These 21 homeschooling tips will help you and your child accomplish goals in the new school year.
Many parents and caregivers get nervous when thinking about how their child will succeed when teachers are online.
However, homeschooling is a wonderful opportunity to allow your child to learn at their own pace.
I have begun my homeschool journey with my son for sixth grade.
Discussing with your child will help you understand how they feel, and, most importantly, what they want.
However, there are a few challenges that may arise when teaching your child at home, such as finding socialization opportunities.
In these 21 tips, I will discuss great ways to help your child make friends.
Homeschooling is a SafeHaven
Many middle schools are not well-equipped to support children with medical conditions and ADHD.
Unfortunately, bullying seems to be escalating each year. Middle school is an environment where smaller students often experience less protection.
In contrast to elementary school, where students can easily talk to teachers about their problems and receive help, middle school presents more challenges.
When I asked my son what he thought would be the best option for his continued education, he was enthusiastic about the idea of homeschooling.
Here are 21 tips that have helped us on our homeschooling journey, along with additional tips I found online that are extremely useful.
These suggestions are practical and designed to foster a positive and effective learning environment for your child.
Part one: Foundational Tips for Planning and Structure for Homeschooling (Tips 1-7)
Tip 1 for Homeschooling
Establish a dedicated learning space for your child. This will help them focus on their assignments without distractions. Ensure that the area is clutter-free and devoid of any items that might divert their attention from learning.
Tip 2
Creating a routine, rather than a strict schedule, is essential. I’ve observed that having a simple routine is more manageable when caring for a child with medical needs.
Tip 3
Begin with clear and achievable daily goals. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work toward larger objectives. For instance, my son has 2 to 3 classes each day. After each class, if he completes his assignment after one class, he gets a mini brain break. He can enjoy some fun time on a safe, approved website.
Tip 4
Find a curriculum that suits your child’s learning style. Every child has a unique way of learning, and that’s one of the exciting aspects of homeschooling: you’ll have the opportunity to discover and understand how your child learns best. If your child is a visual learner, consider using bright colored objects to help them learn and memorize information effectively.
Tip 5
Utilize a variety of resources (libraries, online tools, kits). The amount of resources at our fingertips is incredible and can open many doors to understanding new things for your child. Another fun thing to do is to take a trip to the library every week or every two weeks and have your child pick out fun books to read them socialize with other kids.
Tip 6
It’s important to avoid trying to replicate a traditional school day at home. Many parents and caregivers make the mistake of thinking that a strict schedule will benefit their child. However, children with ADHD have unique learning styles. One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize your child’s learning experience. You can adjust the pace of learning, choose the days they have classes, and control the number of hours they spend on their studies.
Tip 7
It’s essential to plan for breaks and downtime. Sitting at a computer for long periods can become tedious, so it’s beneficial to schedule a break after each class. Aim for 2 to 3 classes per day. Additionally, consider discussing with your child’s teacher to find a schedule that helps your child manage and complete all their work efficiently throughout the week.
Part 2: Engaging Your Child and Making Learning Fun for Homeschooling (Tips 8-14)
Tip 8 for Homeschooling
Incorporate hands-on activities and projects, as kids of all ages enjoy being creative. Activities like painting, modeling, clay art, or engaging in a fun scavenger hunt can be very enjoyable. You can design a fun activity or project based on their favorite stories, which will also provide a great opportunity for bonding.
Tip 9
Use real-world examples such as cooking, gardening, and budgeting. By doing this, you not only prepare your child for their future independence but also help them learn essential life skills.
Tip 10
Encourage curiosity and child-led learning. Curiosity is a wonderful gift that children can use every day. Don’t hesitate to answer their questions, and allow them to lead the way and teach you something new.
Tip 11
Utilize educational games and apps to enhance learning. Instead of relying solely on pencil and paper, introduce your child to engaging educational games and apps. This way, they can enjoy learning while playing and won’t even realize they’re studying.
Tip 12
Enhance learning by incorporating field trips, whether virtual or in-person. One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the opportunity to plan these excursions. Your child can actively participate in choosing what they want to learn and experience. In traditional schools, teachers typically organize all the activities, but now it’s your turn to take the lead.
Tip 13
Read aloud together every day. There is a nostalgic feeling in holding a book in your hand and reading along with your child, regardless of their age. They will always appreciate and remember this experience. To make it more engaging, consider playing some background music that fits the story and dimming the lights slightly. Have them pick a comfortable spot to sit in. Lastly, use different voices when telling the story to bring the characters to life. Have fun and allow your child to take a turn in the storytelling as well.
Tip 14
Celebrate small victories and progress. It’s important to recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. You will be tracking your child’s progress every week. Instead of the typical nine-week evaluation used in public schools, consider celebrating every three weeks by creating homemade awards.
Part 3: Self-Care and Staying Organized for Homeschooling (Tips 15-21)
Tip 15 for Homeschooling
Connect with other homeschooling families or join a co-op. Facebook can be a great resource for this, as there are many groups for parents who homeschool their children. Additionally, consider visiting local parks and libraries in your area, where you can meet other homeschooling parents face-to-face. Building relationships with these parents and participating in a co-op can provide valuable support and collaboration for your homeschooling journey.
Tip 16
Make sure to take time for yourself. After you put your child to bed, indulge in activities that you enjoy, whether it’s playing a musical instrument, chatting with friends on the phone or online, or watching your favorite movie. Don’t forget to grab your favorite snack—choosing a healthy option is a great idea!
Tip 17
Stay flexible and be ready to adapt. Homeschooling can be unpredictable, especially when you have a child with medical needs or ADHD. For instance, if you need to take your child to the doctor, ensure that they don’t fall behind on their assignments.
Tip 18
It’s important to maintain a portfolio or journal of your child’s work. This is necessary for yearly check-ins, which can vary based on your location. In Florida, for example, you are required to submit documentation to the county to prove that your child has been completing their work at home.
Tip 19
To simplify your materials and declutter your space, consider using a single planner, which you can purchase from Amazon or your local store. Another effective option is a three-ring binder where you can keep all your classwork organized with tabs. This way, you won’t have to search for specific assignments. Keeping everything in one place makes it much simpler to manage your workload.
Tip 20
Prioritize your child’s mental and emotional well-being over academic pressure. Instead of pushing for perfection, focus on progress while supporting their mental and emotional health. If an assignment is too difficult, consider contacting your child’s teacher to discuss how they can help. One of the great advantages of online schooling is that teachers are easily accessible through text or phone calls, and they are always willing to assist.
Tip 21
Remember your “why” — the reason you chose to homeschool in the first place. When times get tough and you feel like sending your child back to school, reflect on why you started homeschooling. Consider the positive days your child has experienced; these memories will help outweigh the challenging ones.
Homeschooling is Fun! You’ve Got This
Homeschooling is not a journey that is always smooth. However, just like traditional school, it is achievable with the right tools.
It provides an opportunity for both parents and children to grow and learn together.
You will discover what works best for your family while establishing a routine that is flexible and enjoyable for both you and your child.
Sign up for my newsletter for updates on new blogs below and receive free checklists today!
Click here for human-written content, and enjoy more blog posts!
Marlenny Linda is more than just a writer; she's a passionate bilingual advocate for families with children with medical conditions. With a background in teaching English (TESOL/TEFL) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, she crafts engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs, inspires, and connects with these families.
Her specialty is long-form content, where she dives deep into the topics that matter most, from navigating educational resources to fostering a fulfilling life for your child. Marlenny's innovative approach keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more.
