So, you want to homeschool your kids? Maybe you already are but you seek more knowledge about how to do a better job. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find a ton of information which can help you teach your kids all they need to know.
Teach your kids how to follow instructions by giving them a recipe which fits their capabilities and have them follow it on their own. They should start by creating a list for the grocery, then pay for it and understand the change they get through a little math lesson (you can even throw in tax information) and then create and enjoy their masterpiece in the end.
Consider digital options for your textbooks and reading materials. E-readers are quite affordable and easily accessible. Downloading books is far cheaper than purchasing print and easily takes up less room. Granted, there is not a resale option for the digital textbooks; however, there is a lot to be said for having reference books after the fact.
Homeschooling means you have to be creative. Resources that you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on can be handmade for a fraction of the cost. You can make some cheap, yet durable, flash cards out of laminate sheets and index cards. Have your children participate in the creation of their teaching materials for even more fun.
Homeschooling has to be fun! Excitement helps a child want to learn, and the more you can provide, the better. While creating the lesson plans, the teaching itself, procuring supplies and other tasks related to your new job can be frustrating, the end result is so positive that you should consider it as you trudge through your day. Include activities which are fun for both yourself and your kids, such as cooking, music lessons and acting scenarios out (don’t forget to dress up!)
The curriculum you choose should not put restrictions on what your kids are learning. Use the books as tools to guide you in the direction your kids need to go in schooling. Take the information from the books and build a learning platform that your kids will do well with. If that means that you are skipping a non-critical lesson or two that is fine.
Come up with a full or half year budget for homeschooling needs and try to stick to it. Knowing what resources are required and planning field trips will help you make up your budget. You need to have separate accounts for each child. Give a little extra to each to ensure all costs will be covered, even surprise ones.
Friendship is an important part of growing up and should be encouraged. This is especially important to children who are being homeschooled. To help your child develop healthy relationships with others, get them involved in the community. This can be accomplished through volunteering, attending homeschooling cooperatives or even playing sports.
Before you begin homeschooling, write down your goals. Why are you choosing this method of learning? What milestones do you expect to pass? When you chart out your path, you’ll be able to track your progress more easily. When you know what your goals are, you’ll have a way to be able to achieve them. Also write down the cons of local public schools as a reminder of why you’ve left them in the first place.
Whether you’re a novice looking for advice or a seasoned veteran of homeschooling, this article should have provided you with some new ideas to help you do a great job in the classroom. Make sure you use them in the future and you’ll find your lessons go swimmingly every day.
