Are you about to start homeschooling your child? This can be an overwhelming but rewarding journey. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to avoid failure. Here are five tips for homeschooling success.
Design a Homeschool Room
Designate a room in your house to be your child’s homeschool room. If you don’t have a lot of space, research self-storage facilities in your city (e.g. San Diego self storage, Chattanooga, TN self storage, or NYC self storage). You can store any furniture that you don’t have space for while your child is being homeschooled.
The right homeschool room setup will make a huge difference in your child’s ability to learn. It should consist of a comfortable computer desk and chair, a computer with internet access, a whiteboard, and a chalkboard. You can utilize the wall space to hang posters relevant to what your child is learning, calendars, and bulletin boards. You’ll also want to include bookshelves to store your child’s textbooks, as well as baskets and storage cabinets to include school supplies like notebooks, markers, highlighters, etc.
Make Sure You Meet State Requirements
It’s important to meet state requirements for homeschooling. Each state has its own unique laws and regulations. Every state has different homeschool options that are allowed, such as virtual learning, private tutors, private (or home) schools, and public homeschools. The state may have educational requirements for parents or tutors, which may consist of having a high school diploma or being certified to teach. There may be state-mandated subjects that must be taught.
While some states have low levels of regulations, others – like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts have high levels. It’s important to make sure you’re in full compliance with your state’s laws. You’ll want to do your research ahead of time, so you’re prepared when the time to begin homeschooling approaches.
Make Homeschooling Goals — and Follow Them!
When you homeschool, it’s important to set goals, both for the short-term and the long-term. You should have a curriculum plan in place if you’re going to be homeschooling outside of a virtual program. You’ll also want to create a day-to-day schedule for your child’s lessons, with set hours for each subject and a lunch break. A structured schedule will help your child take their studies seriously.
Remember It’s About More Than Textbooks
Remember that there’s so much more to homeschooling than learning at a desk. Real-world experiences matter, too. You’ll want to plan field trips that are relevant to your child’s curriculum.
Another aspect of homeschooling is making time for your child to get physical activity into their day, so be sure to make time for gym and recess. Children who exercise throughout the day will be able to focus better on their studies. It will also help your child be healthier overall and reduce the risk of obesity.
Get Your Child Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Socialization is one area where homeschooled students may miss out on, but only if you let them. The best way to ensure your child is regularly interacting with kids his or her own age is by getting them involved in extracurricular activities. Encourage your kid to sign up for dance, theater, sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other extracurricular activities through the YMCA or other independently-run facilities. Virtual school programs may also offer local events for your kid to meet up with their homeschooled peers.
These are just five tips for homeschooling success. From creating a room that promotes learning to getting your child involved in extracurricular activities, this advice will help your child thrive when they learn from the comfort of your own home.
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