Homeschooling shows parents just how tough it is to be a teacher. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the kids resist and don’t seem to want to learn anything. So, what’s the secret to keeping them on track? To keep kids motivated, make the best of the advantages that homeschooling offers over conventional schooling, not try to recreate it.
Our 10 tips will offer ways to benefit from the unique advantages of homeschooling.
1. Set a schedule and/or guidelines for each day.
The great thing about homeschooling is that you can set your schedule. You don’t need a strict schedule, like at most schools, but having a list of guidelines telling the kids what needs to be completed that day can keep them on track.
2. Set learning goals with the kids.
Your children will be more motivated to learn if they feel they’re in control. This sense of control is something typical schools have trouble providing. Hold regular meetings to agree on learning goals and schedules. This has the added advantage of preparing them for teamwork and negotiation in the workplace.
3. Visit the library regularly for fresh educational books, magazines, and movies.
This goes with the above tip. While your local school may have to use the same dusty old slides each year, you can liven up your class materials whenever you want with a quick trip to the library. Bring the kids along to involve them in the learning process.
4. Stock your home with educational materials.
Make sure your home advertises the joys of learning. Stock up on educational magazines, movies, books, art and office supplies, magnets, magnifying glasses, scales, calculators, cookbooks, thermometers, musical instruments, school-oriented computer games, a telescope, and globe.
Purchasing all your own supplies can be expensive, so buying used is a good way to keep homeschooling costs manageable. Consider using a cash back credit card. Besides earning reward points on school supplies, you'll be able to take advantage of purchase protection in case there's something wrong with your purchase.
5. Have frequent field trips.
By homeschooling your kids, you can make the world their classroom. Educational field trips, which are a rare treat at your neighborhood school, can regularly liven up a routine and keep your kids interested. Read our Discover Miles review to see how you can earn rewards for travel - a good way to keep cost down for frequent roadtrips.
6. Adapt your studies to your kids’ interests.
One of the big disadvantages of conventional schools is that they often use a one-size-fits all approach. With homeschooling, you can tailor classes to your children, not the other way around. Of course, you still need a balanced curriculum, but you can customize it for each child.
For example, if your son loves baking, you can use measurement cups to teach him fractions for math class. During science class, you use cooking principles to teach him about chemistry. He can read books about chefs and bakers during English class. You get the idea.
7. Work with other homeschooled kids as often as possible.
As social animals, we humans thrive on interaction. Homeschooling lets you choose who your kids interact with, so take advantage of this. Connect with homeschooling families in your area and try to learn together at least once per week. Working in teams is a great motivator for many children.
8. Use rewards sparingly.
Rewards can boost morale quickly, but they teach a child extrinsic motivation, not intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is when you want to do something to get a reward or avoid a punishment. Intrinsic motivation is when you want to something for yourself, because it makes you happy or proud.
So, use small rewards once in a while, but keep the main focus on learning for the intrinsic sake of learning. Pick rewards that match up with your kids’ interests.
9. Focus on developing skills, not memorization.
One of the big criticisms of conventional schools is that they focus too much on memorization. If you’re going to teach your kids the same way, you might as well send them to regular schools. Instead, focus on teaching them the skills they need to learn. If you do want them to memorize some things, like multiplication tables, make sure they understand why remembering this information will help them.
10. Be a positive role model.
You must model the way you want your children to act. If you want them to read more, make sure they see you reading. If teaching them social skills is important, invite your own friends over on weekends and let your kids in on the fun. By learning along with your children, you motivate them to follow your lead.
These tips all focus on the big advantage that homeschooling holds over conventional schools: customization. Homeschooling puts you in control of your children’s education, so work to make it fit their needs instead of copying what conventional schools are doing. Don't forget to read our Miles by Discover review to see how it can keep the cost of field trips down. Remember, your children will be driven by the best motivator of all: their own curiosity.


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