5. Methods and resources

There is no one teaching or learning method or set of resources to implement an educational program that will suit all families. As long as the requirements for registration are met, parents may choose their preferred methods and resources.

The educational program needs to address the child’s learning needs recognising that children learn in different ways, at different rates and with different interests.

The teaching or learning methods and resources may follow an educational philosophy or theory, an interest or project based approach, a commercial program, a combination of methods, or a personal approach developed to suit the family and the child.

Some parents prefer to provide information for each separate subject. Others prefer an integrated approach based on a theme or key project. Some parents develop a common theme for their children of different ages and make adjustments for the learning needs of each child. It is up to parents to choose the methods and approach that work for them.

The educational program and associated records may be paper based, project based, digital or a combination of different mediums.

Regardless of the method and resources used, it is expected that the child’s learning needs will be addressed.

As a guide, typically, parents develop and keep plans, records, resources and other relevant information relating to:

• the learning needs of the child
• content for the educational program
• the child’s learning progress and interests
• learning activities based on NESA syllabuses
• the time allocated for learning activities
• resources for the educational program
• how the home and local environment supports learning.

NESA does not prescribe, or provide, any particular method, resource or format for an educational program. Sample educational programs, prepared by home schooling parents, are published on NESA’s website.

Planning an educational program

There are a number of ways to develop an educational program based on NESA’s syllabuses. Home schooling parents can choose from the syllabus stage statements, outcomes and/or content to prepare the child’s learning program.

For example, parents could:

• use syllabus stage statements as a framework for planning the educational program; and/or
• integrate the syllabus outcomes into the educational program using resources chosen by the parent; and/or
• use syllabus content to develop topics or themes to be covered.

Some parents prefer a structured approach with set times for formal instruction while others prefer a less formal approach that is based on the child’s interests and needs. Many parents change their approach over time in response to the child’s development and what works best.

The following questions may assist educational planning:

• What knowledge, understanding and skills does my child already have?
• Are there any gaps in my child's learning and achievement that need to be addressed? What knowledge, understanding and skills does my child need to learn next?
• What are some ways that my child could work towards achieving the stage statements? How will I know if my child is making progress?
• How could the outcomes be related to learning that occurs naturally in our home? What resources would I need to support the learning content for this stage?
• How can I make the learning activities interesting and engaging? How can I support my child to be a successful learner?

For parents who are new to home schooling, other parents may be a source of practical support. Many experienced home schooling parents are willing to share their approach and ideas as part of a local group or some other support organisation. Section 15 of the Guidelines provides information about support groups and resources.