In order to be successful at homeschooling, there are several things that you need to know. While it is not important for you to have any formal teaching experience, you want to do the best that you can to give your child the education they deserve. Use the information here to reach all of your homeschooling goals.
Homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to be their only teacher. Involve other experts, be it the Baker at the local bakery or your nearby librarian. Family members and friends can step in and help, too. The more teachers you provide, the broader the knowledge base your children will end up with.
When you home school your child, you take on more than the role of teacher. Actually, you’ll also have to be the cafeteria worker, physical education coach and possibly even a counselor. Consider the responsibilities each title carries as you plan out your daily schedule and routine. Prepare lunches in advance, schedule outdoor time and make yourself available for emotional support and motivation.
Even homeschooling teachers and students want to feel included. For that reason, you should both consider joining a homeschooling support group. Your student(s) will get to talk to other kids who understand the lifestyle and challenges of homeschooling. Likewise, you can get input, advice and general support from other parents that have already struggled with and succeeded at homeschooling.
Limit the distractions in your workspace. This does not mean that you have to have a classroom. Simply, shut off the ringer on the phone, turn off the television and if the computer is not used for school, shut it down. The fewer distractions you have to compete with, the smoother your lessons will go.
Learn about the laws in your state about homeschooling. It is vital that you know what the laws are in your state that pertain to homeschooling. While some states require a parent to be a participant in standardized testing, other are more lax in their requirements. And some states even require you to register yourself as a private institution of learning.
Let your kids learn by doing. For example, make learning about foreign cultures fun by experimenting with foreign cuisine. If they’re learning about Germany, you could cook up some cabbage rolls. If you are learning about WWII you can make German or Japanese foods. When all senses are used, information is better retained.
Be patient with both, yourself and your child when you begin homeschooling. You will need time to settle into your routines and roles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new approaches in order to best meet your child’s needs. Trial and error are the best way to determine what works for you and your child.
An advantage to homeschooling is that many places offer discounts to those who are home-schooled. It is a good idea to check around with local museums, science centers and theaters since most do offer discounts. This is a great way to have a fun day with your child, while teaching them in a creative way.
Research the resources available in your area. Certain establishments may have special classes or activities designed particularly for homeschooled children. You may also get discounts on cultural events in the area. Also, do not forget about the Internet. There is a wealth of knowledge on different forums and websites that is easy to access.
Prior to beginning the homeschooling process, get a handle on your method of discipline. Do you think it will be sufficient as you move into the role of a teacher? Will you need to change things up a little bit? If so, go ahead and do that as soon as possible. It is much harder to institute new policies after you begin. Start strong.
Before or after homeschooling, you can get your children to help around the house. Giving your child a short list of household tasks is a great way to teach them responsibility. It is also an excellent way to teach them to pick up after themselves, and it could make less housework for you.
Look for thematic activities. There are a number of books on the market for this. You can also create your own. This is where you take one activity and apply it to several different applications. Incorporating math, science, and language arts into am activity increases the learning for children. It can also simplify your planning.
Set aside a room or a part of your home to school in. Some kids have a hard time changing their mindset from home, where they relax to school where they need to focus and work. If you make a schooling area in your home, your child will know that when he is in that area it is time to learn. Make sure this part of your home is designated as school only so you and your child are serious when you are in this room.
When you are homeschooling, make sure that there are ample supplies for your child. This means that you should never run out of pencils, pens or paper. If you set yourself up with the proper supplies, you will be in a position to maximize the time that you have teaching your child.
Keep regular school hours with your children. If you are trying to fit school in between other chores, classes may quickly get lost in the shuffle. Your kids need to know what to expect. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find great ways to teach basic life skills through trips to the store or volunteer activities, but learning should always be the focus during school hours.
Children that are taught at home may have a different grasp of certain subjects, but that does not mean they cannot grow up to be productive members of society. Do your best to teach them all you know in a way that speaks to them. All of the advice here should make that much easier to do.
