Homeschooling your kids is a big responsibility. By assuming the role of your children’s teacher, you take on the task of making sure that their knowledge and skills are up to speed and, ultimately, that they are prepared for the world of work or further education. Despite feeling this pressure though, you should still be able to pack plenty of enjoyment into your lessons. To help you along the way, here is our homeschooler’s guide to making learning fun.
Play to your children’s passions
In classroom environments, teachers have to follow set curriculums and cater to the needs of many children at once. As distance learning specialists Oxford Home Schooling highlight, this means that many youngsters are left feeling bored or frustrated. One of the best things about educating your kids yourself is the fact that you can tailor lessons to suit their individual needs and ensure you really play to their passions. For example, if your little ones have favourite animals, take the opportunity to incorporate this theme into their lessons. You could encourage them to write poems and stories about the creatures, draw them and complete science projects looking at things like their physiology and natural habitat. This is a great way to channel your kids’ natural curiosity. You’ll have them learning without them even realising it!
Get out and about
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re stuck to your desk when you’re teaching your youngsters. Sure, there are tasks your children will have to complete at a workstation, but it’s important to get out and see some of the wider world too. This is a freedom that kids who are cooped up in classrooms often miss out on. Zoos, aquariums and museums are all great examples of visitor attractions that can help to expand your children’s knowledge. Exploring the flora and fauna on forest walks and visiting historical buildings and interesting geological sites can also broaden your little ones’ horizons.
Mix things up with a range of activities
Books and computers may be your youngsters’ staple learning resources, but be aware that it’s important to strike a balance between the theoretical and the practical. By mixing things up for your children and introducing them to a range of activities, you stand a much better chance of keeping boredom at bay. Arts and crafts, baking and modelmaking are all great examples of things you can do at home. A top tip is to schedule these hands-on sessions for times of the day when your kids’ attention tends to flag. For example, if they have a post-lunch lull or they start to lose their concentration towards the end of the afternoon, put the theory on hold and get them stuck into one of these activities.
Take breaks
Make sure you take enough breaks too. You’re bound to feel under pressure to get through a lot of course material with your children, but pushing them too hard can be counterproductive. Trying to pack your youngsters’ heads with endless streams of facts and figures can lead to stress and upset. No one wants to work non-stop. With this in mind, make sure you factor breaks into your days and allow for holidays throughout the year. Also, outside of their schoolwork, make sure your kids have a chance to get stuck into hobbies that they enjoy. Whether your little ones love sport, music, dance or anything else, this will give them another outlet and focus.
Guest Post. Image Homeschool Shutterstock (modified) / Model making solar system Shutterstock
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.