For most parents homeschooling has always been a distant thought, however, since the lockdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, more and more parents are considering it as a safer option.
The 2020 academic year has been a challenge. Pupils were unable to attend school for almost four months. Schools are now open but some parents have opted to teach their children at home.
If you have chosen to continue with homeschooling and are struggling, or if you are considering homeschooling your child, here are a few tips to help you through it:
Flexibility
While you may not doing all the teaching yourself, it is important to have a schedule to manage your time for monitoring online learning. A flexible time structure helps you to see the goals for the day clearly and communicate them to your children.
Learning is different for every child
It is important to identify and understand your child's learning preferences and style. This will help you choose the best curriculum for your child, one designed to cater to their needs.
Have a designated learning space at home
Create a space where your child can do their schooling without distractions or interruptions.
Decorate it with books or anything creative that could help motivate your child to do their work.
4. Add an element of independent learning
Give the child tasks to complete on their own. This could be a creative writing exercise or presentation based on a topic of your choice, even their favourite movie or cartoon. Not only do they get to watch the film, they get to create their own story and act it out for the whole family. Ask them to create props too, using the 'creative corner' at home.
5. Equip yourself with resources
One of the first things to understand is your child's ability and learning level. Your next step is to customise your teaching method and use of resources for their level. Ask questions, join online groups or communities of parents who are also homeschooling to receive and share advice. Remember that anything in your immediate environment can be used as tool for learning.
For example, dough can be used as a multisensory prop to explain shapes, letters and more; blank pieces of paper can be turned into easels to enhance creativity.