Homeschooling is on the rise due to parents wanting more control and flexibility over their children’s education. For some families, however, homeschooling can be a challenge if they find themselves behind.
Though educational progress can’t be caught up overnight, there are some steps that a family can take to make sure that their student has the educational foundation necessary to be successful. This guide looks at the steps that parents can take when the student is behind in homeschooling.
Understand the Source of the Frustration
It can be very frustrating when a student finds themselves behind in their homeschooling. In order to get them back on track, it is important to understand the source of that frustration.
Is it a lack of understanding of a subject? Is there a difficulty staying focused or an overload of responsibilities? It is important to understand what is behind the student’s difficulty in order to provide them with the support that they need.
Make sure to ask the student for their own insights on what has been causing them difficulty. Another important thing to remember is that there may not be a single answer to this issue.
In some cases, there may be more than one factor that is causing the student to fall behind. It may be the combination of several different things that can lead to a homeschooler becoming overwhelmed and falling behind in their courses. As a parent, it is important to be patient and understanding as the student figures out what is causing their difficulty with their academic studies.
Creating Realistic Goals
Even when a homeschooler is behind in their studies, it is important to remember that educational progress does not happen overnight. While it is important to push the student, it is more important to realize that educational progress is a gradual process. As such, it is important when trying to catch up on lost time in homeschooling to set realistic goals.
Depending on the student’s age and level of schooling, the goals may look different for each student. For example, for a younger student who is behind in their math, the goal may be to complete two lessons per week with a focus on getting an understanding of the material.
For an older student who is behind in their history, the goal may be to read two chapters of their textbook and answer three questions. It is important that the goals remain realistic and achievable. Having overly ambitious goals may cause the student to become discouraged and give up.
On the other hand, having goals that are too easy can be counterproductive and can create a lack of motivation or enthusiasm.
Motivating the Student
Even when a student is working hard to catch up, they may lack motivation and enthusiasm. As a consequence, they may begin to feel discouraged and overwhelmed.
To help the student stay motivated, it is important to provide them with extrinsic motivation. This can include providing the student with rewards for completing their work. If a student knows that they will be rewarded for completing their studies, it can motivate them to continue working hard.
Rewards do not have to be extravagant; it could be a small treat, an hour of their favorite video game, or an extra hour of sleep. It is also important to provide the student with intrinsic motivation. This involves helping them understand why their studies and their success matters.
If a student understands why the academic success is important, it can help to provide the motivation that they need. Discussing topics, such as what they’d like to do when they are finished with their schooling or the impact that their studies may have on the world, can help to provide a deeper understanding of why their studies matter.
Sticking to a Schedule
Having a schedule can be an important part of helping a student catch up on lost homeschooling time. The schedule should be realistic and should have a focus on completing the necessary work. It is important to provide the student with time to learn new material, actively study material that they are struggling with, and spend some time on fun activities.
Though there shouldn’t be a lot of strict rules about when certain tasks should be completed, it is important that the student is following a regular schedule. This can help the student from becoming overwhelmed and can help them make steady progress.
Finding the Right Resources
One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the ability to find a wide range of resources that can help a student learn and understand the material. Resources range from books and videos to games and other interactive educational tools. It is important to provide the student with a wide range of resources that they can draw upon to help them with their studies.
However, it is important to ensure that the resources are age-appropriate and focused on the material that they are studying. Finding the right resources can help a student build a strong foundation in their studies.
Small, Manageable Quizzes
In order to ensure that the student is understanding the material, it is important to have them take small quizzes frequently. These quizzes should be short and should focus on the material that they have been studying.
It is important to provide the student with feedback and help when needed. This is a great way to make sure that the student is staying on track and is avoiding gaps in knowledge that can lead to further difficulty later on.
Group Learning Activities
Learning in a group is a great way for a student to get an understanding of difficult topics. If possible, try to provide the student with the opportunity to work with their peers in the same age group. This can help a student to build their confidence and can provide them with an opportunity to learn from their peers.
Group activities are a great way to keep the student engaged and can help to reinforce the material that they are learning.
Educational Trips
Educational trips can be a great way to introduce a student to a topic that they are studying in their homeschooling. This can help to provide an experience that is interactive and that can build a strong understanding of the topic. Educational trips, such as visits to historical sites or a science center, can actually be a fun way for a student to learn.
It is important to remember, though, that the experience should be educational and should focus on the material that the student is studying.
Outsourcing Academic Tutoring
If a student is falling behind in their homeschooling, there may come a point where outsourcing academic tutoring may be the best option. This can provide the student with dedicated one-on-one instruction. A tutor can help to assess the student’s understanding of the material and can provide instruction that is tailored to the student’s needs.
Though this may seem like a significant expense, it may be necessary to help the student get back on track.
Participating in Extracurricular Activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can help to provide an outlet for the student’s energy and can help to introduce them to new topics. If a student is passionate about something, it is important to provide them with an opportunity to pursue that passion.
This is a great way for the student to stay motivated and can help to build their confidence. Additionally, extracurricular activities can provide an opportunity for the student to meet people who may be able to provide them with insight into their studies.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be a challenging experience if a student falls behind in their studies. Though it can be difficult, it is possible to help the student catch up if the right steps are taken. It is important to understand the source of the frustration, set realistic goals, provide the student with motivation, stick to a schedule, and find the right resources.
Additionally, providing the student with small quizzes, group activities, educational trips, outsourcing academics tutoring, and extracurricular activities can help the student make steady educational progress. With the right support and guidance, a student can get back on track and avoid the feelings of being overwhelmed.