5 Benefits of Using Notebooking in Your Homeschool
If you’ve been in the homeschooling community for any amount of time then chances are you’ve run across the benefits of using notebooking. This method has been a popular adoption amongst homeschooling families for many reasons. Whether you’re new to the notebooking method or are looking for more resources, keep reading.
5 Benefits of Using Notebooking in Your Homeschool
Before diving into the benefits, let me explain what the notebooking method is all about. In a nutshell, notebooking involves keeping a book or memorandum in which handwritten notes are kept. Over the years, this has evolved to including drawings, printed and cutout pictures, activities, and so on. The goal to meet the unique learning styles of children while helping them memorize important aspects of a given concept or topic. With this in mind, let’s look at how it can enhance your children’s education.
Notebooking helps children process information in more depth.
It is scientifically proven that children are better able to recall information when it has been written down. This explains why we did so much writing as children in school. It’s a concept that works. Fast forward to recent days and children are given electronic devices versus pencil and paper. On another scientific note, handwriting allows a child’s brain to receive feedback from an their motor actions which ties to motor memory. This results in different connections and results than when an individual types notes.
Notebooks can be child-focused.
While most textbooks and workbooks are more concept and subject driven, notebooks can be centered on the child’s unique way of learning. Not only will your child be more engaged in what they are doing, they are also working on critical thinking and creativity skills because the work is truly their own. Notebooking opens the doors for children to take responsibility for their own education.
Notebooking keeps children organized.
Instead of having children keep up with individual folders, binders, storage containers, and so on – keeping notebooks can keep things much more organized. Imagine having a notebook for each subjects, and no matter what is taught/learned, it goes in that notebook. It’s really that easy. And when your child runs out of pages, start a new one.
Notebooking fosters more skills.
Contrary to popular belief, electronics is not an ideal substitute when you are trying to work on the variety of developmental domains in your child. However, through notebooking they are able to foster many skills. From handwriting to processing information, the notebooking method calls on all developmental forces to join and work together. It is also a low-impact, yet powerful way to help you child in areas they may be delayed in.
The notebooking method makes it easier on you.
As homeschooling moms, we have a lot to keep up with. From textbooks and reading books to recordkeeping and field trips, we have enough papers, binders, folders, and notebooks of our own. Giving your children their own notebooks to keep up with for homeschooling will lift a lot of pressure off of you. It will teach them responsibility in the meantime and call for less supplies and resources. Take full advantage of what notebooking has to offer!
Free Notebooking Resources
We started using the notebooking method in our homeschool many years ago and over time I’ve created a few resources. These are completely free and can be used to go along with something you’re already studying or used to spark a new unit study:
Conclusion
If you haven’t started using the notebooking method in your homeschool, I highly recommend that you give it a try. If you don’t like it, you can always stop – but I doubt you’d be disappointed.