Why Timberdoodle Encourages Independent Learning

The Top 7 Reasons This Is Such a Big Deal at Timberdoodle

This question on Facebook got us thinking:

"Timberdoodle: I read your catalog cover to cover when it comes, and I love your thoughtful reviews of homeschooling resources. I’m wondering, though, about what feels to me like an increasing number of DVD/computer-style resources that “replace” parental involvement. Yes, homeschooling parents are busy, but isn’t spending time with your kids as they learn a major part of the whole point? What is your perspective on this?"

What a fascinating observation! We actually have quite a few reasons for selling independent learning tools and after a little discussion here, these are what we see as the most important factors in that decision.

1. Avoid Burn Out

One-on-one teaching is critical to the success of any student, and homeschoolers are no exception. However, we have seen parents become helicopter teachers, micromanaging every detail of their students’ education. Is it any wonder that these parents burn out? Independent learning skills provide a natural transition from the one-on-one focus of early childhood to a less teacher-intense educational approach.

2. Cultivate Responsible Learners

There is a lot of (dare we say it?) fun in teaching. But it is better for your student to learn on their own at times. After all, when they are adults, you’ll want them to have the ability to pick up any skill they want and learn it as needed. Structuring their education to be more and more self-taught helps them to become responsible self-learners.

3. Special Needs, Illness and Newborns

Not all parents have the same amount of teaching time. Whether they are doing therapy for a child with autism, dealing with their own chronic illness, managing visits for a foster child, or are blessed with a newborn, there are seasons when homeschooling needs to be more independent for the teacher's sanity!

4. You Don’t Have To Love Teaching

As much as no one wants to mention this, we all know parents who struggle to teach. They love their kids and feel strongly about homeschooling, but when it actually comes down to teaching, they are easily overwhelmed and intimidated. If it is an area they are not gifted or trained in, then, of course, teaching is scary. Independent learning tools can help parent educators get comfortable in their role. Even if they never love teaching, they can still reap the benefits of giving their children a superior education at home.

5. Timberdoodle's Purpose: We are Here to Make Giving Your Children a Superior Education at Home Enjoyable

Here at Timberdoodle, amid the catalogs, sales, articles, videos, Facebook giveaways, etc., we have one primary goal. That goal is to make it possible for parents to enjoy giving their children a superior education at home. We aren’t here to sell you stuff (though we wouldn’t exist if you didn’t shop!), which is why we have been known to send you to our “competitors” when their product would work better for you. We really just want you to be a happy homeschool family. When that happens, we feel successful! Independent learning is simply a tool in your toolbox. It is a valuable one, so use it where it works best for you.

6. Not Either/Or

You don’t have to pick between independent and group learning across the board. History and science are typically easy subjects to combine across multiple grades, as it is wonderful to have the whole family involved in the read-aloud portion and experiments. Our family has also converted some workbooks into read-alouds. Instead of writing in answers, we took turns answering the questions. If you’re seeing that one of your texts this year would benefit the entire family, why not switch it up a little? Just because
you want your children to master independent learning, that does not mean you should hesitate to learn as a family!

7. Our Family's Experience

The rule of thumb in our house was that as soon as a child could read, he was responsible for his own education. We each had an annual conference with Mom to set learning goals for the year. We were then given the books for the year—often including the teacher’s manuals. Mom gave us each a weekly checklist to complete before Friday Family Night. If we needed help, we asked questions. Otherwise, the responsibility was ours. This also freed us up to do other important things as a family: service, Timberdoodle work, babysitting, elder care, community or church projects, hospitality, farming…