won't find a lot of ready-made commercial materials to use in your homeschool -- you will probably end up having to pull together most of what you use from a variety of sources. There are quite a few online support groups (I've listed some below) where you can find out what other parents have used, and share your own discoveries. If you don't find what you're looking for here -- do a Google search for your particular interest combined with the word "homeschool" and see what is out there. If you do find other great resources, please let me know, and I will add them here, so those who follow will have will have more choices. There are other resources out there for teaching your children about individual philosophies, religions, and concepts -- I have only included those that address general education subjects, as well. A Brief Introduction to Holistic Education by Ron Miller Curriculum and Other Resources Enki Education -- (K - 6) currently available, teaching guides, resource guides of stories and activities, and full (or partial) curriculum for K - 2. Enki is a "Contemplative Education" that seeks human wisdom and vitality, wherever they arise, "in all people, in all cultures, in all times." An approach that incorporates elements of many educational philosophies and religions and integrates the skill mastery techniques of traditional education and the integrated project learning of theme-based education. Waldorf (or "Steiner") Philosophy - (K - 12) first formulated by Austrian Rudolf Steiner in 1907 in his short book, "The Education of the Child in the Light of Spiritual Science", a child's learning is based on prescribed developmental stages, with formal education being delayed until age 7, relies on lecture-based experiential learning - a subject is introduced through experiences, then children are guided to explore a subject, then the concept is discussed. Emphasis on arts and crafts, music and movement, natural science, spirituality, and social skill. Children journal their experiences, thoughts, and conclusions, including daily drawing and painting. Oak Meadow - PreK - 12 Waldorf inspired curriculum Live Education! - K - 8 Waldorf curriculum modified for home use Montessori Homeschooling -- (K - 12) based on her observation that children learn naturally when in a "properly prepared environment" that is designed to promote independent learning and exploration by the child, students often work on activities of their own choosing and are allowed to work at their own pace, Montessori principles are “...rooted in a social movement intended to champion the cause of all children, in all strata of society, of all races and ethnic backgrounds, within and beyond the context of educational institutions...” Nebel’s Elementary Education: Creating A Tapestry of Learning covers K-5 for all subject areas, "... a flexible, child-centered, hands-on, minds-on, logical systematic increments lead to broad, integrated knowledge and understanding supported by self-directed inquiry skills..."", designed to foster critical thinking and a love of learning, no religious focus, includes strong coverage of science. There is a Yahoo! Group, K5science, for parent support. Zen Homeschooling -- (all grade levels) teacher's guide and homeschooling starter manual available, advocates a "Natural Education" approach to homeschooling, defined as "... the continuous process of observing and protecting nature, finding ways to live in harmony, and demanding truth in education..." This is a reality based, secular approach "... free from religious dictates with an anti-science agenda." Global Village School for Peace and Diversity Studies -- (K - 12) a progressive, customizable homeschool program using online worktexts and text-based curriculum, students may work at their own pace, accredited diplomas available, "...Our courses integrate peace, justice, and diversity studies with the core subjects..." Catalysta -- a Quaker-influenced high school curriculum, "promotes a hopeful vision of humanity's most pressing social concerns, seeks to inspire community service, and to encourage personal reflection", online interdisciplinary content, project-based learning Clonlara -- (K - 12) founded in 1967, "...Ours is as close to a "do it yourself' program as we can get it, designed for those who want assistance on the way. You, the parent, are "the expert", more capable of establishing and maintaining a successful educational process for your child than any school could. Clonlara School is your guide, coach, shoulder to lean on, listening ear, records keeper, and all around HELPER..." provides record-keeping and optional achievement tests, allows early high school graduation, has flexible curriculum requirements using student chosen texts, etc., optional online program, issues accredited diplomas,. Goddess Moon Circles Academy - (preK - 12) a pagan-focused curriculum with an emphasis on literature and the humanities, can be teacher or student led, offers full package or partial "framework" option, uses online texts and packaged curriculum, uses Spectrum Math and standard science texts in upper grades Uhura Homeschool Hut -- a collective of homeschooling parents joining forces to educate their children in an African–centered approach towards a multi-cultural curriculum that will best fulfill the needs of our children, our communities and our people in hopes to initiate global solutions. Related Resources Roots and Shoots -- a service learning program Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, a global program based on the principle that knowledge leads to compassion, which inspires action. Herb gathering and learning in an article by Kimberly Gallagher Support and Discussion groups Wonder Homeschool - resources and support in holistic homeschooling Holistic Moms Network -- a support organization Natural Parenting 101 -- an online holistic health support group Weaving the Wisdom -- online support group for "personal healing and spiritual growth as we move towards peaceful living" GreenTaraMama -- online group for natural family living Natural_Muslim_Mamas -- online support group Unschooling Spirituality -- an online support group Free Thinking Home Educators -- an online support group Freethinking Unschoolers -- an online discussion group NAHomeschoolers -- Native Americans homeschooling without a Christian influence Buddhist Homeschoolers -- an online support group Vaisnava Homeschoolers and Holistic Educators -- a support group fo educating with Krishna Consciousness |