Summer is right around the corner and that means different things to different people. Many families are opting to continue their child’s education into the summer. Schooling at home may be new, but fear not as we go through some tips to make sure your learning process is effective and fun for both you and your child!
Tip 1: Choosing a Subject
Best practices recommend that you choose a subject that your child is passionate about. It is also recommended that you are knowledgeable in the subject as well, but passion is by far the most important aspect.
Without fellow classmates to get your child excited about a subject, passion for the course material will be the main motivating factor for your child. Schooling should be fun and educational for all involved, so keep in mind that your passions might not be the same as your child’s passions.
We recommend making a list of topics to cover and then letting your child decide which ones to go over first. This ensures you are covering what’s necessary while simultaneously giving your child a sense of ownership and drive for the course.
Tip 2: Routines, Routines, Routines!
Children can thrive on routines, and the younger they are exposed to discipline, the better. Not only does this keep them on task and help them take ownership of completing their multiple assignments, but it fosters the idea of being proactive in their own lives.
This idea of discipline and routine can be utilized from the micro to the macro aspects of homeschooling. On one end, having an everyday routine helps both you and your child accomplish the tasks for the day and keep on schedule with the curriculum.
Some parents find that following the public school calendar is helpful while others prefer to establish a year-round school schedule. Either way, a calendar helps your child anticipate and prepare for school time and family time.
Tip 3: You Are Not Alone!
Feeling stuck? Chances are you’re not alone. Many families are taking their initial plunge into summer learning, and online forums are booming with information to help you and your child get the most out of your experience.
Online forums allow you to ask veteran homeschoolers any questions you may have. There is a good chance that what you need help with has already been discussed and answered by others in the forum. So it’s a good idea to check for frequently asked questions, and be sure to check if there is already an answer out there before posting a question.
Some popular parent homeschooling resources online include:
- Homeschool.com
This website dubs itself the “Original Homeschooling Community” and makes that evident with an extensive amount of resources such as forums, free curriculum, and a lot more! - GHFLearners.org
Have a gifted learner? Then look no further than Gifted Homeschoolers Forums. Parents gain access to resources that help them “understand their gifted kids, support for homeschooling families, and online classes for gifted learners - Homeschool for Free – the Facebook Group
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive, and this private Facebook group is dedicated to sharing free, or cheap, resources for homeschooling parents. - r/Homeschool – the SubReddit
Reddit is one massive online forum, with sub reddits for different topics. This subreddit, dubbed r/Homeschool, is your one stop shop for any questions regarding homeschooling.
