Choosing to homeschool is a huge decision, and once that decision has been made there are even more steps you will have to take to ensure that the transition is a smooth one. Educating your children at home has so many different advantages, from the hands-on learning methods to the more laid-back environment. Even if your reasons for wanting to homeschool are personal, as ours are, that's ok too.
As a homeschooling mom, you always want the best for your kids; you don’t ever want them to be missing out on anything that they might achieve from going to a mainstream school. In order to make sure you are giving your children the best possible start in life you might want to make some adjustments to your home. Perhaps you are new to the phenomenon of homeschooling this year and you want to ensure you have done all the right things to get started on the right foot. You can make some simple and small changes at home to make sure your children are getting the most out of their home-based education. Consider all of the following ideas and you will have a happy, healthy and productive homeschooling environment for your little treasures.
Preparing Your Home
Maybe you have a leaky faucet, a drafty window, or a lock that sticks. With everyone busy and gone all day, it's easy to overlook the small problems in your home. However, once you begin homeschooling your child, it's important to get those pesky little things fixed so they don't become a hindrance to their learning. Another thing to keep in mind is preparing for the upcoming seasons. Winter is just around the corner here, so we'll be getting our home ready for the cold. We'll need to buy heat tape for pipes with thermostat to prevent our pipes from freezing, and also to
Outdoor Fun
When kids attend public and private school, they have many opportunities to play outside during recess or after school with their friends. You might want to tweak your outdoor space so that they have plenty of activities to keep them stimulated during their downtime. A better idea might be to talk a walk to the local park so they can socialize with others and get some much needed fresh air throughout the day.
If you are lucky enough to have a large outdoor space then fill it with educational tools such as mathematical hopscotch so that your little one is always occupied and learning. Without classroom restrictions, you could meet up with other homeschooling families for field trips and other travel plans. There are even websites like gadventures.com to help plan small group adventures.
A Workstation
I'm sure you already have an area set up for your child to do school work, but is it practical and efficient? Having a designated desk and chair that is fun and their own is important when it comes to homeschooling. They will not only feel more productive, but they will be able to write more neatly and concentrate well if they enjoy the space they are sitting in. Allow them to come with you to the store to pick out their desk and chair so that they are involved in the process and excited about it.
A Reading Nook
Having a special little reading area set up in your home makes it so much easier for your child to willingly go over there and pick up a book. Getting your kids to read nowadays can be a horrible experience if they dislike reading, so make their reading area special. Some ideas include a special shelf with books that spark their interest and comfy seating like a beanbag.
Dining Time
Believe it or not meal times for your kiddo are just as important as their educational time. They are going to need a specific place to sit and enjoy their meals, as well as a certain time for each meal. Don't allow them to sit in front of the television and eat their food. Offering a variety of meal types each day and urging them to try new foods will help reinforce good nutrition and healthy eating habits. You always have the choice of imitating a local school's menu if you'd like to take the planning out of meal times, but you have the advantage of knowing what your child likes to eat, so you can tailor the meals accordingly and even get them involved in the kitchen themselves! And don't forget the coffee for mom! You can click here to learn more about espresso machines that will really make life easier for you.
Digital Education
With most public schools turning to Chromebooks and iPads, it's easy to see home important digital education is becoming. Having a computer or laptop set up for your child to do their research, write essays, or even to play educational games is a great way to increase their willingness to do their at-home school work. There are so many different kinds of tech to make homeschooling fun, like eReaders or www.omniviewtech.ca/collections/new-mavic-pro. Just be careful that it doesn't become more entertainment than learning.
Strictly Down Time Zones
Giving kids the downtime they need is essential, so make sure they aren’t working too hard. Don’t allow them to take work into their bedroom or living area in your home. These areas should be kept especially for family time so that your little one can really enjoy their time off. Similarly, try not to allow their hobbies to overlap into their educational time. You shouldn’t allow them to watch television during the day or at lunchtime as it will take them out of the learning zone and into relaxation time. Encourage a physical or musical activity for their break times so that they can continue learning in a way that is fun to them. Keeping a strict schedule of separate school times and home times will help keep the balance.
Homeschool might not be for everyone, but you are very passionate about doing the very best for your children. Homeschooling gives an extra dimension to learning and you alone can give it the personal touches your child needs to succeed in life.
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