As the availability of job opportunities dwindles and the cost of living continues to increase, more and more people are choosing to work part-time and supplement their incomes with freelance work while also devoting their free time to parenting and homeschooling their children. Working part-time and homeschooling can be both rewarding and challenging, however there are certain steps that can be taken to make both easier and more productive.
In this article we will provide some tips for how to homeschool while working part time and make it a success.
Organize Time for Working, Homeschooling and Relaxation
The first step to successfully homeschooling while also having a job is to organize your time efficiently. This means taking into consideration any job related commitments, homeschooling requirements and making sure to build in some time each day to relax.
Write down all of the tasks that need to be done each day and hang it up in a place where it is easy to refer back to, this will help to keep everything clear and organized. This can then be used as the basis for planning out how to prioritize tasks and use time most effectively. It is also useful to create a daily schedule that includes specific times for homeschooling, working, and self-care.
This will help to ensure that all of the important tasks get done, while also leaving enough free time available to spend with family and recharge. Schedule in plenty of breaks as needed, and try to plan out special activities into the schedule so that there are plenty of opportunities to keep learning fun and interesting.
No Time for Procrastination
Since there is a limited amount of time available and lots of important tasks that need to be completed, it is important to eliminate any habits of procrastination from the daily routine. Adopt a ‘no excuses’ attitude and be firm with yourself about completing tasks when needed.
It may also be useful to create an environment in which procrastinating does not have a chance to take root. Compartmentalize different tasks and prioritize them according to importance. When a task needs to be completed, set a timer, this will make it easier to concentrate and will also provide added a sense of motivation to get it done faster and with more efficiency.
Sometimes, when homeschooling and working, it is easy to forget to take care of oneself. Make sure to add in some time on the schedule to just relax and de-stress. It is also important to find ways to stay organized and motivated.
This could include writing down goals and tasks that need to be completed each day, setting up a structured study area, or working smarter by using resources that can help simplify and streamline the learning process.
Find an Educational Structure That Works For Everyone
Finding an educational structure that works for both the parent and the student can be challenging but is essential for making homeschooling a success. This could be anything from strict rules and scheduled times for studying and doing homework, to more flexible plans that allow the student to work at their own pace.
It is important to get organized early, outlining the subjects to be studied, the objectives, and resources needed to complete them. When working part-time and homeschooling, time can be an issue, so it is important to make use of any available resources to help with the homeschooling process. Online resources such as lesson plans, curriculum and tutorials can be found on the internet and are incredibly helpful in saving time and providing students with the most up-to-date information.
Engage In Extracurricular Activities
Engaging in extracurricular activities can be an excellent way for students to learn, grow, and develop in a significant way. Some activities may even have the potential to lead to a career path or future job.
Getting involved in clubs, teams, or organizations can help foster personal and social skills, strengthen relationships with others, and also provide a creative outlet and source of inspiration. When looking into extracurricular activities, it is important to consider what areas the student is interested in, what they would like to pursue, and most importantly, how much time is available to dedicate to that activity. Another great way to get the most out of extracurricular activities is to get other homeschoolers involved, so that they can work together and learn together.
This adds an additional layer of support and provides them with a more well-rounded education. Consider organising field trips or outdoor activities in local parks or museums as this will provide engaging and exciting learning experiences that may not be available through traditional classroom settings.
Take Advantage of Homeschool Co-ops
Homeschool co-ops are groups of homeschoolers who come together for socializing, learning, and or recreational activities. These co-ops are usually led by one or more parents who have the same homeschooling values and approach as other members.
They provide a great sense of community and provide students with extracurricular opportunities in a safe environment, while also lightening the workload of the parents. When looking into homeschool co-ops, it is important to do some research to ensure that the co-op values are compatible with the parents’ and the students’, as well as being aware of all the rules, regulations and any associated fees. Co-op size can have an effect on the learning process; for example the larger the co-op, the less interaction the student will have with their instructors.
Utilize Local Libraries For Learning
Checking out books from a library, either a local public one or a specialized homeschool library, can be a great way to save money while still providing a wealth of educational materials. Libraries provide an abundance of resources that can help to supplement a homeschooling curriculum. There are also various online libraries, such as the Internet Archive, which offer free online versions of texts and books.
Another great resource is audiovisual materials, such as movies, documentaries, and podcasts. Listening to an audio book, or watching a documentary that relates to the material being studied can be a great way to introduce a new concept or provide an interesting perspective on a familiar topic.
Organize a Homeschool Network
Organizing a homeschool network is incredibly helpful for both parents and students alike. This can be as simple as gathering together a few other homeschoolers for studying and assignments, or one can even organize entire workshops and tutorials for educational purposes.
Networks help to create a close-knit community where students can learn from one another, support each other and interact in a constructive, encouraging environment. A homeschool network can also provide great educational support for parents who may be new to homeschooling, or for those who may not feel confident enough in their abilities to teach. These networks can provide a sense of community and companionship to those who are out of the traditional classroom setting and may be feeling isolated.
Find and Engage in a Virtual Community
The internet is a great resource for homeschooling and working parents, as there are many online communities devoted to providing educational and supportive resources. These e-Communities provide support and information to parents, as well as offer countless resources, such as online curriculums, activities and lesson plans. These online communities are a great way to connect with like-minded people who can share ideas and experiences, provide helpful advice and insights, and create a supportive network for homeschooling parents.
In addition to e-Communities, social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be used to connect with each other. These sites make it easy to keep in touch with family, friends and other homeschoolers, while providing valuable resources and insights.
Be Flexible in Your Approach
When working part-time and homeschooling, it is important to remember to be flexible. No two days are the same, so if something does not go as planned, it is important to take it in stride and adjust accordingly.
It is perfectly normal for some days to be more difficult or for progress to be slower than expected. Do not be too hard on yourself or the student. Remember that you are the parent, and it is up to you to keep things organized, inspiring, and make sure that everyone is learning, having fun and staying on track.
Conclusion
Homeschooling while working part-time can be a challenging but rewarding process. It takes time and dedication, but with the right organization and resources it can be a successful endeavor.
This article has provided some tips and insights on how to balance the two, however it is ultimately up to the parents to tailor a plan that works best for them.