It’s safe to say that 2020 has changed just about everything, including the educational system. Now, homeschooling at least part of the time has become the norm for many. Many of those whose schools have remained open have opted for switching to full-time homeschooling for peace of mind. Since making the transition from traditional school to homeschool can be overwhelming, it’s important to plan ahead.
Make Things Comfortable
When prepping for homeschooling, you need to make the transition as comfortable as possible. Sitting in a plastic chair at the kitchen table for six hours probably isn’t the most conducive for learning. Instead, you should try to make the area where your child will attend school as comfortable as possible. To create a positive learning environment, use seats with padding, give them their own desk, and pick a spot they can call their own. If possible, turn a less frequently used room and into their study area.
Follow a School Schedule
Just because they’re being homeschooled doesn’t mean your children should act differently than if they were going to school as usual. Children usually thrive with routine, so learning at home should be no different. Homeschooling should mimic a traditional school day with a similar schedule. Even if they’re allowed to work at their own pace, your child still needs to wake up, dress, and get ready for the day at a similar time as they would if they were going to school. Not only will this help ease the transition from traditional school to homeschool, but it will also help teach your child some self-discipline.
Upgrade Your Internet
Since most of your child’s learning will be online, they need reliable internet access. Unlimited internet could aid your child’s education, ensuring that they can attend class meetings, watch supplemental videos, and turn their homework in on time. Since most online courses require video streaming, you need to have a strong internet connection, especially if you have multiple students homeschooling or if you also work from home. Without a strong connection, videos may lag or live sessions may not work well.
Stock up on Supplies
Your child needs the same supplies they would use as if they were going to regular school. In addition to having a solid internet connection, you should stock up on the following:
- Folders
- Binders
- Notebooks
- A Pencil case
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- A calculator
Having supplies on hand ensures your child will have the tools they need to never fall behind in coursework, even at home. It will help them build structure and a sense of responsibility.
Switching your child from regular school to homeschooling may feel strange at first. But overtime, things will fall into place and they will enjoy going to school at home. The most important factor is that your child is happy and still learning at the same level as they do in traditional school.
