If you want to teach your kids at home, I’ve some ideas for the best ways to learn at home. I am a second generation homeschooler and can’t wait to share my ideas with you!
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If you find yourself trying to think of creative ways to keep up education in your house, I have some ideas I want to share with you. I will add to this list as I remember things, but wanted to share some things that have worked for me and my family over the years.
What is Homeschooling?
Learning from home is SO much more than books and desks, or at least it should be. Don’t be discouraged because you don’t have room (or the desire for) a “school room” or can’t fathom making your kids sit at a desk to learn all day without losing your mind.
Don’t think you need to make your kids learn the same way they do in a public school setting – we have some freedom and flexibility here at home and I think it’s important to remember that.
Can I homeschool if I don’t have a degree?
Guidelines vary by state in the United States, but it’s unnecessary to assume that you need a degree to be able to teach your children.
Yes, it helps to have that strong backbone of knowledge, but you don’t need it to be successful. There are plenty of tools to help teach even difficult tasks.
My mom didn’t go to college, and was still able to successfully teach us through high school and all three of us (my two siblings and I) attended college with very high grades.
Every kid is different.
Please don’t treat each child’s learning the same. Each kid is different and likely each one has a different learning style.
I learn best SEEING things, and my daughter learns best HEARING them. Learn how your child retains information best and use it to your advantage.
Again, don’t assume that 8 hrs of school a day at a desk is the best method for all kids (it is for some), but allow yourself to think outside the box.
My oldest struggles with daily school work and gets overwhelmed. So she gets her stack of schoolwork at the beginning of each week, and can pace herself to complete it by Friday. That’s worked best for us.
Other kids may need more structured class times and timers. Find out what works for you and be okay with it.
Set clear expectations.
Don’t let your kids have 4 hours of screen time one day and then scream at them after 30 minutes of screen time the next day.
Have clear, preferably typed or written, and easily accessible, expectations for what you expect from them each day. Don’t go overboard here.
Virtual learning.
There are SO many options and ways to teach your kids without having to teach. Utilize virtual museum tours, live zoo cams, educational apps like Duolingo for language learning, and ABC Mouse or Adventure Academy, or even programs like Little Passports or Bitsbox to teach social studies and computer coding.
Unconventional holidays.
Utilize weird national holidays to guide your daily learning. My mom did this often as a kid, and we had a BLAST! See more on my experience on that HERE.
Non-school learning.
Think outside the box here. Teach things like cooking, how to change your oil, gardening, cleaning, animal care, how to write a check, and more to encourage learning outside a classroom setting.
Be consistent.
Don’t expect 8 hours of school one day, four the next, two the day after, and then eight again the day after. Be consistent in what you expect. Kids thrive on routine and will do better if they know what’s expected.
Be patient.
This will be a tough transition for all parties involved, yourself included. Give yourself and your kids some grace. Look for things that work and learn what doesn’t work. Be flexible and, most importantly, teach them to love learning.
Want some more home learning resources?
- 9 Things You May Not Know About Gifted Kids – is your kid gifted?
- Preschool Robot Activity Book – free printable and hands on.
- 9 Ways to Get Your Kids to Read Every Day Without a Fight – foolproof ways to make reading fun!
- Family Emergency Plan – do you have one?
I hoped this gave you some hope and encouragement for learning at home. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming!
