When it comes to schooling, one of the more popular options today is homeschooling. Parents are choosing to take their kid’s education into their own hands to make sure they are prepared for a successful life.
This can be a daunting task, though, especially when first starting. The better you are able to gameplan for it, the better you will be prepared, and the more your kids will benefit.
This article will help you do just that. And, while it won’t give you a step by step for everything that you should be doing, it will provide a strong foundation for you to get started with. Also, remember that parents aren’t experts in every subject, so it is also important for them to learn some knowledge. Luckily, online courses are here to stay! Check out this list of the best online learning platforms of 2020.
So take advantage of these seven tips for homeschooling your kids.
Select the Right Homeschool Curriculum
A big part of homeschooling is the curriculum that you select for your kids. If you can choose a homeschool curriculum that will fit their learning needs and your foundational beliefs, it will go a long way in preparing them to be successful later on in life.
Also, some programs provide different levels of support when it comes to selecting the right curriculum. These various programs range from meeting with an online teacher regularly to only for specific topics. This is going to be a lifesaver as you can trust that your kids are getting expert instruction in areas that you may not be as strong in. It is also worth choosing a homeschooling curriculum in line with the curriculum being taught in the mainstream schools. By ensuring that your children are choosing the same GCSE subject choices, you can guarantee that they complete their education learning the same core fundamentals as their school taught peers.
Real Life Experiences
The point of schooling is to prepare kids for the real world and to set them up for success. And while a significant portion of this comes down to being able to learn in a classroom. There are also plenty of real-life experiences that they need to take part in. This only happens, though, if you are actively looking to create these learning situations for them.
Allow your kids to get out in the real world and experience hands-on learning. It could be volunteering at a foodbank, mowing lawns, helping teach younger kids, shadowing a mechanic at a garage, etc. This will allow your kids to see how the real world works, experience some hard work, and learn valuable lessons.
Think Outside of the Box
One of the main reasons that you are homeschooling is so that you can do things differently. This means that you need to find fun, new ways to do school. It could be growing and taking care of their own garden, competing in a science fair, or whatever you think is best, the goal should be to find projects that will challenge your kids.
When you do encourage your kids to pursue these different challenges, allow them to learn, and figure it out on their own. Yes, you should be there if they need help, but let them do the research, determine what works best, and so on. You might consider providing them with some research materials, but it should really about what they are capable of doing.
This article on the best flowers for vegetable gardens will help as a starting resource if you do go with the home vegetable garden route.
Connect With Local Schools
Depending on where you live, the schools in your area may offer a variety of homeschool-friendly events that your kids can be a part of. It may be a fall festival, sports, or a number of other activities. You must encourage your kids to interact with other kids their age. The more they can do this, the more they will be able to interact with their peers as they continue to go through life.
Find Other Home Schoolers to Connect With
Along with connecting with local schools, a great way to meet new people is by connecting with other homeschoolers. It could be some kind of co-op, a small group class, or simply going to the park. The more you can develop these types of relationships, the better you and your kids will enjoy the whole homeschool process. Also, if you struggle to teach a specific subject, this may be a great way to get a little help with handling the course load.
Create an Environment for Learning
Just as it is hard to be productive in a cluttered and messy office, it can be hard for kids to focus in a cluttered home. The more you can make sure that your home is decluttered and ready for learning, the easier it will be for your kids to concentrate and learn as they study. Your kids won’t be distracted by toys lying around or feel claustrophobic.
Having a specific room for school work may be an excellent option, as well. If you can designate a place in your house for purely school-related activities, your kids will know that it is time to lock in and focus whenever they enter.
Use Technology
Technology is a big part of life, and it can be used for good, bad, or simply to waste time. When it comes to homeschooling, though, it can be a valuable resource. It could be learning a new language on a language learning app, researching a school project, maybe even playing a game that is an educational app. If you can cultivate this enjoyment for learning, your kids will naturally be drawn to screen time that encourages learning. So while screen time shouldn’t be a 24/7 thing, there are benefits for learning if used correctly.
Tips for Homeschooling Your Kids Conclusion
There is not going to be a set game plan for homeschooling. Every child is different, and that means different learning styles, interests, and so on. That means that there is going to be some trial and error as you go, but the important thing is that you are always developing and continuing to pursue excellence.
Hopefully, these seven tips for homeschooling your kids will allow you to get the ball rolling in some areas.
If you have any feedback or other tips for homeschooling, we would love to hear about them in the comments below.