The First HomeSchool Years

Children Love to Learn, and They Learn Fast

Researchers have long suspected that learning slows after puberty. A recent study from Brown University explains how children learn faster than adults for certain subjects. Children under age 11 are “learning machines,” and homeschool parents can use this opening to advance their child’s education. Homeschoolers, aged 5 to 11, can cover 10 to 12 school grades. 

Our learning started very early; here are some of the things we learned from ages 1 to 6. 

 –Our homeschool initially focused on developing the basic skills of reading (letters, sounds, words, and sentences), writing (forming letters). Soon we could read “Walmart” and other written store names. Our parents read to us, and we read to them.

–Learning arithmetic was natural: first learning numbers and counting, and later with addition and subtraction using Popsicle sticks. Soon, we were using number lines, and eventually number lines with positive and negative numbers. At age 5, we were doing long division. Math is progressive, so starting early and moving at the student’s pace really benefits the child.

–We studied what interested us on our own; We have always had an interest in current events. We looked at maps and memorized the names of countries and their capital cities. We memorized all 50 U.S. states and their capital cities, along with the names of all the American presidents. We also studied Mexican history very extensively, memorizing all 33 of its states, their capital cities, and their presidents. And we liked solving puzzles.

 –While spending every day with our parents, we overheard what they talked about. We shopped with them and became aware of products and food items. Being at home with our family and each other was, in itself, a learning experience.

 –We received physical exercise on playgrounds, rode bikes, and started learning tennis.

From ages 6 to 11, we advanced further in all subjects; We expanded our English writing skills. In mathematics, we continued with Algebra, and started Trigonometry, and Calculus. We continued our language studies in six languages. We explored sociology, history, and some sciences. Every night we would read world events and discuss them.

What about our parents, were they prepared to teach homeschool?

Our parents, who were high school graduates, knew enough to teach us. For backup, there were thousands of YouTube lessons  and other online materials available. As we progressed, their teaching confidence grew. Soon, our parents were pleasantly surprised when they realized we were ahead of other children our age.