If you are a parent of an at-home learner, then you have no doubt been faced with the pandemic that is crippling education in every corner of the world. Some good news for those looking to continue their homeschooling plans this semester is that plenty of tools are available to help make learning fun! We will provide some tips for parents facing another semester of at-home learning due to the pandemic.
- Be Prepared
Make sure you have your state homeschooling guidelines. You can find these online, and they will explain what is required depending on where you live. It's essential to follow these guidelines and ensure that your teaching plan meets those requirements to ensure your kids’ learning meets the required standards.
- Remember To Have Fun
This might not seem like an issue, but it becomes easy for parents (and children) to take their schooling too seriously as time goes on. Remembering to keep fun activities in your school day is essential because kids learn best when having a good time! If you can't think of any fun activities, check out online blogs or stores which offer educational games and toys. A monthly kids box full of games, puzzles, and toys would be great.
- Come Up With an Educational Plan
If you choose to homeschool your child this semester, it's a good idea to have a plan. A homeschooling curriculum is an excellent option because it will show you what goals you need to accomplish and give you the necessary teaching tools to achieve those goals. If you lack the funds for the learning, don't worry! There are plenty of free online resources and educational games that your kids can use as study aids. Remember that it all boils down to three things: motivation, fun, and consistency.
- Modify Your Curriculum As Needed
Although it's best to stick with a set plan, you should remember that all homeschooling plans are flexible. If your child needs more attention in a particular subject or needs help catching up, feel free to take lessons from the curriculum and modify them to meet their needs. Sometimes this might require spending more time on a subject matter but think of the long-term benefits!
- Continue To Be a Parent
You didn't become a parent just because you decided to homeschool your children. Homeschooling will be most effective if you're still actively involved in your child's life. This means taking time out of the day for outdoor activities and family outings. After all, when they're having a good time, you'll have more success in teaching them the necessary skills that will keep them ahead of their peers.
- Consult with Your Child
Although you're the one who's homeschooling, remember that your child also has a say in what goes on. As long as they participate and put in the effort, let them take ownership of their education! This will make them feel empowered and more willing to learn.
- Set Goals for Each Semester
To ensure the semester is successful for everyone, it's best to set goals. At first, don't worry about writing down specific details and instead focus on understanding what you think your child should learn. During the semester break, take some time to sit down and plan.
- Define Success
Every child is different, and every homeschooling schedule is different. What matters most is that you're happy with how you're approaching this new learning strategy.
- Check-In With Teachers
Since you will still be schooling your child, it's essential to communicate with their teachers on a regular basis. There might be some projects they need to discuss or homework that needs checking in on. Also, don't forget that one of the most powerful strategies for homeschooling is asking other parents what works for them.
- Remember The Most Important Thing: You're The Teacher!
This semester might be strange for you, but don't feel bad about it. You are your child's teacher, after all, so do whatever works best for the both of you. If the program doesn't work out in the end, remember that plenty of other homeschool programs are available online.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make this semester a success with homeschooling! So don't worry about it - instead, focus on enjoying the process. We know that your child will appreciate it in the long run.
