These 6 Homeschooling Tips Will Really Help This Year

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's probable that your children have attended numerous classes virtually. Nevertheless, you might decide to educate your kids at home regardless. In both scenarios, it's crucial to set everyone up for success. Learning from home can present challenges, but with your support, they can excel.

These six tips will make a difference.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

A makeshift classroom will allow your kids to learn and focus better. It’s difficult to be productive when you don’t have an organized space to learn and work. That’s why a designated environment should be a top priority as a way to ensure their success.

You don’t need a separate room to create a useful area. Your children will only need a table or desk where they can complete assigned tasks. Be sure they have a cubby or shelf where they can keep papers and projects, too. Their supplies should be easily accessible.

A decent-sized work zone with desks and chairs won’t be feasible for every household. That said, it’s better to set aside what you have rather than leave your kids to their own devices.

2. Determine Set Expectations

There need to be rules and guidelines for homeschool. It’s easy for your kids to feel like they can do whatever they like. They’re not under teacher supervision when they’re home. That’s why you have to implement clear goals for your children’s school year.

Have a discussion with everyone. You can run through whatever expectations you need your children to meet. Here are a few talking points to consider:

When should their school day start and end?

Can your kids have their phones during class?

What can they do when they have free time?

Consider their input, too. You want to create daily and weekly routines that make sense for them. You may need to work closely with certain kids to ensure they know what’s expected from them. You can always revisit your expectations later.

3. Stick to Daily and Weekly Schedules

A daily and weekly plan for each child will help them thrive. It can be challenging to stay updated as their schedules change. That said, it’s possible to work together to ensure success. Remember that your approach may be different for your kids individually.

Your children should have a consistent daily routine. Try to set specific times for them to wake up, eat breakfast and get dressed. They can break for 30 minutes each morning and afternoon to have lunch and snacks. Then, they should have some free time, as well.

Take a few moments on Sunday evenings to review their weekly goals. Do they have projects or reports due? Restructure their daily routine so that they have time to complete and submit each assignment. You can also outline room for studying and extracurriculars.

Use a whiteboard, agenda or calendar to make each child’s schedules accessible. They’ll be able to reference their plans by themselves — and learn crucial life skills as a result.

4. Don’t Forget Physical Activity

It’s still imperative for your kids to exercise. They need to be physically active for an hour every day to maintain their health. It can be hard to oversee your kids’ playtime when you work from home. Fortunately, you can use a few tricks to help.

If it’s easier, you can spread exercise time across their schedules. For example, you can do a quick walk together before lunch and play at your local park after homework. This time will be beneficial for you, too. You can take a pause from work to rejuvenate yourself.

5. Allow Safe Social Interactions

Your kids should continue to meet with friends. It’s always essential to foster social interaction. This way, your children will develop both mentally and emotionally as they should. They’ll even be able to reduce stress. You can never underestimate the importance of friendships for kids.

You’ll need to take some safety measures to ensure everyone stays healthy. That said, you can never go wrong with socially distanced movie nights or playground visits. You and your fellow parents can put your minds together to find a solution.

6. Develop a Passion Project

It’s smart to remember that education doesn’t only center around a set curriculum. Your kids can learn as they expand their own interests. That’s why a passion project can be a helpful way to develop specific skill sets. Plus, they’ll have something to make their days more exciting.

Does your child love science? Have them explore a chosen subject like climate change as a side project. Is your kid a blossoming writer? They can create a poetry book on a specific theme. There are many ways to engage your children’s enthusiasm as a learning opportunity.

Use These Ideas to Foster a Successful School Year

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be tough! In fact, your children can have a fantastic school year at home as long as you help them prepare for success. Try these tricks to ensure your kids thrive.