Easy Homeschool tips
What does it take to do a great job of homeschooling? Determination, research and organization are the main tenets of a great home classroom. This article will walk you through many other tips and tricks which will help you get your lesson plans in place and find great success in the end.
How well do you understand your child’s learning style? What may have worked for you might not be the finest approach for your homeschooled child. Research different learning styles and apply them to the chosen curriculum for the best results.
Don’t forget you’re dealing with kids that do better with breaks. Children cannot spend long hours reading a book or doing an exercise. They have to be able to expend energy outside or be able to lay on the couch like a potato for a bit. This will be to the benefit of everyone involved.
Let your kids take the reins. Simply pay attention to what your kid is interested in each day. If you see them doing something or even watching something on TV that you can turn into a learning lesson, use it to your advantage. By allowing your kids to learn about what they are interested in, you are going to make learning joyous and easy.
Wednesdays can be hard as they’re stuck in the middle of the week, so why not make them a special event? Include fun hands-on activities on this day or excursions around town. Make it something they look forward to and your kids will have an easier time making it through the week.
Sit down as a family each Sunday and discuss the upcoming week. This allows everyone to know what is expected of them during the week and how each person can help make the week more successful. Planning also gives everyone the opportunity to take part in field trips and projects.
Do some learning yourself
Figure out what motivates your children. The same thing will not motivate all children, so find a motivational tool for each child and use it. Keep your rewards age appropriate and reward your children for accomplishing each of their school goals for the year. They will work hard for the things that make them happy. Maybe that means making changes around the house. You may even need to hire a bathroom contractor to make all aspects of your home conducive to learning.
Get in touch with other homeschoolers in your area. Homeschooling can be a lonely path if you do not make an effort to seek out support. Many areas now have homeschooling co-ops, where parents in a community work together to share resources and offer help. These provide a valuable social outlet for your child, who does not have the same opportunities to make friends as a child in a public school.
Just because your kids are the only ones in your neighborhood to be homeschooled doesn’t mean that you’re alone. Not only can you find other homeschooling parents in your city, but you’ll find many groups online who share your philosophy that education begins at home. There are conferences, clubs, and even support groups waiting for you to use their resources. If you take the time to search, you’ll find a treasure trove lying before you.
Learn the governing rules of homeschooling in your state. Each state will have specific laws concerning how a parent can home-school their kids. For example, some states mandate that a homeschool is listed as a private school within their state. While other states mandate that homeschooled children are given standardized testing in certain grades. By knowing your state’s laws, you can ensure that you are following your state’s mandates as they pertain to homeschooling.
Make it unique
Don’t try to do things exactly as a school would. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility; do what works for your child. If he or she is more comfortable sitting on the floor and working, forgo the desk. If math is of particular interest, spend a little more time nurturing that subject. Cater to your child while working through the curriculum.
Now that you have the knowledge, you must endeavor to organize yourself, find the best resources, and truly take over the job of a teacher. You have to continually learn as much as you can about the job and how others are getting it done so that you can continue to be a better teacher every day.
