Cover the Core and Capture Delight Directed Learning
Parents do need to find a balance when incorporating delight directed learning, however. You want to both cover the core AND capture delight directed learning.
COVER the core classes of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Each family will have additional classes they consider non-negotiable, core classes. Try to teach those core classes in an interesting way. It's possible to teach core subjects using delight directed classes, but make sure you cover the core one way or another.
Once the core is covered, try to CAPTURE the delights of your child, and translate them into courses on your transcript. You don't have to plan, direct, or evaluate with tests or quizzes ... just capture the learning. When your child reads books, make a note of those books. When you get your records together, group books into classes, ie these are history books and experiences, these are computer science books and experiences. See the chapter about Delight Directed Learning in the e-book included in my Total Transcript Solution to discover the "Sticky Note Strategy" that will help capture those delight directed learning credits.
How do you cover the core and capture delight directed learning in your homeschool? Please share!
Please note: This post was originally published in October 2010 and has been revamped and updated for content and accuracy.