4 Tips To Make Homeschooling Fun
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It was December 2021 when I started my homeschooling. My oldest was in 1st grade at the time. I intentionally decided to homeschool my child due to the changes happening in the world with C-19, virtual learning, and natural disasters, such as significant cities flooding at an all-time high. There was no way I could keep my child in school; it was more stressful for my family and me while also having 2 under 2 at home.
Our main priority was providing a safe environment for everyone in the house, and homeschooling was the best option for us at the time. Of course, everyone who knew me looked at me like I was crazy because where I am from– an inner city—homeschooling is unheard of. I would receive many questions and comments rather than being inquisitive, which tested my intelligence in determining whether I was a good fit to teach my children helpful information. Which is pretty absurd to me, but I digress.
Moving forward to the present day, the United States has been experiencing school shootings in such a short period. To my knowledge, there have been 2 in one week. Do you hear me? ONE WEEK. These school shootings and threats have shaken up multiple communities from coast to coast. Causing parents to keep their children home for safety precautions.
I know a lot of parents wish they could homeschool because school threats and shootings are not even a portion of the problem nowadays. There’s a shortage of teachers, a shortening of school days, and teachers not showing up because they aren’t being paid, which also play a major part in our children’s development and self-esteem.
I firmly believe in building a child’s self-esteem from a young age. As Frederick Douglass said, ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.’ This belief is a driving force behind my decision to homeschool. If we don’t start now, we as parents will not only fall short of our duties, but our children will ALWAYS be a problem for us. Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to nurture our children’s self-esteem and set them up for success.
With all that being said, this blog post will explore creative strategies and practical tips for making homeschooling fun for parents and children. From establishing a stimulating learning environment to incorporating hands-on activities, interactive technology, and community engagement, we will explore various ways to spark excitement and foster a love for learning in the homeschool setting. Let’s discover how to transform homeschooling into a rewarding and enjoyable journey for the whole family.
Establishing a Creative Learning Environment
The cool thing about homeschooling is that it’s not an 8-hour gig. The children do not have to sit in a chair quietly all day. Homeschooling is meant to be a fun, creative learning environment for you and the children.
When I first started my homeschooling journey, I asked my child what did he expect his day to look like. Of course, he said gym, recess, and lunch. Those were his only requirements, as to be expected. Because in a formal school setting, those are the only times you can express yourself throughout the school day. I took his recommendations into consideration.
Since I know my child loves to have and would prefer to have fun all day, I needed to add fun activities to each lesson plan to keep him engaged. I will list tried and accurate methods that have worked for my family and me. The upside to these activities is that we could let our little ones enjoy the fun while learning. These activities work so well that our children don’t even consider it learning. They proudly refer to it as a family outing or family game night.
Card Games for homeschooling
Card games are a no-brainer for everyone! They’re such a great way to break the ice with anyone at a function. These games are age-appropriate for ALL ages. I grew up playing them with family at a cookout or holiday gathering. We always looked forward to the card games. And I gotta admit, bringing my kids into the action has truly been a treat.
UNO is a true staple with so many twists that I’m not sure if anyone quite knows how to play it right. It is great for helping children identify patterns, numbers, and colors.
Another great game that requires standard cards is GO Fish. This Game also helps children understand and identify numbers.
Travel for homeschooling
Travel outside of your home. Sometimes, you and your children need a change of scenery. This doesn’t mean you have to travel across state lines or outside of the country. A change of scenery can be a trip to the museum tr,ying a new restaurant that ties into your social studies lesson, or hitting the park to conduct science experiments.
Outsource subjects for homeschooling
You don’t need to teach every subject. You will experience burnout, and your children will get bored. You can look into co-ops in your area or join online classes. There are a lot of resources and fun things to do with your children. Home Depot offers FREE on-site classes for children every first Saturday of the month (supplies are included), and Michael’s offers so many FREE in-person and online arts & crafts classes every month. It’s a great way to create crafts with your children while you also learn how to properly use tools and supplies.
Homeschool has made me not just an ordinary mom but a COOL mom. My children understand that I do not know everything, that it’s okay to ask for help, that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that there are multiple ways to get to the right answer. Homeschool is not a one-size-fits-all system; it’s truly what you make it. I hope these tips help and that you find a happy medium that works well for you and your family.
FAQ
How can I make homeschooling fun for my child who is resistant to traditional learning methods?
If your child is resistant to traditional learning methods, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make homeschooling fun for them! One idea could be incorporating hands-on activities into their lessons, like science experiments or art projects.
Another option is to consider their interests and tailor the curriculum around things they enjoy; for example, if they love animals, you could do a unit on zoology or even visit a local zoo. Additionally, consider breaking up the day with short bursts of physical activity or outdoor play to keep them engaged and motivated. Flexibility is critical in homeschooling, so feel free to change things if something needs to be fixed. With creativity and patience, you can make learning enjoyable and rewarding for your child!
What are some cost-effective ways to incorporate hands-on experiments and projects into our homeschooling curriculum?
You could also take advantage of free resources online, such as educational YouTube channels or websites that offer printable worksheets and project ideas. Additionally, consider contacting local libraries or community centers for workshops or events that provide hands-on learning opportunities at no cost. By thinking outside the box and getting creative, you can easily integrate engaging and interactive activities into your homeschooling routine without breaking the bank. Happy experimenting!
How can I ensure that my child is still meeting educational requirements while focusing on making homeschooling fun?
One way to do this is to follow a structured curriculum that covers all necessary subjects and aligns with state standards. Track their progress through regular assessments and tests to identify any areas where they may need extra help or support.
Are there any tips for maintaining a balance between structured learning and fun activities in a homeschooling environment?
One tip for maintaining a balance between structured learning and fun activities in homeschooling is to incorporate hands-on projects and interactive lessons into your daily routine. This can help keep things interesting for your child while reinforcing essential concepts more engagingly. Another suggestion is to schedule regular breaks throughout the day for some downtime and relaxation. This will prevent burnout and ensure you and your child stay focused and motivated. Additionally, feel free to get creative with your lesson plans by incorporating games, crafts, or outdoor activities into your curriculum. Remember, homeschooling should be a rewarding experience for you and your child, so finding that perfect balance between structure and fun is critical to ensuring success.