In writing the article on thinking like a homeschooler, I attempted to persuade all parents to take the kind of ownership in a child’s education that a homeschooler would. In this article on teaching civics like a homeschooler, you should find methods and practices to help you teach civics to your children.
Children should learn the subject of civics, both in and out of school as it allows them to study the government and their role within it as citizens. Children need to understand that government isn’t just for politicians, but for all citizens who have every right to be active. In teaching civics like a homeschooler, as student would not learn about civics, but be an active citizen, engaging in all levels appropriate for their age and maturity level.
The best timing for teaching a child about civics is during an election. It can be local or national. Look at the issues. Decide where you stand on them. Figure out which candidate’s views best match yours. Participate in the process as much as possible.
Even where there is not an election in the works, a child can write letters to politicians about issues that are close to their hearts. They can go as far as to make an appointment to visit with the politician for a tour and to ask questions.
Take an elections job such as a page or election official as soon as they are of age. This will give them a good glimpse at the inner workings of politics and the political process.
Parents, of course, need to be interested and active in politics to best impress on their children the importance of being an active citizen who is engaged in the goings on in our country. Being involved in civics yourself is always the very best way to communicate it’s importance to your children, and to keep them active in politics and citizenship as they go through their lives.