Question:
My son, 12 year old, is at present between schools but, in any case is in need of extra tutoring work at home. Do you know of any web sites that has good free worksheets in English and Maths which he could with little supervision.

Answer:
The most successful students are those whose parents take an active interest in their education. You're definitely on the right path!

I don't know, off hand, of any specific resources for worksheets you can use that are Australian based on the internet, but wonder if you'd had a chance to visit an educational supplier like Dymocks or Educational Aids Dominie? Workbooks aren't expensive and can save a lot of time in the long run. Check out the list of Australian homeschool suppliers, all of whom stock Australian written material on my Homeschool Australia website http://homeschoolaustralia.beverleypaine.com Favourite Links pages.

If working from books isn't suitable, consider some of the computer programs that are available, eg NuMaths for maths. There are zillions of resources out there and my best advice is for you to get to a shop and see for yourself some of the range - you are sure to find something that will appeal to your youngster.

The other option is to find a tutor in the 'weak' subjects in your local area. A good teacher might only be needed for an hour a week - an excellent investment, if you can find one.

I prefer an unschooling approach to education - focussing on teaching and learning through passionately pursuing one's interests and hobbies and taking an interest in what's happening in the world and local community around me and getting involved. It's amazing how holistic this kind of education can be, with the kids 'absorbing' skills in every subject area with little effort.

I've written several articles about unschooling and natural learning on my Homeschool Australia website http://homeschoolaustralia.beverleypaine.com - you can find them on my Articles Index page, or you can browse the rest of my site to learn more about the flexibility of home education.

There is an excellent book in my Always Learning Books catalog that is perfect for your situation. Written by Amy Silver and Grace Llewellyn (of The Teenage Liberation Handbook), Guerrilla Learning is packed with ideas on how to give your children a real education - with or without schools. Revolutionary and inspiring, Guerrilla Learning explains what's wrong (and what's useful) about our traditional school and shows you how to take charge of your family's education to raise thinking, creative young people despite the constraints of traditional schooling.

In a nutshell, Guerrilla Learning means taking responsibility for your own education.” It means supporting your children to think clearly and seriously about their goals, interests, and values, then act accordingly. It’s about being encouraging your children to emulate your example of thinking, reading, discussing and creating, and continuously engaging in the world of ideas and culture. The authors show how parents can help their children can get a real education by helping the child find something about which they are interested, and proceed from there. The process includes five phases:

OPPORTUNITY - Don't just expose your kids to life's possibilities (arts, science, history, community, etc.) without overdoing it, the parent should also stay passionate and involved in learning. The enthusiasm will be contagious.

TIMING - If your child is not progressing according to some school bureaucrat's schedule, don't panic. Not every child learns at the same speed. Early bloomers may need extra stimulation to keep them interested. Late bloomers may simply need time and extra help.

INTEREST - Honour your child's passions, even if it something of which you disapprove. Children are her to grow into the best person they can be, not what the parent or anyone else thinks they should be. Also know when to back off.

FREEDOM - Give the child the chance to take on projects and solve problems. Make it clear that promises are expected to be kept, and also make clear the consequnces for broken promises.

SUPPORT - Be there for your kids. Supporting children does not equal martyrdom. Check to see how much support they need or want. Make sure their goals stay theirs. Well-being is most important.

Beverley
www.alwayslearningbooks.com.au
http://homeschoolaustralia.beverleypaine.com