For parents who want more control over their children’s education, homeschooling may be an option worth looking into. Studies have shown that homeschooled children actually do better on achievement tests than their public school counterparts. It is not for everyone, however, and there are a lot of things to think about. Read these tips about homeschooling.
Homeschooling can be really difficult if you also have a baby or very young child to take care of. Set up a schedule for the day so that the needs of all of your children can be met. Try to find activities that they can both participate in. Look for opportunities to get your children to interact with each other but do not force them to spend time together.
Learning happens all around us whether in the classroom or at the park. No single curriculum can teach your child more than what he can learn every day. Teach them to read, and help them to speak correctly. Enlist their help with making dinner by letting them read directions and measure ingredients. You will feel proud of their quick progress.
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.
Create your own flash cards. There is no need to waste money on expensive sets of flash cards when you can do it yourself. All you need to make your own are some index cards and a marker. Besides saving money, this technique also allows you to tailor the flash cards to your child’s specific needs.
Consider digital options for your textbooks and reading materials. E-readers are quite affordable and easily accessible. Downloading books is far cheaper than purchasing print and easily takes up less room. Granted, there is not a resale option for the digital textbooks; however, there is a lot to be said for having reference books after the fact.
When you go on vacation, take your lesson plan with you. Include your vacation in your home classroom so that your kids can truly enjoy their schooling. Have them keep a scrapbook of the event, or take a video which they turn into an amazing family adventure later. Take them to cultural locations and teach them about the area, then have them reenact wars or important historical situations. There is so much to learn around the world, don’t let it pass them by!
The goal of homeschooling is to instill knowledge in your child or teen, but it should also be viewed as something more. You have a rare opportunity to use learning as a means of bonding and interacting with each other in a way most parents never get. Highlight the student’s accomplishments in your “�classroom’ just as you would for those earned in a traditional learning environment.
Read a variety of titles to ensure that your child receives a well-rounded education. How-to articles can give you a variety of hands-on activities to do with your child. Before you child begins studying a specific subject such as World History, visit your local library and check out a children’s history book along with an age appropriate book. Use the children’s history book to give you a broad overview of the information that should be taught, and use the other book for specific information to include in your lesson plan.
Actively create socialization opportunities for your child. You may have to be a bit more creative since he is not at school. Try getting together with other parents who homeschool and take field trips together. You can also sign your child up for community sports. Let them become a boy or girl scout for lots of opportunities to socialize.
Realize from the start that homeschooling is not always entirely enjoyable. There will be times that you will have to make your kids hit the books. Flash cards are not fun, and neither is reading a long boring book. Reward them for good study habits and they’ll be more inclined to stick to the program.
Decide what kind of school year works best for you and your child. Homeschooling gives you the flexibility to decide to do a traditional school year, or teach all year long. Each state has certain requirements and laws regarding the amount of hours required in the classroom. When homeschooling you can choose a schedule that works for you.
Homeschooling your children should not mean that they are exempt from tests and quizzes. It is important that you give your child a test as often as they would get one in school. This is a great way to determine which area your child is progressing in and which areas require more work on your part.
If you are parenting an infant and working with a homeschooler, consider investing in a high-quality carrier. A carrier will let you keep your infant close while you are homeschooling your older child. This helps to calm the baby, and it gives you more time to dedicate to your older child’s education. Many quality carriers are on the market, so choose one that you are comfortable with and use it often while in the classroom.
Attend as many homeschooling conferences as you can. These conferences allow you to look over all kinds of curriculum so that you can find the one that works best for you. In addition, you can listen to some knowledgeable speakers and connect with others. Going to one of these conferences is essential for success in homeschooling your child.
