Homeschooling, or remote learning, can seem intimidating at first. Since the pandemic, homeschooling rates have significantly climbed. The list of things children must learn for each grade seems to grow every year, and if you do not teach children in a professional setting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t be discouraged! Helping your child thrive in a home learning environment is not impossible. Use the tips below to encourage and motivate both you and your child to succeed in homeschooling.
How to Homeschool Your Child
1. Set up a space for school
It is important to have a space in your home set up just for your child to learn and concentrate. This space doesn’t have to be luxurious; remember to stick with the basics. Find an area with a quiet environment and minimal distractions. A simple desk or table, a chair, and plenty of light are all your child needs to get started.
Make sure that the space is far away from the TV, video games, or other distractions.
2. Have supplies readily available
Once you have chosen your space for homeschooling, make sure it is stocked with plenty of supplies. This ensures that your child doesn’t have to stop to look for a pencil or piece of paper. Keep these supplies organized and easy for your child to reach. Along with paper and pencils, you will want to include a pencil sharpener, art supplies, and charging cables for any electronics they are using. You may decide to add items later on as your child advances in their lessons.
3. Make sure electronics are charged and ready to go
If your child is using a tablet or laptop to do their school work, make sure they are charged overnight and ready to go each morning, especially if your child is participating in online learning. There’s nothing more distracting than having to stop and charge electronics while in the middle of a lesson. You could also have backup portable batteries, just in case.
4. Take breaks and plenty of them
Take plenty of breaks throughout the day. Elementary school children need breaks at least every 45 minutes, or more, depending on your child’s age and temperament. Using your best judgment when deciding how often to take breaks is important. Remember to think about yourself too. If you are getting frustrated, it’s okay to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
5. Remember meals and snacks
Don’t forget meals and snacks! Hunger can be very distracting and lead to more frustration than there needs to be. Ensure your child has a nutritious breakfast, snacks, and lunch so they are more able to give lessons their full attention. This will also keep them in an energetic and positive mood throughout the day.
6. Maintain a schedule but be flexible as well
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps keep the mind fresh and ready to learn. Maintaining a schedule is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and helps your child understand the difference between school time and playtime. However, some flexibility is okay too. One of the advantages of homeschooling is that you are able to make decisions based on how your child feels that day. If your child needs an extra hour of sleep, you may decide to push school back an hour. If they are having trouble concentrating, maybe taking a break to go for a walk is necessary. Being flexible can prevent a lot of frustration!
Homeschooling can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your child, but it may take some time to fall into a routine. With plenty of patience and practice, your child will be thriving in their learning environment faster than you might expect!
Hi – I’m Alina and I am a soon to be mom going through the journey of becoming a parent. I am a writer at heart and I love sharing about pregnancy tips and other busy mom hacks.