8 Great Tips for Homeschooling Your Kids

 

This was first published on Mama Bear Naija.

School is out indefinitely for many states in Nigeria. And many parents are likely going to have to homeschool their children.  

I homeschooled my toddler for a year and here are some excellent advice I want to pass on to you my readers. 

Whether you are working with your kids on academics and behavior or simply trying to accomplish a fun day's activity, here are a couple tips on homeschooling to get you started:

1) Have Low Expectations At First

Keeping in mind that you have no first hand experience with teaching skills, have low or no expectations on the first day.
Or even the first week.
Whatever activity you are practising with your child(ren) do not expect your them to accomplish it at the first try. The only goal you should expect, is to have a good time together. Go into the day happy. Take this rare opportunity to see your child in a new light, from a different perspective. This is a once in a life time opportunity, treat it as such.

2) Eye Contact

Square your shoulders. Look into your child's eyes. It's important that you Smile as you listen or speak.
Imagine that you are seeing them for the first time and get to know them on a deeper level.
This will improve your relationship and the outcome of educational time.

3) Prepare Activity In Advance 

Before you begin any kind of activity, take time to write down a routine or specific activities (probably a day before).
Schedule lesson-planning time so you are prepared and confident.
Include snack or lunch in the routine.
Make it so simple everyone involved will easily accomplish it.
Then add to it as your child's stamina and interest grows!

4) Short Activities

Ensure activities are no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. A 15 minute activity will provide a much more pleasant outcome than a 2 hour of forced academics ever will.

5) Integrate Your Childs Interests With Lesson

Planning a lesson or activity around your child's interest is more effective in encouraging learning in your child. 

For example if your child is into cars, whilst teaching numeracy in a matching activity, include their cars in the lesson. 

Number the cars with a marker and have them match the numbers on the cars with the numbers on the paper. 

6) No Distractions

It's like how during Math class a child brings out just their math books out and nothing else.
Minimize the learning tools around the child so they don't feel overwhelmed.
Put off TV.
Put aside other toys, books until one activity is complete.

7) Environment

A warm and welcoming environment will always endure anyone. Whether its adults working in an office that is air conditioned with comfortable furniture or children working in a child-like environment that appeals to them, environment is key to stimulating the brain.
Set up the environment that appeals to the senses of your child.
Does your kid prefer sitting on the floor while doing their work? Then do away with desks and chairs.
Do they prefer their favorite toy in their hands while they work? Then allow them have a friendly face around.

The end goal is to keep them occupied while and learning in a fun way.

8) Make It FUN! 

Make learning fun. Not all lessons require books and pencils. You could integrate other concepts into the lesson that builds up their hand-eye coordination ability, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills.
Activities such as putting alphabets in their school bags, having them unzip their bags, and removing an alphabet and matching it to a flashcard encourage motor and problem-solving skills.

Know of any homeschooling tips? Share it with us. Leave a comment down below.