Homeschooling has a number of advantages over traditional schooling. One of those advantages is the potential for more creative and flexible approaches to learning. Within the homeschooling world, horizontal block (HB) is one such creative approach that is being utilized in some homeschooling curriculums.
What is HB in homeschool curriculum, and where does it come from? Let’s take a look.
What Is Horizontal Block Learning?
Horizontal block learning is an educational term that was first used by the London Society for Education for the Future (LSFF) in their “EarthSci-L” series of curriculum materials. The idea is that, instead of the traditional approach of grouping students by age or grade level, the students are grouped according to the topics or areas of study they are pursuing.
So, a student could be grouped with other students who have a similar interest in science, while another student could be grouped with students with a similar interest in history. By doing this, the students are not limited to just one area of study, but instead have the opportunity to explore a broad range of topics.
What Are the Benefits of HB Learning?
There are many benefits of horizontal block learning. For one, it helps to create a more inclusive, collaborative learning environment. By allowing students to mix and mingle across traditional grade levels, they are given the opportunity to learn from, interact with, and gain new perspectives from their peers.
This, in turn, can help to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it can provide students with a sense of ownership over their learning, since they are allowed to pursue interests outside of the traditional curriculum.
Furthermore, horizontal block learning promotes interdisciplinary learning. Rather than focusing on one discipline or subject at a time, the students are able to explore a range of topics and relate them to one another. This encourages the development of a broader academic and intellectual base.
Ultimately, the goal of horizontal block learning is to provide an environment fosters curiosity and exploration.
What Is HB in Homeschool Curriculum?
In the homeschooling world, horizontal block has become an integral part of some homeschooling curriculums. With homeschooling, parents have the freedom to design their own educational programs that meet their children’s specific needs and interests.
With HB in homeschooling, parents can create unique, individualized programs that provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to learning. Rather than having the students focused solely on the traditional subjects such as math, science, and English, HB homeschooling allows the students to pursue an array of topics. For example, a student may explore music, art, history, and science in one homeschooling day.
This approach encourages the students to discover new interests and explore new ideas. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.
What Are Some Tips for Using HB in Homeschool Curriculum?
If you’re considering using horizontal block in your homeschooling curriculum, there are a few tips that can help make the transition smoother. First, it’s important to be organized and make sure that the topics you’re covering are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities.
Second, be sure to provide your child with a variety of resources, such as books, videos, and other media. Third, keep track of the time students are spending on individual topics and make sure they’re not getting overwhelmed or frustrated. Finally, provide an opportunity for students to discuss what they’re learning, ask questions, and share their ideas.
What Are Some Popular HB Curriculums?
There are a variety of HB curriculums available for homeschoolers to choose from. Some of the more popular ones include the Sonlight Curriculum, the Oak Meadow Curriculum, and the Ambleside Online Curriculum.
Each of these provides students with a comprehensive and flexible approach to learning that encourages exploration and creativity. The Sonlight Curriculum is a Christian-based program that seeks to provide students with an immersive educational experience. It offers leveled instruction in core subjects such as math, language arts, and sciences, as well as a wide array of elective topics and extra supplemental materials.
The Oak Meadow Curriculum is a hands-on, holistic approach to learning that encourages self-directed exploration and critical thinking. It focuses on project-based learning and offers a variety of traditional and eclectic topics. The Ambleside Online Curriculum is based on the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling.
It is designed to provide a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to learning with a classical emphasis on reading great literature from a variety of authors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, horizontal block is an increasingly popular approach to homeschooling that provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics and engage in interdisciplinary learning. It allows students to pursue their own interests and skills, while providing them with an immersive, creative learning environment.
Along with the traditional subjects, HB homeschooling provides students with the opportunity to delve into a variety of enrichment activities and gain a comprehensive education. Whether you’re using an existing curriculum or creating your own, HB can be a great way to engage your child’s curiosity and foster a love of learning.