Thinking of Homeschooling? Check Out These Tips

When it comes to homeschooling, you may be completely overwhelmed by the idea. The extent of it is enough to turn people off the idea. The fact is there is a lot to consider and take on board, but that does not mean you should give up. In fact, homeschooling can be very beneficial to your child. They get one-on-one teaching which is a great advantage when it comes to learning and absorbing knowledge. They cannot hide behind the other students and never raise their hands. They also will not suffer as many distractions as children who attend the local school. There are so many positives to homeschooling. But it is not easy. There are so many subjects to consider, and then you have to consider and adhere to all the rules and regulations. Many questions will cross your mind. Will you be able to teach them in-depth on all subjects? Will youtube be able to do this to the standard set by the state? And many more! With so much to think about, let's take a look at some ways you can get set up for homeschooling:






Image from Pixabay

Do Your Homework

Yes, when it comes to homeschooling, the first thing any budding teacher must do is their homework. And by homework, we mean conducting a lot of research. You cannot expect to be able to just sit your child down and teach them; you have to have some kind of background knowledge. The good news is you don't have to have everything down to a tee before you start, but a good grounding is essential. So, go out there and research, Go online, go to the library, subscribe to homeschooling magazines, read books, etc. The more you can find out, the better. It is a difficult task. There is no doubt about it. But if you intend on doing it properly and setting your child off with the best possible start in life, then you need to start in the proverbial classroom too. Indeed, this who process will be as much a learning curve for you budding teachers out there as it will be for your child. The more you find out, the better armed you will be. Additionally, you will discover whether or not this undertaking is really something you can do.


Find Homeschooling Communities

Another way to get much-needed information is to join a homeschooling community or group. You may be able to find these online or by asking at your local library or town council. A homeschooling community can offer you personal stories and tips, and advice in real-life scenarios. They can advise you on their personal struggles and what they found works and what doesn't. Learning from other people can be far more valuable than reading all the rules and regulations associated with homeschooling. You may be able to attend community meetings too. There may even be the opportunity to talk to people who were homeschooled, and they can explain how it feels on the child's side. Groups are good because they offer support, and you can ask any question you feel necessary. It gives you that sense of community and makes you feel far less alone in your endeavor too.

The Curriculum

It is essential that you learn about the curriculum. That is because the curriculum sets the basic standard of teaching and learning across the country. It sets what needs to be learned and is the teacher's guide to teaching their students. It is there because all examinations will be created using what is taught in the curriculum. So, if you do not follow it, your child is not going to pass those exams, and this may haunt them for the rest of their life. It will show you want textbook and worksheet, such as the appropriate second grade worksheets you need to be using as well as everything else. So, you need to be well-versed in the curriculum in order to teach appropriately. The curriculum can help you when you want to advance your child in terms of specializing in particular subjects. It will help you develop avenues of study.




The Teaching Room

If you want to teach properly, then you need a space to do it. Ideally, this will be a room in your home, a spare room, a converted garage, an outhouse, or whatever space you have. Try and make it appear as much like a traditional classroom as possible. Your desk facing your child with a blackboard behind you. Ensure you have all the necessary teaching items too, such as a computer. Think about how you want the space to look. Will you cover the walls with teaching posters, such as a map of the world? What you want is for this space to be an aid to your child's learning. It will also help you step into character too. Perhaps you can insist on a school uniform which may help with the overall effect. The room should only be used during schooling hours which should be regular every day. All this helps with creating that teaching environment. Most importantly, the teaching space should be quiet and aid in your child's learning, not a distraction. For example, one of the worst rooms to use is your child's bedroom.




Your Teaching Style

When it comes to the actual teaching part of it, you may need to use a variety of styles. For subjects that your child finds easy, you can pick up the pace and use fewer props, for example. You can delve into more complicated things more quickly and really hone their ability. For things they find more difficult, you will have to slow down the pace and use a variety of teaching tools. The great thing about homeschooling is that you will know your child so well that you can adapt to their needs. Something a school teacher hasn't got the time to do. Addioanlyl you can teach your child more than just school subjects. You can teach them more about the world too. This may be a huge advantage in their lives/.