As a mom who recently took the plunge into homeschooling my 4-year-old, I’m excited to share my journey and a few homeschooling tips that I’m learning as we go. So far, homeschooling in Nova Scotia has been filled with both challenging and rewarding moments. Transitioning from the idea of a structured preschool environment to a more flexible home setting was daunting at first. From adapting our daily schedule to finding the right resources, every day brings new discoveries and adjustments. However, through this journey, I’ve gathered some valuable tips and tricks that might help others who are considering or are new to homeschooling their young children. Below is a comprehensive guide to making the most of this homeschooling adventure.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Routine is crucial for young children, and it helps create a sense of stability and predictability. We spend about two hours each day on homeschooling activities, which includes a mix of focused learning time and play-based experiences. We start our day at the same time, with a morning routine that includes breakfast, followed by a set period of learning activities. Consistency in timing helps my daughter understand what to expect and builds a rhythm to our day.
Tip: Use a visual schedule with pictures to help your child understand and anticipate each part of the day. This wooden daily routine set is a fun idea.
Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Designating a specific area in the home for learning can make a significant difference. It doesn’t need to be a separate room, but having a corner or a small area equipped with educational materials, books, and supplies helps create a focused environment. I set up a small table and chairs in a quiet corner, where we keep all our homeschooling resources.
Tip: Involve your child in setting up this space to make it more engaging. Let them choose some decorations or learning tools to create a space where they feel excited and comfortable.
Embrace Play-Based Learning
What is play-based learning? Through play, children acquire essential skills that foster their social, physical, and cognitive development. By interacting with others, exploring objects, and using symbols, they learn to understand and interpret the world around them. For children under six, play-based learning is essential. I use a variety of interactive and fun materials to keep my daughter engaged. From educational games to hands-on activities, I tailor our learning tools to match her interests and developmental stage. We also integrate learning into everyday activities such as baking, gardening, and grocery shopping.
Tip: Integrate learning into playful activities such as baking, where you can explore measurements and counting, or gardening, where you can discuss plant growth and nature. These experiences make learning feel natural and fun. I love this Kids Baking Set.
Homeschooling Needs a Little Flexibility
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility. Not every day will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Some days, my daughter might be more interested in exploring outside or playing with her toys than sticking to a strict lesson plan. I’ve learned to adapt and use these moments as learning opportunities, while also sticking to our basic routine to keep our days consistent.
Tip: Have a few backup activities or “free choice” times built into your schedule. This allows for flexibility while still ensuring that educational goals are met.
Foster Independence
Encouraging independence is a crucial homeschooling tip I have discovered. I give my daughter choices and responsibilities within our learning activities. This could be selecting which book to read, choosing a project to work on, or even helping to set up our learning space. Allowing her to make decisions helps build confidence and decision-making skills.
Tip: Provide simple tasks and responsibilities that your child can manage independently. This magnetic reward jar is cute to celebrate their accomplishments and help foster a sense of achievement and autonomy.
Connect with Other Homeschooling Families
Building a support network with other homeschooling families has been invaluable. Joining local homeschooling groups or online communities has provided me with additional resources, ideas, and encouragement. It’s also a great way for my daughter to interact with peers and participate in group activities to learn useful social skills.
Tip: Attend local homeschooling meet-ups or participate in online forums to share experiences and gain insights from other homeschooling parents.
Give It Time and Be Patient
Homeschooling is a learning process for both you and your child. It’s important to give yourself time to adapt to this new way of teaching and to be patient with the process. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible and adjust as needed.
Tip: Allow yourself time to find what works best for your family. Be patient with both your child and yourself as you navigate the homeschooling experience.
Set Realistic Homeschooling Goals
Setting achievable goals helps keep our homeschooling experience positive and rewarding. I establish short-term, attainable objectives for each week, such as completing a certain number of learning activities or mastering a new skill. This helps maintain focus and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Tip: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate milestones and progress to keep motivation high.
Choose Homeschooling Curriculum That Works for You
I choose open and go curriculum, which means there is no teacher manual, no planning lessons, you don’t even need to pre-read it. Just open it and do the lesson. Here are some open and go curriculum options I like:
- The Good and The Beautiful – After chatting with a few fellow Homeschooling mums, this seems to be the most popular. It is incredibly thorough, includes videos and an app, and the books and art are beautiful. Their language curriculum also includes history, geography and art already built in.
- Masterbooks – These are shorter lessons that are great for younger learners.
- Let’s Play School – This is great for early learners and when you’re just getting started.
- Math With Confidence – A fun math curriculum for kids! The lessons include a lot of time to connect and some really fun activities.
- Gather Around – This one is great because it is one lesson per book.
Prioritize Self-Care
Homeschooling can be a lot at times, especially for busy moms who have jobs and other household tasks to take care of. But, its also important for me to take care of myself so I can be the best I can be for my kids. I take breaks, seek support from other homeschoolers when needed, and fill my life with activities that help me recharge. This self-care is crucial for maintaining a positive and fun homeschooling environment where both you and your kids are engaged and enjoying it. You can find my post on Dealing With Anxiety as a Mom, here.
Starting this homeschooling journey with my 4-year-old daughter has overall been a fun and rewarding experience. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the rewards and joys of watching my daughter learn and grow in a nurturing environment make it all worthwhile. Plus, I get to spend extra time with her, which is so important at this age. By following these homeschooling tips, I’ve found ways to make our homeschooling days both productive and enjoyable. I hope these homeschooling tips provide valuable insights and encouragement for other parents embarking on a similar path. Remember, every homeschooling journey is unique, and finding what works best for your family is key. Enjoy the adventure and cherish the moments of learning and discovery with your child!
xoxo Fil
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