With the onset of in-person classes in schools, a significant number of parents in the U.S. opt for homeschooling their children. Due to the 2019 coronavirus health crisis, numerous public and private schools were closed, compelling parents to explore alternative educational approaches. For those eager to delve into the realm of homeschooling, here are immediate tips for success to consider.
#1 Create a schedule
Children are accustomed to having a set schedule or routine in school. Creating a similar structure or schedule for them at home is the most sensible approach. You can even incorporate designated times for lunch breaks, activity time, and TV breaks, aiding them in managing their time effectively. Additionally, aligning your work meetings with their schedule benefits both you and your children.
#2 Find out your state laws
Home education advice for parents often does not include any mention of laws, but this is a dangerous path. Once you determine why you want to homeschool your child, the next step is understanding the legal requirements. These requirements vary from state to state. In Texas, homeschools fall under the private schools category, and the state law does not mandate subjects like science and history. However, in a state like New York, students in grades 1-6 must study US history and science as part of their curriculum.
To find the necessary documents, you can visit your state's education department's official website or request them by mail. Non-profit advocacy organizations like HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) can also provide valuable information and legal assistance to homeschooling families.
#3 Take regular breaks
Plan specific lesson times and promote regular breaks that incorporate physical activity to elevate heart rate. Encourage children to play, run, and walk outside for fresh air and relaxation. Consider giving older children or teenagers a break after a full 40-minute lesson block, as attention spans typically increase with age. Younger children may need brief breaks every ten to fifteen minutes.
You can also occasionally go out to a cafe or exercise in the park. If you are worried about Wi-Fi history, which can be collected and even intercepted via public networks, then you are doing the right thing. But there is a simple solution - VeePN, which can be installed on any device. Even the free trial version will do. It encrypts the data and prevents hackers and intruders from seeing anything.
#4 Set goals
When you choose homeschooling, your child gains control and personalization over their education. Setting goals is crucial in this process, as it increases the likelihood of achieving desired learning outcomes and aligning daily curriculum. As a parent or teacher, establish important learning goals in advance and then involve your child in the process. Sit down together to create broad goals and benchmarks, and set specific objectives for each month, year, and semester. This is also an excellent opportunity for teaching your child the importance of goal-setting principles.
#5 Low-cost resources
Homeschool parents should prioritize managing expenses by accessing free educational materials online. They can utilize search engines such as Google and Yahoo, as well as platforms like Pinterest and Facebook groups.
Additionally, parents can take advantage of bulk discounts when purchasing resources. You can even unblock free educational materials that are regionally restricted through a VPN. Just install the Microsoft Edge VPN addon and you can change the IP address to the region you want. This is a unique opportunity to unblock any site or web service.
#6 Free time
Once the main activities of the day are completed, free time is typically allocated. However, there are exceptions, particularly for families with two careers or single parents, who may prefer to provide their children with free time during the first half of the day and focus on core skills in the evening.
As parents, consider the amount of time you want your child to spend on activities such as arts and crafts, games, hobbies, and reading. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may cause your child to miss learning opportunities for extended periods. Don't worry, flexibility is key to addressing these challenges.
#7 Evaluate your children
If the state mandates assessing a child's yearly progress, the homeschooling curriculum must include assessments. In such cases, parents have options like standardized tests, formative assessments, or regular home assignments. Students can take tests such as the New York State High School Regents Exam and the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (Homeschool Your Child for Free by Laura Maery Gold, Joan M. Zielinski).
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be more difficult than schooling, but it doesn't have to be. If parents can establish the educational process, organize the child and help with his progress, they will achieve harmony. The child will be able to study at home even more effectively than at school. Sometimes he can complete a course in 1 year in 2 years at once.
