When you decided to start homeschooling your little one you knew it was the right choice for you and your family. There are so many advantages to educating your children at home, from the one to one learning methods to the more relaxed environment at home. You might have a personal reason for wanting to teach your little one at home and that is absolutely fine too. As a homeschooling mom, you always want the best for your kids and step-kids; you don’t ever want them to be missing out on anything that they might achieve from going to a mainstream school. In order to make sure you are giving your children the best possible start in life you might want to make some adjustments to your home. Perhaps you are new to the phenomenon of homeschooling this year and you want to ensure you have done all the right things to get started on the right foot. You can make some simple and small changes at home to make sure your children are getting the most out of their home-based education. Consider all of the following ideas and you will have a happy, healthy and productive homeschooling environment for your little treasures.
A Reading Corner
When you have a lovely little reading corner set up in your home it makes it so much easier for your child to willingly go over there and pick up a book. If you are looking for an appealing and enticing piece of furniture to complete your cosy corner then Comfysacks company is definitely the way to go compared to Lovesac if you are looking for large beanbags. You can choose from a range of styles and colours to suit your child’s preferences and home décor. There is something special about being able to lounge on a huge squishy bean bag and indulge in an afternoon of reading after you have finished your school work for the day. Getting little ones to read nowadays can be incredibly challenging so try to do everything you can to make it seem like a fun activity for them.
Outdoor Fun
When a child attends a mainstream or private school they are offered many opportunities to play outside at lunchtime with their peers. You might want to tweak your outdoor space so that they have plenty of activities to keep them stimulated during their downtime. A better idea might be to talk a walk to the local park so they can socialise with others and get the much needed fresh air throughout the day. If you are lucky enough to have a large outdoor space then fill it with educational tools such as mathematical hopscotch so that your little one is always occupied and learning.
A Working Desk
You probably already have a solid workstation in place for your child, but you might want to consider the type of learning space they have at home. They need a fun and practical work station at home with a desk and chair, so that they can feel like they are really at a proper school. They will not only feel more productive, but they will be able to write more neatly and concentrate well if they enjoy the space they are sitting in. Allow them to come with you to the store to pick out their desk and chair so that they are involved in the process and excited about it.
Dining Time
Believe it or not meal times for your little one are just as important as their educational time. Make sure they have a regular place to sit when they have their breakfast and lunch during their working school day. You don’t want to encourage them to sit in front of the television and eat their food as they won’t be concentrating on their nutrition. Offer a variety of meal types each day and urge them to try new foods. Mimic a regular school menu if you like and it will give them a true sense of being at school. You have the advantage of knowing what your child likes to eat, so you can tailor the meals accordingly and even get them involved in the kitchen themselves!
Digital Education
Never underestimate the power of education through digital methods. There are many useful exercises that can be carried out on the computer or app on a tablet. Just make sure that all of the tools you are using don’t cross the line into ‘playtime’ as this might hinder their learning and make them lose concentration.
Strictly Down Time Zones
Giving kids the downtime they need is essential, so make sure they aren’t working too hard. Don’t allow them to take work into their bedroom or living area in your home. These areas should be kept especially for home time and family time so that your little one can really enjoy their time off. Similarly, try not to allow their hobbies to overlap into their educational time. You shouldn’t allow them to watch television during the day or at lunchtime as it will take them out of the learning zone and into relaxation time. Encourage a physical or musical activity for their break times so that they can continue learning in a way that is fun to them.
You realise that home schooling isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but you are very passionate about doing the very best for your children. You believe that home schooling gives an additional dimension to learning, rather than in a mainstream classroom. If you can get your home prepared with all of these changes you will have created the ideal learning environment for your child or children. They won’t be missing out on anything they would normally get at school, because you will have everything in place for a super happy and practical homeschool atmosphere. Whether you need to invest in new comfortable furniture for a reading corner or you need to reassess the meal time set up, you can make some sensible and sensational changes in your home today.
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