Resources
What resources do those who live and learn together use in their learning?
Looking at clouds
The World-leaves, seeds, shells, stones, rocks, boulders, pebbles, trees, sunshine, rain, lightening, thunder, clouds, snow, moon, stars, oceans, rivers, streams, ponds, puddles, swamps, mountains, valleys, hills, plants, edible and not edible!
The majesty of mountains
Gently and carefully study and observe the animals of the world. Care for them if that is possible like cats, dogs and guinea pigs (chickens, too).
Observe a turtle and let him go on his way!
Observe them, take a picture or make a quick drawing and watch them go their way if they are more wild.
Next to being in the real world we can be with people who know about and love to share what they know with others. Visiting museums, farms, bakeries, with artists, musicians, writers are great ways to experience the world.
The next way to find answers to your questions is through the world of books, print, pictures, films; including the internet. Be sure your sources are of good quality. Always question the source of your information. Always looks at both sides.
Question, Question, Question???!!!
Except for Mathematics we steered clear of text books. Text books are a finished product. There is little creativity in a text book. You read what someone else thinks you should know, answer questions on what they wrote and “pass” or “fail” based on tests, based on information that they thought you should know. Sometimes, I suppose, this is necessary but there is time enough for it later in life. Children have too many great questions of their own to let some else, some all knowing adult, have all the fun. Even in Math let the children make up the questions.
There are two books that I do recommend as inspiration as you explore homeschooling options.
The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn is sometimes hard to find. There are several editions any of which will help in designing your own course of study.
The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise I recommend with caution and reservation. If your child has decided that they wish to go to Harvard or Yale or some similar college then this book is for them. Otherwise this book should only be used for its lengthy listing of resources. The book lists numerous possibilities for every subject area you might think of. Choose those that work well for you and your family.