Homeschooling has been growing trend across the world and it offers parents an incredible range of benefits. In this article, we share with you a step-by-step guide to help you begin homeschooling your preschooler. Whether you a veteran homeschooler or this is your first experience, this guide will help you along the way.
1. Research Your Local Laws & Requirements
It is important to understand what your local state or country requires of homeschooling families. Issues such as compulsory attendance, immunization records and record keeping requirements for homeschoolers can vary greatly from place to place.
Check out the education department’s website in our area to learn the laws in your jurisdiction. If you are unsure of anything, consult a local homeschool group or other reputable resources.
2. Get Familiar with the Different Homeschooling Styles
There is not one right way to homeschool and different homeschooling styles have different approaches. Before you begin planning your curriculum, it’s important to have an understanding of the different types of homeschooling available. Common styles of homeschooling include classical education, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, unschooling and Waldorf education.
3. Assess Your Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The best way to create an effective homeschool curriculum is to take into account your child’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses. A good way to begin is to write out a list of all of your child’s activities, interests and hobbies and this list should be updated regularly.
From here you can create a curriculum tailored to your child’s abilities and needs.
4. Select Learning Materials and Resources
Have a look at the many homeschooling materials and resources available. There are books, games, projects, websites, and even online courses thatoffer an exciting range of opportunities for learning.
If you’re homeschooling on a budget, there are loads of free resources available. Once you have selected what type of materials and resources you want to use you can begin building your homeschool curriculum.
5. Decide What Time You Will Spend Homeschooling
Set a daily routine for your homeschooling sessions. Decide how much time you’ll spend homeschooling your preschooler each day, as well as where you’ll be doing the lessons.
Children respond well to structure, so it is important to have a plan in place. You may need to get creative with finding the space that is best for homeschooling – this could be a table or desk in your dining room, outdoor space or even a designated corner in your living room.
6. Incorporate Play and Practical Activities in Your Homeschool Routine
Preschoolers learn best through play so it is essential to include imaginative play and practical activities in your homeschool curriculum. Find activities that can be done in or outside your home such as crafts, problem-solving or physical activities.
This will help your preschooler learn valuable life skills such as how to plan, work in teams, be creative and put into practice their new knowledge.
7. Incorporate hands-on and outdoor learning
Incorporate outdoor learning into your homeschool routine and allow children to observe and explore the world around them. Whether it’s taking a walk to the park, exploring a forest nearby, or gardening in your backyard, outdoor learning can be a great way for preschoolers to learn about science, nature, and math.
8. Take Field Trips
Field trips can be a great way to incorporate different and fun learning experiences into your homeschool curriculum. You can visit local museums, libraries, galleries, farms and any other place that offers educational opportunities. A field trip can be a great way to break up the different subjects and give your little one something to look forward to.
9. Give your Preschooler Opportunities to Interact with Other Children
Even though homeschooling can offer your child a personalized learning experience, it is important to give them opportunities to interact with other kids. This will help them build social and communication skills.
This can be done by joining a homeschool group, enrolling your child in local programs, or inviting other children over to your home to hang out and have fun.
10. Enlist the Support of Relatives and Friends
Ask your family and friends for help if you need it. Some of your loved ones may have experience in homeschooling, teaching or childcare and be able to provide valuable support and advice. They can also be a great source of moral and emotional support when homeschooling.
11. Take Time for Yourself
Homeschooling can be a very rewarding experience both for you and your child. That said, it can also be mentally and physically exhausting.
It is important to create space for self-care and take a break from homeschooling every once in a while.
12. Track Your Child’s Progress
Another crucial step when homeschooling your preschooler is to keep track of their progress. This can help you identify their strengths and weaknesses, and plan accordingly. Use the notes and observations you’ve taken to plan lessons and activities best suited for your preschooler.
Conclusion Homeschooling offers an incredible range of opportunities for preschoolers. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the knowledge and resources necessary to start homeschooling your preschooler.