It's true - Dad can homeschool his kids too

Ranked #5,414 in Education, #125,960 overall

Dr. Robinson - homeschool dad par excellence - how did you do it?

Who says a dad can't homeschool his children?

Dr. Arthur Robinson, an accomplished and respected scientist who is also a widower with six children, might beg to differ.

Yes, Dr. Robinson did homeschool all six of his children after his wife had died suddenly and unexpectedly.

The Robinson family homeschool story has been one of great inspiration and encouragement to me and I'd like to share this family's remarkably successful homeschool experience with you.

If you have any question about why and how to homeschool not just one but several children, if you want to homeschool but have no clue how to go about it, this lens aims to focus on and point you in the direction of a highly effective teaching approach.

This homeschool "Doctor Dad"
has
your prescription

“Take 15 minutes a day:

Teach your children
to teach themselves”

The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum

Teach your children to teach themselves

Meet Dr. Robinson and his family - peruse The Robinson Curriculum - a complete K-12 homeschool curriculum of excellence - "a self teaching method that turns kids into independent learners and is independent of parent skills".

Dr. Robinson had my attention - I read everything on his website, over and over - I was amazed and thought -

what a dad - what a family - what a homeschool concept - what a story -

every homeschooler should know about this.

The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum worked splendidly for the Robinson family and it did the same for me and my kids.
Dr. Robinson and The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum
http://robinsoncurriculum.com
The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum - printable website
http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/view/rc/brochure.htm

Dr. Robinson - my homeschool savior

I am a single mom and I had worked all my life in research science labs. I have two daughters, 18 and 20, who study at the college of their choice.

My older daughter was in public school, going into 9th grade, when she asked me to homeschool her. She was one of the top students in a public magnet school but she said she was bored and she could learn more at home. It turned out she was right.

I'm not a teacher - I never dreamed I would consider homeschooling - certainly not starting a high school homeschool - but I did. My younger daughter was at that time going into 7th grade - I pulled her out of school as well. I'm sure you can imagine that I needed some very good advice very fast.

After some agonizing and desperately searching for help how to pull this adventure off - my search led me to Dr. Robinson's website where -

I marveled at the following astonishing fact:

This dad teaches homeschool 15 minutes per day

And I thought - if he can do that, surely so can I. So - HOW does he do it???
Dad teaches 15 minutes per day
http://robinsoncurriculum.com/view/rc/s31p43.htm

Kudos for Dr. Robinson

Dr. Robinson blazed a trail for homeschool parents. Using the Robinson Homeschool Curriculum and following in his footsteps was an adventure and a pleasure for me and my family.

Thank you, Dr. Robinson, for sharing your family's homeschool wisdom and for putting together a truly superb and effective curriculum.

Moms - take heart

You don't have to
homeschool all alone.

As you can see -
it's true -
DAD CAN HOMESCHOOL TOO!


How did we do it? Can't help it - gotta brag

Salient tidbits from my family's homeschool experience

--- MY OLDER DAUGHTER'S EXPLOITS (she's the sweetheart in my profile picture above):

started homeschool in 9th grade - at her request

used Saxon Math books (as recommended by Dr. Robinson) - teaching herself algebra to calculus - with no help from me at all (mean German mama that I am, I wouldn't even let her use a calculator - I wasn't using one in school, so there - she also had to work through every problem in the books - and there are many problems and no pictures of any kind to distract her) - facit: my daughter loves math - it's so easy (her own words)

started college classes at 16 - graduated homeschool high school at 18 with 42 college credits and a 3.95 GPA

at 17 she was recognized by the American Chemical Society as Outstanding General Chemistry Student for the academic year

taught herself Hebrew (which no one in our family knows) from a study book I found for her - went on (at 18) to study for one year in Jerusalem where - guess what - she had more math - the only challenge was that this time her classes were in Hebrew - no problem - she concluded that math is easy in any language

went to Germany at 19 to study at a well-known university - I thought she might have a problem getting accepted but that was not the case at all - this is amazing to me in light of the fact that homeschooling is illegal in Germany and yes, some of the few parents who dare to homeschool have been taken to jail

--- WHAT DID I DO?
my job was mainly to supply enough reading material for her to keep her inquisitive mind satisfied

--- MY YOUNGER DAUGHTER'S EXPLOITS:

started homeschool in 7th grade - not at her request, mind you

started college classes at 15 - graduated homeschool high school at 18 with 67 college credits and a 3.7 GPA

was awarded (at 18) the Grand Prize in the 4th Essay Contest "Fifty Wonders of Korea"

went to New York at 18 to study at a well-known art college

The Robinson Curriculum = Homeschool Curriculum Excellence

Right on, Dr. Robinson!

Of all the teaching methods we tried - a Christian school - a highly rated public magnet school (International Baccalaureate track) - the Robinson homeschool curriculum made the most sense to me and promised and delivered the greater rewards for my kids.

That is not to say that my kids were not top students throughout all their school years, from Kindergarten through high school. Or that they did not fit in for various personal reasons. They were top students consistently and they did fit in, regardless of the type of school environment.

I chose Dr. Robinson as my guide as I ventured into unknown territory - homeschool land. He delivered to me a mountain of valuable teaching advice and teaching materials. From the first step to the last - our homeschool journey was a satisfying one with a happy ending.

I highly recommend The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum to every homeschooler.

Your Expert Guide to Homeschool Land

Dr. Robinson and The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum
http://robinsoncurriculum.com/
The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum - printable website
http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/view/rc/brochure.htm

Why would anyone want to homeschool?

Why not ask the experts?

I introduced you to the eminent homeschool expert, Dr. Robinson. I also shared with you my family's homeschool expericence.

Now let's hear from two expert young girls who make a case for the joys of being homeschooled. Meet the Mini Homeschoolers, Danya (7) and Gloria (5):

Meet the Mini Homeschoolers

The Mini Homeschoolers
by scrapsathome | video info

8 ratings | 2,723 views
curated content from YouTube

The Mini Homeschoolers - Part 2

Mini Homeschoolers 2 The Best Part of Homeschooling
by scrapsathome | video info

30 ratings | 9,957 views
curated content from YouTube

The Mini Homeschoolers - Part 3

Mini Homeschoolers 3 Better Relationships
by scrapsathome | video info

5 ratings | 1,716 views
curated content from YouTube

The Mini Homeschoolers - all greeked out

Mini Homeschoolers 5 It's All Greek to Me!
by scrapsathome | video info

8 ratings | 1,893 views
curated content from YouTube

I leave you with this thought

Life is not a dress rehearsal -
nothing ventured - nothing gained.

If you have homeschooling on your mind - go for it - because
now you know - it can be done.

It's fun and oh so rewarding.

REMINDER TO DAD

I, Dad,
will give my kid the chance to be on this list:

MY KID IS FAMOUS

Matt O'Brien's 50 Best Blogs for Homeschooling Dads

How to float the homeschool dad boat

Matt O'Brien realizes that "more and more dads are making the decision to stay-at-home and homeschool their children".

Matt has just posted an article on his blog entitled "50 Best Blogs for Homeschooling Dads", providing "insight and communication with other dads who are in the same boat".

In this article Matt has put together a much needed homeschool dad boot camp and leadership camp.

THANK YOU, MATT!

And Matt, I am honored and I thank you that you have chosen to include my homeschool dad lens in your lineup!

Homeschool rewards - why parents love homeschool

Why Parents Love Homeschool
by MillerHomeSchoolOK | video info

62 ratings | 11,615 views
curated content from YouTube

One more homeschool foundation stone

Timely reminder for Dads and Moms

Site Build It!

BUT... what about... the S word???

SOCIALIZATION???

a non-issue

The Robinson family did not homeschool in a vacuum

and neither did we

FOR SALE - The Robinson Homeschool Curriculum on eBay

Used homeschool curriculum

Loading

FOR SALE - Saxon Math Books on eBay

Used homeschool curriculum

Loading

FOR SALE - My other favorite homeschool resources

During my search for a homeschool curriculum of excellence I also came across the Bluedorn Family and their superb and valuable teaching method:

TO DISCOVER
TO REASON
TO APPLY

I bought their book "The Trivium" and found the Bluedorn Family's homeschool wisdom a great and valuable asset to my homeschool.

Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style by Harvey Bluedorn, Laurie Bluedorn

Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style by Harvey Bluedorn, Laurie Bluedorn

How can you give your children the tools they need to teach themselves? Long ago students were first taught how to learn. Today, students are taught an encyclopedia of subjects trivia but they are not taught the basic skills of learning: to discover, to reason, and to apply. They are not taught the trivium.

Can you homeschool in a classical style without compromising your Christian principles? Classical Education must be sifted through the critical screen of the Scriptures to be transformed into...

0 points

Vocabulary Bridges From English to Latin & Greek by Harvey Bluedorn

Vocabulary Bridges From English to Latin & Greek by Harvey Bluedorn

Comprehensive workbook for studying Latin and Greek roots. Teaches 50 Latin prefixes and 60 Latin roots; 50 Greek prefixes and 80 Greek roots; all the major prepositions of Latin and Greek; 2,000 English vocabulary words examined. Consumable workbook for ages 10 and up.0 points

Lives in Print: Good Biographies and Autobiographies by Ava Bluedorn

Lives in Print: Good Biographies and Autobiographies by Ava Bluedorn

Men who courageously stood for what is right, women who passionately cared for those in need, Christians who sacrificed everything for what they believed, scientists who changed the world with their innovations, everyday mothers who lived extraordinary lives, statesmen who fought for freedom -- all of these can be found in biographies. Lives in Print reviews over 150 biographies, giving a summary of each. For all ages. Size: 4 1/4 X 110 points

Hand That Rocks the Cradle: Good Books to Read Aloud to Children by Nathaniel Bluedorn

Hand That Rocks the Cradle: Good Books to Read Aloud to Children by Nathaniel Bluedorn

Annotated list of classic 19th and 20th century fiction. For all ages. Size: 4 1/4 X 110 points

The Story of Mr. Pippin by Johannah Bluedorn

The Story of Mr. Pippin by Johannah Bluedorn

Once upon a time there was a raccoon named Mr. Pippin.... and so begins the true story of how one happy summer we raised a baby raccoon. Detailed full color paintings bring this tale of love and friendship to life, making the book certain to appeal to children of all ages and to the young at heart. Children's full color picture book. Size: 8 1/2 X 8 1/20 points

My Mommy, My Teacher

My Mommy, My Teacher

A delightful children's picture book which tells the story of a young girl and her family as they learn and work together on their farm. Her mother teaches her at home along with her three brothers and her baby sister. The story is illustrated with beautiful watercolor paintings. Every page is in full color.0 points

FOR SALE - Homeschool Dad Gear on CafePress

Make a statement

I'M A HOMESCHOOL DAD AND I ACCEPT HUGS AND KISSES
Loading

To homeschool or not to homeschool - that is the question

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Your comments are greatly appreciated

Please rate my lens - thank you!

  • KDGartman Sep 7, 2011 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing this...I think often times Dad's feel excluded from the home-school process (and therefore often don't support it). Try to include Dad (if he is in the picture) and give him a specific class to teach when he arrives home from work in the evening. Many times getting Dad involved is the best support group you could have. (Also, if mom makes more $ and one of the parents is going to stay home to home-school, Dad is actually a good choice.)
  • AdaptiveConcierge Aug 29, 2011 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    I'm only 11 minutes into the Robinson Curriculum video and am really enjoying it. As he says, I'm not the norm. I'm a DAD who's interested interested in learning more about homeschooling for increasing academics, and limiting political propaganda. Of the lenses I've looked at so far, I'm REALLY enjoying this one. Thanks!
  • parentsterling Jul 18, 2011 @ 11:55 am | delete
    Thank you so much for this lens:). We homeschool, and are currently using the k12 curriculum...
  • ngio64 May 4, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • ngio64 May 4, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • Tilly4Family Dec 13, 2010 @ 3:34 pm | delete
    wow! thanks for sharing this! we are currently using the Robinson curriculum and I needed encouragement!! thanks thanks thanks!
  • raphaelo Nov 11, 2010 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    I really like this lense :)
  • JaguarJulie Sep 12, 2010 @ 7:49 am | delete
    I really like the idea of dad giving a hand with the homeschooling AND everything else!
  • Scientific_Homeschooler Apr 30, 2010 @ 5:09 am | delete
    Of coarse Dad can homeschool! This is an inspirational lens; great work!
  • eclecticeducation Mar 1, 2010 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    Wow! Your daughters accomplished a lot. Great lens. I too homeschool my children. My oldest is in the 8th grade and my youngest is in the 2nd grade. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • casamonika Mar 3, 2010 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    Thank you for your precious time on my lens and for your blessing, Squid Angel! Looking at your lenses it's no wonder you are an angel, not just to the Squidoo community but to your family most of all. Wow! I don't know how you do it all, but I am grateful that you do what you do so well.
  • skiesgreen Dec 13, 2009 @ 1:12 am | delete
    Wow, great inspirational lens. I home schooled my grandson for a while and it was great. He learned more in a few months with me than in several years at school. 5* and fave
  • casamonika Dec 13, 2009 @ 10:48 am | delete
    Thank you, I'm honored that you like my lens. And I'm happy to hear that you and your grandson had a wonderful homeschool experience too.
  • JenOfChicago Jun 29, 2009 @ 4:34 pm | delete
    Very interesting lens!
  • Cop-Speak Apr 18, 2009 @ 5:27 pm | delete
    What a wonderful lens... I love your informative approach to homeschooling. My Daughter home schools her three, and my wife and I get to help out on occasion. I like to do mini lessons in science and math, my wife enjoys the reading assignments. You can see my daughter here... http://www.squidoo.com/John-3-16-SayYou#module23129412
  • Load More

by

casamonika

Hello friend, I'm Monika. Curiosity is my middle name. I love to explore new things... like homeschool. What a great experience that turned out to be. more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!