How to Easily Cover All Subjects with Interest-Led Learning?4 min read

Introduction

It is possible to cover all courses whether you use an interest-led learning approach full-time, part-time, only in the spring and summer, or only in the afternoon.

If you are ready to encourage and develop your children’s emerging interests, you can include their passions into your homeschool routine. However, there are occasions when you must think beyond the box.

Look for strategies to encourage your children’s interests to make the most of interest-led learning.

How to Start Following Those Rabbit Trails of Learning

It’s easy to become overwhelmed or concerned that our children aren’t covering all of the subjects they need to in order to pursue their passions. We parents can get in our own way sometimes because our children may not be interested in what we think they should be interested in.

For some disciplines, such as arithmetic, we take a little more structured approach. In the fall and winter, though, it is usually more regimented. Summers are more unschooled than the rest of the year.

After all, learning isn’t only about memorising facts. It’s all about learning HOW to learn for us. But, believe us when we say that when youngsters are interested in something, they learn a lot more.

This is how you must get started

1. Strewing. What you can do is scatter a variety of intriguing items across your home to see what piques your curiosity. Strewing is the act of leaving out interesting items or resources for your children to interact with. You should also pay attention to what your children choose at the library to help you narrow down on their passions.

2. Modelling. Try to mimic enthusiasm for your children by displaying interest in some of the stuff you’ve strewn around the house or simply being curious about the world around you — children mimic what they see. Just don’t act like you know everything; instead, try to be willing to look things up with your kids.

3. Expanding. Once you’ve found something that your kids like, see what more they can do with it. Is it possible to include documentaries or films on the subject? What about playing cards or board games? Are there any books that can help us go deeper? Simply begin to think outside of the box.

Helping Kids Explore Their Passions

You might be surprised at how quickly those learning rabbit paths take off. This is a learning “rabbit trail”! There’s no pressure to learn anything, therefore it’s a more natural and enjoyable learning experience. As we ask questions, explore, and dig deep, it’s a journey for both myself and the kids.

Covering All Subjects

Every child is unique, and no one knows your child better than you. You also know what kind of learning environment is optimal for your child.

We recommend that you begin by drawing a road map in your planning notebook to help you see all of the different ways we might incorporate the subject of interest and how everything is connected. The next step should be to explore for resources to assist you in assisting your children. You may really incorporate anything! Many of these topics may or may not overlap.

• Math – Include games, STEM challenges, accounting, interactive activities, puzzles, woodwork, gardening planning, needlework, math books, movies, recipe cooking, and menu planning in your arithmetic curriculum.
• Reading/Writing/Language Arts – Read books, documentaries, and films on your child’s favourite subject, and keep a journal about it. Allow your children to write and perform their own skits or plays. You can also take narration and copy work from the books of your choice. Try taking a language class or playing language games!
• Arts- Learning music, making artwork, playing games, or reading books about art and artists are all ways to incorporate art into your life.
• Nature-Documentaries, nature walks, zoos, farms, pets, bird feeders, games, field guides, and other literature are all great ways to learn about nature.
• History – Pay a visit to museums, cultural centres, and historical locations. Play games, watch documentaries and read books.
• Science- 4H or robotics club, scientific fairs, games, experiments, rearing tadpoles and butterflies, or viewing science documentaries are all good options.
• Geography- Be aware of your surroundings and the world around you. Almost anything!!! About the people, where they reside, oil extraction, groundnut, and a variety of other topics.

Making notes and responding to questions about anything will help you better grasp how things work.

What Happens When Your Child Loses Interest?

It can be aggravating when children are interested in dinosaurs today but are interested in sharks three days later. However, learn to let go of the things that aren’t working for your children’s education.

The point is, as a responsible parent, you must attempt to encourage your children’s interests for as long as they are interested. It could take a few days, weeks, or months. However, with this interest-driven education, we are covering all areas and increasing our love of learning.