Parents and teachers play an important role in a child’s upbringing.
However, as a parent, your child’s education is topmost priority and should be taken seriously.
You are the main influence on their learning, and their first teacher, while the home is the first classroom. Hence, learning begins at home.
Whatever they learn will have an impact on their growth. Parents are key resources for learning and growth, as they help to determine and build up a child’s social, physical, mental, and emotional development so that he/she can succeed in school and beyond.
When parents and families involve themselves in their children’s education, they tend to do better and have more interest in going to school.
Homeschooling is a way of teaching children from home. It can either be physical or online. When the pandemic struck, the online method became an adapted means of schooling for children.
Whether physical or online, parents generally worry about how to support their children’s success and make learning more conducive, stress-free, and fun.
Here are 6 tips to get started on how to support your child’s homeschooling:
- Set up a family routine: A family routine that is well planned will be a great resource for your child’s homeschooling, e.g. Including breaks for snacks, physical activities, and free choice of time. A routine with healthy eating habits ensures your child has the necessary diet and nourishment to function daily, especially for brain power. The same goes for sleeping habits. It is no secret that with the proper amount of sleep, your child will overcome fatigue and obtain the energy to perform tasks for their learning. Drawing out a chore plan will also guarantee your child isn’t working the house instead of studying. Your routine should be flexible and be able to revise and update to fit your family’s needs.
- Get acquainted with your child’s teacher: At the start of the school year, try to find time to meet with and know your child’s teacher. Let it be known to them that you want your child to learn. Make it clear that when issues develop with your child, you want them to contact you immediately. Also, understand what teachers expect from your child. Email, text, or call to clarify.
- Track your child’s progress: Set realistic goals and expectations with your child that they can complete daily. Remember, it’s progress, not perfection, so don’t make your child feel like a disappointment when they make mistakes or fail their tests or homework tasks. Encouraging them by saying kind words of affirmation will boost their morale to do better, e.g. words like, “I am proud of you.” “I know you can ace your test,” “I believe in you.”
- Review your child’s work: Daily review of your child’s homework can also make them feel the need to complete their tasks and study more. They will also approve of your interest in their academics when you help them overcome challenges they might come across while learning. Also, encourage and implement active learning by asking and answering questions (especially during tests and exams), solving problems, and exploring ideas.
- Private learning space: Set aside a space for your child’s everyday learning, if it is a shared space, a demarcation could be made to avoid distractions and minimize noise. As homeschooling requires your child to have their own private space, make them feel connected to the space e.g. making them decorate, or bring their favorite teddy bear. It allows for ease of access to studying and learning. Also, ensure the availability of learning materials in the space.
- Encourage your child’s reading habits: The saying ‘Readers Are Leaders’ is a notion you should use in your child’s learning. Encouraging their reading habits is important to help them succeed not only in academics but in life in general. Introducing both academic and non-academic books will help improve vocabulary, establish a consistent reading habit, improve creativity by honing their visualisation through imagination, and helps improve cognitive functioning.
