Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents who want to have more direct control over their children’s education. There are many benefits to homeschooling, including the ability to customize your child’s curriculum to fit their needs and interests, as well as the opportunity to provide a more structured learning environment that can be tailored specifically for each child. This blog post will share my story of homeschooling as well as discuss 10 of the best tips for homeschooling parents!
My Story
While my sons all continue to attend public school, during the height of the pandemic and lengthy stay-in-place regulations – schooling became an online thing. Yes – it’s definitely not the same as a traditional homeschooling environment – but there are many similarities. As a work-from-home mom, I’ll be honest and say that I struggled the first week – because the space I used for work was turned into a school house. I found that while all of that was challenging, I truly did not know much about the studies that my children were working on. To get around that – I sat and learned with them, making it a little easier for me to answer questions and assist them where they needed it.
Homeschooling is certainly not easy – but together as a family, we were able to make that brief time of homeschooling functional and workable for our needs. It didn’t dawn on me that I could have looked up tips from homeschooling parents for help so that is why I’m sharing a few with you today. If you are looking to make the transition or start your child with homeschooling hopefully these tips can help.
10 Tips for Homeschooling Parents
1) Set clear expectations for your child:
Before beginning homeschooling, it is important to set clear expectations for the educational goals you want your children to achieve. This can include discussing how often and when schoolwork should be completed, what kind of grades are expected, and any other boundaries that need to be established in order to ensure a successful homeschooling experience.
2) Have a plan:
While spontaneity may be part of the charm of homeschooling, it is still important to have an overall plan in place. Make sure you have curriculum materials ready, understand what resources are available, and know which activities or projects you would like to focus on each day or week.
3) Research options:
There are now many different types of homeschooling, from traditional to online and even hybrid programs. Research the various options available to find out which best suits your family’s needs and goals.
4) Communicate with other families:
Reaching out to other homeschooling families can be very helpful in understanding the ins and outs of homeschooling. Networking is a great way to get advice, share ideas, or just gain support from parents who know what you’re going through!
5) Schedule quality time:
Make sure you allocate enough time for schoolwork, but also remember to set aside special time for activities like field trips or fun projects. Quality time spent together will help keep everyone motivated and focused on learning.
6) Keep your kids energized:
Kids learn best when they are excited and engaged. Keep your lessons interesting with hands-on activities, crafts, and games to help keep them focused and enthusiastic about learning. Keep your kids energized by taking learning outdoors or combining physical activity with academics.
7) Take breaks:
The occasional break is important in order to recharge and stay motivated. This can include time outdoors or just a few minutes of free playtime each day.
8) Encourage independent learning:
Give your children the opportunity to explore and discover information on their own. Guide them in researching topics, but also allow them some freedom to learn on their own terms.
9) Stay organized:
It’s important to keep track of all the lesson plans and daily activities, so you can easily refer back to them when needed. Consider using a calendar or other organizational tools to help keep things in order. Staying organized can help to reduce stress and maximize learning.
10) Online resources:
Take advantage of the wealth of online learning resources available today. From websites and apps to virtual learning games, click here to learn more about the best online resources for homeschooling.
Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that it takes dedication and hard work to make sure your children are getting the most out of their education. By following these ten tips, you will be well on your way to providing a successful and enriching homeschooling experience for your family. Utilize resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are various Facebook Groups available for homeschooling parents as well as blogs and websites that you can turn to for assistance. Also, check YouTube for various channels for a plethora of information. Remember – you can do this! Good luck!
Interested in reading about some of our homeschooling adventures while experiencing lockdown during Covid, click here.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.
