5 tips for Homeschooling Your Child
Homeschooling is somewhat of a grey area due to its subjective nature, and setting off on your journey as a home-educator can feel like being thrown in at the deep end. Just as you feel you are getting a grip of being a parent another role is thrown into the mix. However, many who have made the “big leap” sing it’s praises, reporting that their children are given more freedom, autonomy and a chance to pursue their own interests. Follow our 5 tips on getting your little pupils to the top of the class…
1. School is different than home
The biggest worry for parents is freeing up six hours of their day to give their child a mirrored experience to that at school. But bear in mind that you are (thankfully) not in charge of 30 restless children, unless you plan on inviting the whole street to share in your wisdom, that is. Aim to educate your child from anywhere between 2-4 hours a day, this will keep your child engaged, any longer and you may find yourself going backwards. So yes, you do in fact have time to delve back into that book you’ve been clutching to, or to go for that long soak you’ve been promising yourself.
2. Routine
Routines are crucial for children, giving them a system of order that they can follow and preparing them for the demands of later life. Imagine the intense struggle of that 6 am alarm without routines as a child? Painful. To uphold this routine, create effective lesson plans each night for the following day, or week. One great way of doing this and saving on paper, is by using a whiteboard. Simply write your plan for each day and scrub off when complete. To keep spirits high a little addition we suggest is for each day to include a fun activity, such as the #miss5thswhiteboard trending hashtag for some inspiration.
3. Set yourself a location and stick to it
Breaks demand a strong place in your drawn up routine. They give children a much-needed brain break, and more importantly get you through the day without wanting to sneak off for a stiff gin. By setting specific times children remain engaged for longer knowing they have a time-out approaching, and will work harder in the times they are engaged. Breaks may take the form of taking the leash off completely or encouraging them to get involved with play-based learning.
3. Set yourself a location and stick to it
It’s important to pick a designated area for learning, and stick to it. Children need a space that they return to learn to. Setting them up around a table is also important for getting your child in the mindset to learn, and increases the chances of potential light bulb moments. Although vital to learning, kitting your child out with materials can bring many parents out in a cold sweat; thinking back to that pritt-stick deeply embedded in the carpet. To put your mind at rest we suggest investing in a form of storage furniture where you and your children can pack-away and store materials each day, ready for next use.
Materials that we suggest collating are:
• A pencil case – Including a maths set and crayons or felt tips
• Tools: Paper, glue, and a stapler
• A dictionary
• An atlas
• An art set
• A computer
4. It’s okay to have a bad day
The thought of taking on a new role would have even the most resilient of us knocking our knees. It’s easy as a parent to put pressure on yourself, feeling like their future is in your hands and scolding yourself if the day doesn’t pan out like you’d hoped – and let’s face it with children it often doesn’t. But we are all humans, and sometimes we need to turn down panic mode and take a hypothetical chill pill. There are several things you can do if you reach Armageddon:
• Stretch those legs – Exercise is crucial, it allows your children to blow off some steam and get them in the mood to want to sit down and hit the books. Granted, not all families have access to outside spaces, but fitness guru Joe Wicks broadcasts P.E. lessons for all to enjoy, so shunt the sofa to the side and get moving.
• Educational viewing – It’s a known fact children love TV, they’d spend all day in front of it if they could. Although it may feel like a cop-out, there are a plethora of educational programmes for them to enjoy, and to take the heat off you for a while! Visit here to view a range of programmes geared to the age of your child.
• Spark their interest – One major advantage of homeschooling is that children are able to exercise more of their personal interests. It’s a win-win, they are occupied with what they enjoy and it is also broadening their horizons. If they want to paint let them, they may just become the next Picasso.
5. Stay connected
When you are a homeschooling parent you can feel isolated, but always remember others are in the same boat. Social media can be an integral tool in voicing your experience with homeschooling, and comparing with others. Social Media is also good for discovering new techniques to learning that others have found success with, and also frankly for just having a good laugh at relatable posts.
No-one said homeschooling was going to be easy, but get it right and the rewards will speak for themselves. Take enjoyment out of more time spent with your child, and taking an active role in their education.
No-one said homeschooling was going to be easy, but get it right and the rewards will speak for themselves. Take enjoyment out of more time spent with your child, and taking an active role in their education.