Inspirative Learning
Inspire. Ignite. Explore.
Inspire. Ignite. Explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Inspirative Learning?
Inspirative Learning is a child led learning model that nurtures that innate wonder and curiosity at the heart of us all. Learning is Fun! Children are natural learners that are always observing, experiencing and making their own connections when given the freedom and environment to do so. Learning is an adventure for Life. Love to Learn!
Is Inspirative Learning only for Home Learning students?
No! Not at all. Inspirative Learning is a way of living, a way of seeing the world and navigating through it. It is enthusiastically experiencing Life. Whether in school, at home or beyond the school years, Inspirative Learning is a love of Learning and thirst for personal experience and growth.
What if I don't homeschool, how can I implement Inspired Learning into their way of life?
First and foremost whether homelearning or at school, model and lead by example. Enthusiasm is contagious! If you are interested and engaged in your own life and learning experiences, you teach your child a way of being. Expose your child to fun and interesting facts, exposing them to a wide range of topics. (This is exposure with no expectation, it is up to your child if they are interested or inspired by this topic). The world is an amazing place and with today's technology, there is so much information to be explored in so many different mediums. Make your moments count.
Homeschooling Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can have many different faces and many different names; Home Learning, Home Education, Unschooling, Deschooling, Life Learning, School at Home. At its core Homeschooling means that a learner be educated at home outside of the formal setting of a school. The educator is generally a parent, but can be a distant learning teacher, a mentor, a tutor, community or combination of.
Homeschooling can look many different ways. It can be a re-creation of a traditional school in the home (right down to little desks and chalkboards). The child is the student and the adult the teacher and bringer of information. With todays technology, homeschooling can be distant learning via webclasses and teacher correspondance online. The student in these cases may follow a traditional learning model with tests, grading, assignments and core subject requirements. In some households, homeschooling may be more like sitting down for specified period of time to cover core materials, using curriculum, and then having the rest of the day to play and explore. And the range can go all the way to children having no requirements, testing or curriculum. Their only curriculum is the model of their daily life, learning their core skills from what they encounter in their world, modeling from others in their lives, watching, playing and trying and asking lots of questions along the way.
Is it legal?
This depends what country you live in.
Here in Canada it is legal to homeschool in all provinces and territories. That being said, each province and territory has it's own regulations regarding homeschooling (and different requirements) so you should check with your provincial homeschooling association for more information.
In the U.S. it is legal in all states. Again check with your state homeschool association for detailed information on how to fill the state requirements.
What about testing, grading and academic ability?
This really depends entirely on your philosophy of learning and education. When you are homelearning with your child, you see where they are in their development and have a clear idea of their strengths and areas of challenge. Knowing your child, you can encourage their development in a well rounded way, knowing when to push and when to let them just be. Learning outside the classroom gives a great freedom for the child to develop at their own pace. By expanding in this way, the learner's confidence and love of learning remain intact. Some parents will reference curriculum guidelines to get a general idea of where a child maybe 'should' be at. It is important I believe to question why? Why 'should' the learner know this skill by this age? In a classroom setting it is understandable as to why as they need to keep up with the rest of the class for ease of the teaching. But if a child is progressing in their own way and still 'playing' with a topic, they are learning. Timing is everything and mastery is a process.
If you are concerned about testing and grading these are available to you as options in different forms depending where you live. I would just caution you to research the kind of testing and grading methods used.
In many homelearning households, learning looks very different then what happens in a classroom setting and can easily go almost unnoticed due to how natural it is. Children are natural learners. If you provide them with a healthy learning environment (exposing them to life and the world around them) they will learn, they can't help it!
There are many ranges of possibility as well if you really want your child to have their Grade 12 certification. Some will keep up to high school testing, others with be affiliated with a school board and some will choose to write a challenge exam. Each option depends on what is available in your area and what yours and your child's interests are.
What about University, college and adulthood?
Many colleges, Universities and other educational institutions accept HomeSchooled students. Some in fact are actively trying to recruit them! Depending on the program being applied for, there are lots of entrance application choices; portfolios, interviews, work experience, entrance exams and more. I have found too that many home schooled students actually start their post secondary education much sooner than their schooled peers. They start apprenticeships, they take course at their community colleges when they are 16, they start college prep programs, entrench themselves in a work experience environment in their field of passion getting job training and education as they go. Many homelearners have a clear idea of their area of focus that they want to dive into due to having the time and freedom to hone their interests and skills throughout their homeschooling 'high school' years. They also have adopted a love of learning and realize that learning is a life adventure and they can always change their focus and interest and expand as they desire throughout their adulthood.
There are lots of resources online and at your local library about what the right steps are for your child's particular goals. Just know there are LOTS of options and ways to make it work.
Why would I homeschool my child?
Homeschooling parents find there are many benefits to homelearning. Some are researched and widely studied, others are just noticings within their families.
How could I homeschool my child?
If there is a will there is away. Homeschooling isn't right for everyone. You must do what feels best for you and your child. But know that homeschooling families are not always the traditional model of working dad and stay at home mom. There are single parents, grandparents, stay at home dads, work from home parents, full time working parents with alternating schedules. If homelearning is something that feels right for you, you can make it work with a little creativity. Homeschooling can be done just for the early years, done for the odd year, done just through grade school, or be your child's only model of education. Homelearning doesn't have to be expensive. Homelearning is a way of living and exploring the world around us. Libraries, the internet, household tools, community members and services go a long way to provide everything needed and more.
How can I teach subjects I don't know myself?
This I think is one of the biggest blocks to parents thinking about homelearning. Children are natural learners and honestly teach themselves! You as a parent are just their guide, their support team. You are there to encourage, inspire and aide them where and when they need it. When your child has an interest, they will explore, create projects and make their own learning connections. If they arrive at a subject that is not your strong point even better! That way they really get to take full charge of their learning. They can learn (with your example) of how to find information and the resources or tools that they need out there in the real world. There are so many books, courses, videos, sites online and more for each and every possible subject out there! There is so much support to be had. As a parent we can help brainstorm with our learner the possible ways to find the information needed and we too can go in search online or into our community to assist them. SO many mentors and online classes, tutorials and more await you online. It really is a learning adventure. Even just starting at your local library, loaning books in the subject area can be a great starting point (and sometimes you may not even need more than this). Looking into your community, local colleges, homeschool support group, or various organizations. Look for the subject in real life form.
What about multiple age range of siblings?
It can be very hard to sit and focus all of your attention on one learner when you have several other children in the family with needs too. Good thing that your learner doesn't require your entire attention for the whole day. In fact, having your learner take charge of their own learning is a great skill to teach. Setting aside key times to connect and be available to your learner is needed, but for an older learner this may be just a few minutes a day with a laid out plan. And for younger learners, activities can be modified to be engaging for many age ranges. You can have your babe in sling, 2 year old, 6 year old and 9 year old all partaking in the same activity with you while your older learner is engaged in their independent learning experience coming to you when they need your assistance. Learning is fun, it is play, it is engaging and inspiring. Kids love it!
What about socialization?
One of the most commonly asked questions by non-homeschoolers that make homeschoolers just cringe. Every household and family is different definitely and each homelearning experience looks unique and different from the rest. But when you talk to most homelearners there is a general consensus of wanting to take the home out of homelearning as we are oftentimes not home! Community meet ups, local classes and groups, extracurricular and recreational activities, volunteering, and playdates can have a homelearning parent wishing for more time at home. Opportunities abound for socialization and a more real life socialization than that of a school. Young learners interact often with adults, kids of varying ages, girls and boys and without the preconceived notions that come from a schoolyard. They can form great lasting friendships with their peers. Kids attract kids regardless of where they are schooled. If you are homelearning having trouble meeting friends, look into your local homelearning group to spark a meetup. If you have no local homelearing group maybe start one or look online to all the online support groups out there. Join an Inspirative Learning Online LIVE Class to interact with peers (or any other online LIVE class or group). There are opportunities for socialization everywhere.
Here are a few great articles about Homeschooling and Socialization
What about all the clubs, sports and dances that schools offer?
Your homelearning experience can be whatever you want to make for your child. There are so many local organizations and groups that meet up regularly and provide enriching experiences for kids. There are also so many opportunities for extracurricular activities that get offered through libraries, recreation centers, and more. Also too, some schools will allow you to register with them to just take part in their sporting teams. Creating your community is so important. Whether it be neighborhood friends, local organizations or clubs, recreation centers, your local homelearning group, online groups or communities, gather your inner circle. From here you can give your child whatever experience it is that you wish them to have or better yet whatever experience THEY wish to have. It is all available to you .. it just is a bit more initial leg work.
What do the studies say?
Many studies and research papers have been conducted on home education and home educated students come out with glowing results. From outperforming their schooled peers on standardized tests, higher rates of post secondary education, through to being more involved in their civic affairs (voting), involved in their communities and feeling happy, homeschoolers shine.
Here are a few of the more recent studies (lots can be found online!)
There are many different configurations of families that homeschool. The traditional is the stay at home mom and the working dad. Most homelearners probably do fit into this category, but not all. Some are stay at home dads with working moms, both parents working but on opposite shifts, sharing the homelearning. Some parents are work from home parents, accommodating their schedules as need be. There are single parents working part time and homeschooling.
Many arrangements can accommodate homelearning. And homelearning need not be expensive. The amount of free resources and material online can have a learner busy for a lifetime! Add a library card and some household materials and you have a learning environment.
Some studies have been comparing the costs of the double income family with a single income family with a stay at home parent and there are ways to bridge the gap. Meals, transportation, clothing, and more can be adjusted to accommodate the change (search this online and you will find so many awesome ideas!) Again if there is a will there is a way and it may require some creative juices for you to figure out but you can!
How can I stay sane while staying at home with my child(ren)?
Make yourself a community! Having a supportive group of people as your circle of friends is so helpful! There are lots of online support groups geared to homeschooling. Join and chyme in! Learning the Inspirative way can be really inspiring for yourself not just your learner. You get to lead by example. You get the opportunity to learn what you want to learn too. Pick up some books on a topic you always wanted to learn more about, join a community class, watch some inspiring documentaries, learn an instrument, a language, whatever it is that you always wished you learned. By you taking a leading role, learning in your life, you model this way of learning to your child. It gives them permission to play, learn and have some fun.
Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes FAQ's
Are there any particular system requirements I need to have of software I need to install?
The most important requirements for you to have to attend an Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE class
Other than that you click on the class link, enter as guest and you are in!
For more detailed information on detailed system requirements and even testing your device please visit our Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes Instructions page.
What is a Online 'LIVE' class?
An online LIVE class is just that LIVE! Your learner meets in a virtual classroom with their learning mentor and class peers. There they will engage real time. Your learner can actively participate in class discussions, games, simulations and activities in real time making this such an amazing interactive experience. It is ideal to have video and mic capabilities to optimize the interaction.
BEST Video and Mic capabilities. The learner can see and be seen and hear and be heard LIVE in real time, partaking to the fullest degree of interaction with their learning peers and mentor.
GOOD Mic capabilities. The learner can hear and be heard LIVE in real time, still engaging in interacttion and activities. The learner can upload their learning files, pictures etc for peers and mentors to see.
OK Just speakers (no video or mic capabilities. The learner can type in their comments, questions and still hear and see the class. The learner can upload their learning files for peers and mentors to see. This way puts a lot of pressure on the learner to type and does sometimes feel more like you are watching the class instead of participating in the class. Not recommended.
What happens if I miss a class?
Every class is recorded. Each registered participant is sent a link to the class recording to go over, watch again or save for future reference. Classes are best to attend LIVE, as they are interactive and a large part is about a group dynamic of sharing learning. But if need be, you will have the recording to review, catch up and partake LIVE at the next class.
Do I need any other materials or supplies?
For the class itself no other materials are required. Each class does have Lock in Learning Extensions (assignments). These assignments are open ended and usually only require general household materials. Modifications are always given as well and there are lots of different variations to each Lock in Learning Extension so there should be no reason for extra supplies to be needed. There are sometimes reading suggestions that are given, but they are not mandatory and the books can be loaned from your local library. That being said, these classes are known to inspire and ignite a great enthusiasm and Learner's have been known to get pretty creative in their projects and presentations sometimes needing some extra materials and supplies; not required but great to support and encourage!
Will my learner be graded?
No. There is no grading of the learner's work or knowledge. This is purposefully done to maximize the freedom to play, learn and discover in a safe learning environment. Each learner is encouraged to reach their own personal best and express themselves in their unique way. Learners are respected for where there are at and encouraged to challenge themselves on their learning adventure.
At the end of every class series each learner will get a certificate of completion (if attendance was at 80%) and a letter of feedback which will summarize the observations of learning unique for that learner in that class. (might include the ways of learning expression, the topic and medium of presentations, the learners favorite part of the class). The observations of learning feedback letter is optional.
The certificate and observations of learning feedback letter are great to add to the learners yearly portfolio if they have one, along of course with their projects and lock in learning extensions that they have done. Also too if you are reporting to a school, the observations of learning feedback makes it easy for you, just copy and paste!
Is Inspirative Learning's material religious?
No. Inspirative Learning is secular learning; we do not come from the viewpoint of any particular religion. Throughout many of the Through the Ages series, various religions will be explored and discussed as they had a large cultural impact. Examples of this are when we explore Ancient India we will step into the lives of Hindus, in Ancient Persia we will explore Zoroastrianism and in Ancient China Taoism and Confucianism will be experienced. Even when we look into the great scientists and mathematicians we may explore some religious ideas like Pythagoreanism and more.
Inspirative Learning always takes a secular approach, not attached to any particular view. The purpose of this exploration is for Learners themselves to critically think and make their own learning connections. Respect will be given to all religious views and all participants are expected to have tolerance and acceptance for eachothers viewpoints. Please note: evolution is referenced and discussed at large in many of the classes.
How much do Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE classes cost?
There is a standard formula to how classes are priced. It works out to $10/hour of class. A 6 week 75 minute/week class will cost $75.00 whereas a 2 week 1 hour/week class will cost $20. Classes range from a one day event to an 8 week series and therefor the prices range.
Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes are a great value. You get LIVE interaction in a virtual classroom with your learning mentor and peers. Engaging activities to inspire and ignite enthusiasm are followed up with weekly Lock in Learning Extensions. Each Learner gets the opportunity to share their learning each week and in many classes they get the experience of an end of session presentation. Plus at the end of class series the learner will receive a certificate and their observations of learning report (optional). It is an excellent whole learning experience.
Does the Learner have to be the age recommended for the class?
Not necessarily. This is a guideline. You know your learner best! However keep in mind that lots of thought has been put into the suggested age.
If your Learner is older than the age suggested and you think they would still be interested, no problem. The material is open ended allowing for many age ranges and your learner can still find it very engaging and challenging.
If your Learner is just a year younger than the suggested age and you feel they are in love with the topic and have a good enough attention span to hold the length of the class than yes, they are welcome to join the class.
If your Learner is more than two years younger than the suggested age, I am sorry but the answer is no. You may wish to instead purchase the Study Unit of the class and modify for their age. Or feel free to send a request for a class to be held for your learner's age as it may be able to be accommodated.
Inspirative Learning is a child led learning model that nurtures that innate wonder and curiosity at the heart of us all. Learning is Fun! Children are natural learners that are always observing, experiencing and making their own connections when given the freedom and environment to do so. Learning is an adventure for Life. Love to Learn!
Is Inspirative Learning only for Home Learning students?
No! Not at all. Inspirative Learning is a way of living, a way of seeing the world and navigating through it. It is enthusiastically experiencing Life. Whether in school, at home or beyond the school years, Inspirative Learning is a love of Learning and thirst for personal experience and growth.
What if I don't homeschool, how can I implement Inspired Learning into their way of life?
First and foremost whether homelearning or at school, model and lead by example. Enthusiasm is contagious! If you are interested and engaged in your own life and learning experiences, you teach your child a way of being. Expose your child to fun and interesting facts, exposing them to a wide range of topics. (This is exposure with no expectation, it is up to your child if they are interested or inspired by this topic). The world is an amazing place and with today's technology, there is so much information to be explored in so many different mediums. Make your moments count.
Homeschooling Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can have many different faces and many different names; Home Learning, Home Education, Unschooling, Deschooling, Life Learning, School at Home. At its core Homeschooling means that a learner be educated at home outside of the formal setting of a school. The educator is generally a parent, but can be a distant learning teacher, a mentor, a tutor, community or combination of.
Homeschooling can look many different ways. It can be a re-creation of a traditional school in the home (right down to little desks and chalkboards). The child is the student and the adult the teacher and bringer of information. With todays technology, homeschooling can be distant learning via webclasses and teacher correspondance online. The student in these cases may follow a traditional learning model with tests, grading, assignments and core subject requirements. In some households, homeschooling may be more like sitting down for specified period of time to cover core materials, using curriculum, and then having the rest of the day to play and explore. And the range can go all the way to children having no requirements, testing or curriculum. Their only curriculum is the model of their daily life, learning their core skills from what they encounter in their world, modeling from others in their lives, watching, playing and trying and asking lots of questions along the way.
Is it legal?
This depends what country you live in.
Here in Canada it is legal to homeschool in all provinces and territories. That being said, each province and territory has it's own regulations regarding homeschooling (and different requirements) so you should check with your provincial homeschooling association for more information.
In the U.S. it is legal in all states. Again check with your state homeschool association for detailed information on how to fill the state requirements.
What about testing, grading and academic ability?
This really depends entirely on your philosophy of learning and education. When you are homelearning with your child, you see where they are in their development and have a clear idea of their strengths and areas of challenge. Knowing your child, you can encourage their development in a well rounded way, knowing when to push and when to let them just be. Learning outside the classroom gives a great freedom for the child to develop at their own pace. By expanding in this way, the learner's confidence and love of learning remain intact. Some parents will reference curriculum guidelines to get a general idea of where a child maybe 'should' be at. It is important I believe to question why? Why 'should' the learner know this skill by this age? In a classroom setting it is understandable as to why as they need to keep up with the rest of the class for ease of the teaching. But if a child is progressing in their own way and still 'playing' with a topic, they are learning. Timing is everything and mastery is a process.
If you are concerned about testing and grading these are available to you as options in different forms depending where you live. I would just caution you to research the kind of testing and grading methods used.
In many homelearning households, learning looks very different then what happens in a classroom setting and can easily go almost unnoticed due to how natural it is. Children are natural learners. If you provide them with a healthy learning environment (exposing them to life and the world around them) they will learn, they can't help it!
There are many ranges of possibility as well if you really want your child to have their Grade 12 certification. Some will keep up to high school testing, others with be affiliated with a school board and some will choose to write a challenge exam. Each option depends on what is available in your area and what yours and your child's interests are.
What about University, college and adulthood?
Many colleges, Universities and other educational institutions accept HomeSchooled students. Some in fact are actively trying to recruit them! Depending on the program being applied for, there are lots of entrance application choices; portfolios, interviews, work experience, entrance exams and more. I have found too that many home schooled students actually start their post secondary education much sooner than their schooled peers. They start apprenticeships, they take course at their community colleges when they are 16, they start college prep programs, entrench themselves in a work experience environment in their field of passion getting job training and education as they go. Many homelearners have a clear idea of their area of focus that they want to dive into due to having the time and freedom to hone their interests and skills throughout their homeschooling 'high school' years. They also have adopted a love of learning and realize that learning is a life adventure and they can always change their focus and interest and expand as they desire throughout their adulthood.
There are lots of resources online and at your local library about what the right steps are for your child's particular goals. Just know there are LOTS of options and ways to make it work.
Why would I homeschool my child?
Homeschooling parents find there are many benefits to homelearning. Some are researched and widely studied, others are just noticings within their families.
- More time getting to know your child, having a deeper relationship.
- Connected siblings.
- Gifted children can expand without being held back.
- Children having a tough time in a subject or area can take the time needed without the stigma of being not good enough.
- Healthy, multi-aged peer relationships.
- Flexible schedules, daily, vacation, school year.
- Flexible locations; can travel, move.
- Deepen interests.
- More room for independent and critical thinking.
- Widened real life socialization.
- Customed learning to learning style.
- Strong sense of self and values.
- Parents have a stronger influence in the learner's life.
- Heightened creativity as given the freedom to explore and play.
- Improved Health with homecooked meals and healthier snacks through out the day along with not being exposed to the masses during flu seasons and such.
- Freedom from bullying.
- Better academic performance overall (studies)
- In adult life, more actively involved in community (recreation, organizations, clubs etc) and civic duties (studies)
How could I homeschool my child?
If there is a will there is away. Homeschooling isn't right for everyone. You must do what feels best for you and your child. But know that homeschooling families are not always the traditional model of working dad and stay at home mom. There are single parents, grandparents, stay at home dads, work from home parents, full time working parents with alternating schedules. If homelearning is something that feels right for you, you can make it work with a little creativity. Homeschooling can be done just for the early years, done for the odd year, done just through grade school, or be your child's only model of education. Homelearning doesn't have to be expensive. Homelearning is a way of living and exploring the world around us. Libraries, the internet, household tools, community members and services go a long way to provide everything needed and more.
How can I teach subjects I don't know myself?
This I think is one of the biggest blocks to parents thinking about homelearning. Children are natural learners and honestly teach themselves! You as a parent are just their guide, their support team. You are there to encourage, inspire and aide them where and when they need it. When your child has an interest, they will explore, create projects and make their own learning connections. If they arrive at a subject that is not your strong point even better! That way they really get to take full charge of their learning. They can learn (with your example) of how to find information and the resources or tools that they need out there in the real world. There are so many books, courses, videos, sites online and more for each and every possible subject out there! There is so much support to be had. As a parent we can help brainstorm with our learner the possible ways to find the information needed and we too can go in search online or into our community to assist them. SO many mentors and online classes, tutorials and more await you online. It really is a learning adventure. Even just starting at your local library, loaning books in the subject area can be a great starting point (and sometimes you may not even need more than this). Looking into your community, local colleges, homeschool support group, or various organizations. Look for the subject in real life form.
What about multiple age range of siblings?
It can be very hard to sit and focus all of your attention on one learner when you have several other children in the family with needs too. Good thing that your learner doesn't require your entire attention for the whole day. In fact, having your learner take charge of their own learning is a great skill to teach. Setting aside key times to connect and be available to your learner is needed, but for an older learner this may be just a few minutes a day with a laid out plan. And for younger learners, activities can be modified to be engaging for many age ranges. You can have your babe in sling, 2 year old, 6 year old and 9 year old all partaking in the same activity with you while your older learner is engaged in their independent learning experience coming to you when they need your assistance. Learning is fun, it is play, it is engaging and inspiring. Kids love it!
What about socialization?
One of the most commonly asked questions by non-homeschoolers that make homeschoolers just cringe. Every household and family is different definitely and each homelearning experience looks unique and different from the rest. But when you talk to most homelearners there is a general consensus of wanting to take the home out of homelearning as we are oftentimes not home! Community meet ups, local classes and groups, extracurricular and recreational activities, volunteering, and playdates can have a homelearning parent wishing for more time at home. Opportunities abound for socialization and a more real life socialization than that of a school. Young learners interact often with adults, kids of varying ages, girls and boys and without the preconceived notions that come from a schoolyard. They can form great lasting friendships with their peers. Kids attract kids regardless of where they are schooled. If you are homelearning having trouble meeting friends, look into your local homelearning group to spark a meetup. If you have no local homelearing group maybe start one or look online to all the online support groups out there. Join an Inspirative Learning Online LIVE Class to interact with peers (or any other online LIVE class or group). There are opportunities for socialization everywhere.
Here are a few great articles about Homeschooling and Socialization
What about all the clubs, sports and dances that schools offer?
Your homelearning experience can be whatever you want to make for your child. There are so many local organizations and groups that meet up regularly and provide enriching experiences for kids. There are also so many opportunities for extracurricular activities that get offered through libraries, recreation centers, and more. Also too, some schools will allow you to register with them to just take part in their sporting teams. Creating your community is so important. Whether it be neighborhood friends, local organizations or clubs, recreation centers, your local homelearning group, online groups or communities, gather your inner circle. From here you can give your child whatever experience it is that you wish them to have or better yet whatever experience THEY wish to have. It is all available to you .. it just is a bit more initial leg work.
What do the studies say?
Many studies and research papers have been conducted on home education and home educated students come out with glowing results. From outperforming their schooled peers on standardized tests, higher rates of post secondary education, through to being more involved in their civic affairs (voting), involved in their communities and feeling happy, homeschoolers shine.
Here are a few of the more recent studies (lots can be found online!)
- Homeschool Progress Report 2009: Academic Achievement and Demographics
- Academic Statistics on Homeschooling
- Fifteen Years Later: Home-Educated Canadian Adults
There are many different configurations of families that homeschool. The traditional is the stay at home mom and the working dad. Most homelearners probably do fit into this category, but not all. Some are stay at home dads with working moms, both parents working but on opposite shifts, sharing the homelearning. Some parents are work from home parents, accommodating their schedules as need be. There are single parents working part time and homeschooling.
Many arrangements can accommodate homelearning. And homelearning need not be expensive. The amount of free resources and material online can have a learner busy for a lifetime! Add a library card and some household materials and you have a learning environment.
Some studies have been comparing the costs of the double income family with a single income family with a stay at home parent and there are ways to bridge the gap. Meals, transportation, clothing, and more can be adjusted to accommodate the change (search this online and you will find so many awesome ideas!) Again if there is a will there is a way and it may require some creative juices for you to figure out but you can!
How can I stay sane while staying at home with my child(ren)?
Make yourself a community! Having a supportive group of people as your circle of friends is so helpful! There are lots of online support groups geared to homeschooling. Join and chyme in! Learning the Inspirative way can be really inspiring for yourself not just your learner. You get to lead by example. You get the opportunity to learn what you want to learn too. Pick up some books on a topic you always wanted to learn more about, join a community class, watch some inspiring documentaries, learn an instrument, a language, whatever it is that you always wished you learned. By you taking a leading role, learning in your life, you model this way of learning to your child. It gives them permission to play, learn and have some fun.
Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes FAQ's
Are there any particular system requirements I need to have of software I need to install?
The most important requirements for you to have to attend an Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE class
- a device (computer, laptop, ipod, iphone, ipad, google android),
- a stable high speed internet connection,
- and working speakers.
- For the most interactive and optimal experience of an Inspirative Learning Online LIVE Class, having video and mic capabilities is highly recommended (but not essential).
Other than that you click on the class link, enter as guest and you are in!
For more detailed information on detailed system requirements and even testing your device please visit our Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes Instructions page.
What is a Online 'LIVE' class?
An online LIVE class is just that LIVE! Your learner meets in a virtual classroom with their learning mentor and class peers. There they will engage real time. Your learner can actively participate in class discussions, games, simulations and activities in real time making this such an amazing interactive experience. It is ideal to have video and mic capabilities to optimize the interaction.
BEST Video and Mic capabilities. The learner can see and be seen and hear and be heard LIVE in real time, partaking to the fullest degree of interaction with their learning peers and mentor.
GOOD Mic capabilities. The learner can hear and be heard LIVE in real time, still engaging in interacttion and activities. The learner can upload their learning files, pictures etc for peers and mentors to see.
OK Just speakers (no video or mic capabilities. The learner can type in their comments, questions and still hear and see the class. The learner can upload their learning files for peers and mentors to see. This way puts a lot of pressure on the learner to type and does sometimes feel more like you are watching the class instead of participating in the class. Not recommended.
What happens if I miss a class?
Every class is recorded. Each registered participant is sent a link to the class recording to go over, watch again or save for future reference. Classes are best to attend LIVE, as they are interactive and a large part is about a group dynamic of sharing learning. But if need be, you will have the recording to review, catch up and partake LIVE at the next class.
Do I need any other materials or supplies?
For the class itself no other materials are required. Each class does have Lock in Learning Extensions (assignments). These assignments are open ended and usually only require general household materials. Modifications are always given as well and there are lots of different variations to each Lock in Learning Extension so there should be no reason for extra supplies to be needed. There are sometimes reading suggestions that are given, but they are not mandatory and the books can be loaned from your local library. That being said, these classes are known to inspire and ignite a great enthusiasm and Learner's have been known to get pretty creative in their projects and presentations sometimes needing some extra materials and supplies; not required but great to support and encourage!
Will my learner be graded?
No. There is no grading of the learner's work or knowledge. This is purposefully done to maximize the freedom to play, learn and discover in a safe learning environment. Each learner is encouraged to reach their own personal best and express themselves in their unique way. Learners are respected for where there are at and encouraged to challenge themselves on their learning adventure.
At the end of every class series each learner will get a certificate of completion (if attendance was at 80%) and a letter of feedback which will summarize the observations of learning unique for that learner in that class. (might include the ways of learning expression, the topic and medium of presentations, the learners favorite part of the class). The observations of learning feedback letter is optional.
The certificate and observations of learning feedback letter are great to add to the learners yearly portfolio if they have one, along of course with their projects and lock in learning extensions that they have done. Also too if you are reporting to a school, the observations of learning feedback makes it easy for you, just copy and paste!
Is Inspirative Learning's material religious?
No. Inspirative Learning is secular learning; we do not come from the viewpoint of any particular religion. Throughout many of the Through the Ages series, various religions will be explored and discussed as they had a large cultural impact. Examples of this are when we explore Ancient India we will step into the lives of Hindus, in Ancient Persia we will explore Zoroastrianism and in Ancient China Taoism and Confucianism will be experienced. Even when we look into the great scientists and mathematicians we may explore some religious ideas like Pythagoreanism and more.
Inspirative Learning always takes a secular approach, not attached to any particular view. The purpose of this exploration is for Learners themselves to critically think and make their own learning connections. Respect will be given to all religious views and all participants are expected to have tolerance and acceptance for eachothers viewpoints. Please note: evolution is referenced and discussed at large in many of the classes.
How much do Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE classes cost?
There is a standard formula to how classes are priced. It works out to $10/hour of class. A 6 week 75 minute/week class will cost $75.00 whereas a 2 week 1 hour/week class will cost $20. Classes range from a one day event to an 8 week series and therefor the prices range.
Inspirative Learning's Online LIVE Classes are a great value. You get LIVE interaction in a virtual classroom with your learning mentor and peers. Engaging activities to inspire and ignite enthusiasm are followed up with weekly Lock in Learning Extensions. Each Learner gets the opportunity to share their learning each week and in many classes they get the experience of an end of session presentation. Plus at the end of class series the learner will receive a certificate and their observations of learning report (optional). It is an excellent whole learning experience.
Does the Learner have to be the age recommended for the class?
Not necessarily. This is a guideline. You know your learner best! However keep in mind that lots of thought has been put into the suggested age.
If your Learner is older than the age suggested and you think they would still be interested, no problem. The material is open ended allowing for many age ranges and your learner can still find it very engaging and challenging.
If your Learner is just a year younger than the suggested age and you feel they are in love with the topic and have a good enough attention span to hold the length of the class than yes, they are welcome to join the class.
If your Learner is more than two years younger than the suggested age, I am sorry but the answer is no. You may wish to instead purchase the Study Unit of the class and modify for their age. Or feel free to send a request for a class to be held for your learner's age as it may be able to be accommodated.
