Homeschooling Tips
The decision to home school your child is both admirable and challenging, as you take on both roles of parent and educator. From selecting the curricula to developing lesson plans to educational activities to shaping a social setting for your children, parents who take on home schooling have full plates. Before you dive in to teacher mode, here are a few suggestions to aid your approach and become your kid’s hero.
1. Research before anything
Know your options. With more and more parents deciding to home school their children, there are more resources available. Research the different programs, look into different online courses and testimonials before you get started.
2. Hit the books
Before you can become the educator, you have to do your own studying and prepare yourself to step in a teacher’s shoes. Find the best reads to train you how to think, plan and differentiate parent mode from teacher mode. Check out online and physical books to gain better insight to plan your schedule accordingly.
Here are a few titles to look into for ideas:
The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas
3. Find your group
Do not be afraid to search for counsel and advice from other parents who have been in your shoes. Find your own support group with people you can relate to and reassure you that you’re not alone. There are plenty of blogs on the national and local levels to turn to. Meet other parents who home school their children for coffee and get new ideas from experts.
See if one of Circle of Mom’s blog suggestions meets your needs here.
4. Pin it
Take advantage of other resources, such as Pinterest to borrow a little inspiration, especially for breaks and after-school activities. Also, find useful printables and teaching techniques to apply to your own school days at home. All the help you need is out there; don’t be too proud to accept it.
5. There’s an app for that
It’s safe to say kids attending school today experience learning in a completely different way than their parents. We live in a digital-mania environment and that shows in a modern classroom. Show your young student isn’t missing out by incorporating the latest electronic innovations to your lesson plans as well.
Check out TeachThough’s 40 apps home school parents could use here.
6. Social Engagement
The main concern parents have when considering home school is the limitation they put on their children’s social life. Look into local sports clubs in your community and encourage your child to take up a new sport each season. Introduce your daughter to dance classes and watch her become a ballerina. Also, encourage them to pick up a musical instrument and gain that community learning as well.
7. Ask for help
Don’t be discouraged if you realize you cannot complete all of your tasks in a day. Filling the positions of mom and teacher is sure to take a toll on you, so do not feel like you failed if something slips up. Also, give yourself a break once in a while. Don’t eliminate the things you enjoy from your life, but instill balance in your routine.
8. Be patient not perfect
No one expects you to have the routine down instantly. Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself and learn as you go. You are not expected to have all the answers. Find what works and what doesn’t and use those discoveries to improve.
