Tips for Homeschooling Your Children in 2020 by Lindsay Patterson offers good advice for people considering homeschooling. With most schools closed, many parents find themselves involved in homeschooling. Some are also wondering if continuing homeschooling after schools reopen might be a good idea. Either way, this will give you something to think about.
Introduction
- Over the years, homeschooling has increased in popularity for a number of reasons. Not only can homeschooling provide an opportunity for you to gain a closer connection with your children, but it can also allow you to have more control over their education as well. Homeschooling, however, may seem like a daunting task for some. While it may seem like a lot to deal with, the reality is that homeschooling can be simple and straightforward to do. If you’re looking for some guidance when it comes to homeschooling, here are a few things to consider.
Make Things Fun With Games
- Just because you choose to homeschool, doesn’t mean that you have to do everything by the book. Switching up the activities your children do can be a fun way to help them learn and maintain their attention at the same time. When it comes to the kinds of educational games you choose, there are a variety of options, from Ken Ken to educational bingo to maybe even a game that you invent yourself. There are no limits to the kinds of educational games and activities you can use. (Doug: I’m a big Ken Ken fan. It’s a math/logic game.)
Have a Routine
- One thing that can contribute greatly to creating an environment that supports education and growth is stability. Children often thrive on routine and have an easier time focusing when they are familiar with the schedule. Having a regular process can also be beneficial for you, and help you to stay organized as you plan lessons for your children. Being properly organized can not only help your days to go more smoothly, but it can also help you to be better prepared for unexpected situations so you can get yourself back on track.
Learn To Go With the Flow
- While learning to go with the flow may seem to contradict the notion of having a routine, learning to adjust to changing situations can save you a lot of stress in the long run. As many who have children may know, things with kids may not always go as planned. In fact, there may be times when things rarely go as planned. Although having a sense of routine and stability is important, it may not always be possible to stick to your plans completely. Because of this, learning to take things as they come and adjusting to changing situations can help to take some stress off and accept that it’s okay if things don’t always go exactly as planned.
Let Your Kids Have Some Say
- One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can have more control over your children’s education. Another benefit is that it can allow your child to have more control over their education as well. While it may not be feasible to let your child plan the whole day, giving them some say when you can may be a good way to help tailor their education to their interests. By letting your child help decide what subjects they want to focus on, and what order they like to do them in, you can help to get a better understanding of your child’s interests and learning style. It will also let you find ways to teach them that will be the most beneficial for them and their unique learning style.
Don’t Sweat It
- While some homeschoolers may stress over details like curriculum and lesson planning, others may worry that they simply aren’t achieving what they should when it comes to teaching their children. Homeschooling can feel challenging enough without having to manage your doubts about how homeschooling is going, so it’s okay to go easy on yourself and learn that it’s fine to take things one step at a time.
The Final Word
- Whether you’ve always wanted to homeschool your children, or unexpected events made it necessary to begin homeschooling, it can be a great way to connect with your children and take charge of their education. While homeschooling may seem like a daunting task to some at first, the reality is that it can be easier than you think to provide your children with a quality education.
Lindsey Patterson
- Lindsey is a freelance writer for articles on parenting. She currently lives in Riverton, Utah with her husband and son.
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