Top Tips for Homeschooling Moms
June 12, 2014More and more families are making the switch from public education to homeschooling. Whether it’s because of the school systems in their area or for personal reasons, homeschooling is a great option for busy families. Schoolwork can be fit around your schedule, and can give kids more freedom to participate in extracurricular activities. However, even though homeschooling has its benefits, becoming both mom and teacher can be a difficult transition. Here are the top tips to make homeschooling as efficient as possible:
Make Sure You Have the Right Resources
One of the hardest aspects of homeschooling is the lack of resources available to students. Most public schools are equipped with an expansive library and large online database, giving students the right tools to research their projects. In order to provide your children with the resources available, make sure your home has wireless Internet for your TV and computer. This allows your kids the availability to do research when they need it and keep up with current events.
Additionally, look to any universities in your area. For a small fee, most universities allow the public access to their resources, which include books, journals, online databases, etc.
Teach Multiple Grade Levels Effectively
If you have multiple children all at different grade levels, it can be exceedingly difficult to teach each of them. One effective strategy is to schedule a block of time with each child. While the other kids are doing independent work, work with your other child one-on-one. Another great option is computer-based learning programs. For older children, using computer-based or online learning curriculums can be extremely helpful and effective, for older children can handle independent learning.
Find a Homeschool Group
One of the best tools most homeschool families do not take advantage of is a homeschool group. These groups include other families who also homeschool their children, and connecting up with these groups offers more fun learning and social opportunities for your children. Additionally, parents can make great connections with other parents and even divvy up some of the teaching responsibilities. Devise a schedule where you teach one age group for a day while they teach another, and then switch. This can be advantageous for your children, for they get a chance to learn under someone else, hang out with students their own age, and receive personal attention.
Homeschool Classes
Various universities provide classes for homeschool students that are set up like a traditional classroom. Like a homeschool group, it gives students, especially older students, the chance to learn from someone else, social interaction with their friends, and the ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas with other people. While homeschooling does allow for children to develop their independence, it is important for them to learn how to communicate with other people, develop their ideas into words, and hear other opinions on a subject.
Additionally, some of these classes can be taken for college credit, which many high school students take advantage of in order to get ahead in their required gen-ed college classes.
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