Homeschooling may have all the benefits a parent would hope for, but the challenge is getting the ball rolling. Most parents find it hard to convert the home into a learning environment and create a manageable system. This post helps first-timers to understand ways they can manage a homeschooling program for their children.
Have a Designated Learning Area
Homeschooling tends to be fun and exciting, but also messy. Learning and living in the same space can cause chaos and disorganization. Therefore, reduce confusion by organizing the children’s learning materials in a designated area. After completing school work, they can return the books to the designated space.
Follow a Routine
Learning from home allows flexibility and spontaneity to the child’s education, but they will still need a clear structure. A clear system will ensure you are not distracted and remain on track. Have a daily schedule the children can follow to help them focus each day. Children thrive in a routine.
Map Out the Academic Year
Mapping out the school year will help track the children’s progress and planning of big projects. It will help break big projects and goals into smaller, more manageable steps. You can map out the curriculum or goals in any of the following ways:
- Org charts
- Roadmaps
- Flowcharts
- Mind maps
By visualizing your plans for the school year, you will be able to remain organized while tracking your progress at a simple glance.
Have Learning Goals
Homeschooling allows children to customize their education and goals, which will help the process. Have a plan on what you aim to achieve on the learning outcomes and align your curriculum to it. As the teacher, you should set key learning objectives early. The purposes should be based on the government’s requirements and the child’s abilities. Break down the goals by month, semester, and year.
Have Learning Beyond the Classroom Level
A great advantage of homeschooling is that learning is flexible from the traditional classroom to an outside setting. Find learning opportunities apart from the textbooks such as cooking, house management skills, playing board games, writing emails, and even visiting farmer’s markets. In the daily routine, create time for open opportunities such as playing, exploring new skills, and even meeting new people. Then you can incorporate these experiences into the homeschool to have a well-rounded curriculum.
Collaborate With Other Homeschoolers
You can be in charge of your children’s learning, but you do not have to do it alone. You can find diverse homeschool communities worldwide. Connect with the others, whether online or from your areas, to share resources and collaborate. It will make the schooling process for you as the homeschool teacher easier, offer more educational opportunities, and enrich the children’s experience.
Now you are well-equipped. You need to understand that the first few months of homeschooling may seem impossible, but with the above tips, you will sail through. You may also make use of other homeschooling resources online.
