Educating children at home requires a large dosage of endurance. There are various reasons why parents may choose home-schooling as opposed to the conventional classroom.
For some, home-schooling is simply a cost-cutting exercise. Meanwhile, for another set of parents, it is a means of shielding their children from unnecessary exposure to certain activities.
COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has left many parents without a choice but to adopt home-schooling. And even when schools are operating online classes, a child still need the guidance of their parent/guardian in order to make learning effective.
The most important ingredient is discipline. Both parties – the teacher and the student – have to be disciplined. Everything else stems from that.
Children are sponges and soak up everything they see and hear. When a parent is committed to the process, it is almost automatic for the child to follow suit and adjust accordingly.
Inasmuch as they are studying at home, ensure that children understand the difference between study time and play time.
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In this article, Blessing Enenaite gives 4 pointers that parents may find beneficial in their home-schooling journey.
1. Create a schedule:
It is important that parents have a set time for learning. Even more important is sticking to the schedule. It is advisable to adopt a timetable that is similar to that of the regular school. However, there can be a reduction in the number of subjects taught daily so that the child stays focused.
Such a schedule will take into account parents who may have to work. If you are working from morning till afternoon, you have to schedule the classes for the evening.
Or if you work from home, you may be able to schedule around your break time. You must do what works best for you and your child.
It may be tough but consistency yields positive results. However, if fatigue becomes an issue, it is advisable to have short stints of learning. For example, one or two intensive hours should be sufficient.
2. Have a work station:
Find a suitable place in your home which can be designated for learning. With a table and a chair placed there conveniently, it recreates a similar atmosphere that the child associates with learning.
Make sure you are well equipped with all the necessary stationery – pencils, pens, sharpeners, erasers, paper, exercise books – so that you won’t have cause to leave the learning space until your scheduled break time.
3. Adopt fun learning methods:
For every subject you teach your children, endeavour to put life into it. Many children get bored easily. Use interesting, real-life examples when explaining a topic.
When a child can relate to the example you give, it makes explaining easier. In turn, they become eager and interested in what you’re saying. This creates a deeper understanding of the topic being taught.
4. Be positive:
If you aren’t a teacher, then the idea of home-schooling may be daunting. However, you must not allow the challenge to affect your demeanour. Body language and expressions matter, and children are quick to notice.
Your attitude is very important when impacting knowledge on a child. If you give out the right vibes, you will definitely achieve your aim at the end. Likewise, if you constantly grumble and nag, you are unlikely to get the desired outcome.
In essence, don’t send a signal that will result in them putting less effort into their learning. Do not underestimate the power of a positive attitude.
Are you currently home-schooling your children? What are your experiences so far? Please share.
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