When it comes to deciding what your child should learn at home at any given age, it can be difficult to set expectations, particularly if you’re new to homeschooling. Every child is different and will have their own interests and learning styles, so there’s no definitive guide for what your child should be learning by age.
However, there are certain basic standards of learning that children should reach so that they are ready for further education, and it’s important to ensure your child is able to meet these basic standards. In this article, we’re going to cover the basics of what every child should be learning by age when it comes to homeschooling.
What Is Developmentally Appropriate For My Child?
The first step in creating an effective homeschooling program is to figure out what is developmentally appropriate for your particular child. Learning preferences, interests, and abilities don’t usually align with a particular age, so it’s important to consider each individual child.
An individualized learning program is key to setting your child up for success. You should look at how your child learns and grows in all areas of development—from cognitive to physical, to social and emotional—to develop a plan that works best for your family.
What Should My Child Be Learning By Age?
Once you have a general idea of what is developmentally appropriate for your child, you can begin to look at the specific skills and topics that are important for your child to learn. Each age brings with it different milestones and areas of focus, to ensure your child is learning age-appropriate concepts and skills.
For babies, this means focusing on learning basic concepts like colors and shapes, as well as developing language skills and physical strength. For toddlers, this means developing social skills and understanding basic science concepts, as well as continuing work on language and physical strength. As children age, the focus shifts to learning core subjects like math, science, and literacy, as well as understanding the world around them.
What Core Subjects Should My Child Be Learning?
At the heart of any good homeschooling curriculum are the core subjects. These include math, science, language arts, and social studies. When it comes to math, it’s important to begin with a strong foundation in the basics: counting, the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), basic geometry and shape recognition, and the beginning concepts of fractions.
As you progress with age, you can introduce more complex concepts such as basic algebra and problem solving. Science is a broad area that can be approached in many different ways.
You should focus on introducing basic concepts of the natural world like environmental science and the five senses. As your child grows, you can introduce earth science, biology, and chemistry. Language arts is the core of any literacy program, and should include reading, writing, spelling, and grammar.
At the foundational level, this means learning the alphabet and basic writing skills like forming letters and practicing recognition. As your child progresses, you can introduce more complex topics such as extended reading and composition.
Social studies should focus on both United States history and world history. You can introduce these topics in an age-appropriate way by using stories and hands-on activities.
For example, if you’re teaching about the American Revolution, use stories to introduce the concepts and then let your child practice acting out the parts.
What Other Subjects Should My Child Be Learning?
In addition to the core subjects, there are other areas of study you can introduce to your child. This includes music, art, foreign language, and physical education.
You can introduce music into your homeschooling curriculum by teaching basic scales and intervals, as well as music appreciation and understanding of musical theory. Art is best introduced by letting your child explore different media and techniques and by teaching basic color theory and principles. Foreign languages can be a great way to introduce your child to different cultures and can be a fun challenge.
Physical education can be incorporated in different ways, but some important skills to learn include proper form, balance, and endurance.
How Should I Structure My Homeschooling Program?
Once you have a good understanding of what your child should be learning, it’s time to start putting together a structured plan. One of the most important aspects of homeschooling is creating a balance between learning and play.
Your child’s day should be filled with learning and fun, and each day should be structured so that your child can become independent and self-motivated. You should structure the day with some form of time block—break the day up into different sections, like core activities, electives, fun activities, and so on. Within each of these, you should offer a variety of activities and lessons.
This will not only help your child stay engaged, but will also help them build up skills in all areas.
What Types of Materials Should I Use For Homeschooling?
One of the most important elements of any homeschooling program is the materials you use. This includes textbooks, worksheets, activity sheets, and any other materials you’d like to use. When it comes to textbooks, make sure you select ones that align with the goals and objectives of your curriculum.
For example, if you’re introducing fractions, make sure the textbook you choose covers this topic in depth. If you’re introducing literature, make sure you’re using age-appropriate works and stories.
Worksheets and activity sheets can be a great way to supplement learning. These should be tailored to your child’s learning style and interests. For example, if your child loves science, create worksheets and activities that focus on different scientific concepts.
How Can I Help My Child Learn?
In addition to materials and resources, it’s important to provide your child with support and guidance in their learning. This includes creating an environment where they feel safe to explore, making sure they are getting enough sleep, providing positive reinforcement, asking questions, and encouraging independent learning.
Create an environment that is conducive to learning. Make sure it is free of distractions, like televisions and phones. Keep it organized, so your child can focus on their work.
Make sure the temperature is comfortable and that there is enough light. Also, make sure your child is getting enough sleep.
This is particularly important for younger children, who need at least 10 hours of sleep each day. Sleep helps with memory and concentration, so skipping it can impair the learning process. Encourage your child by offering positive reinforcement.
While correcting mistakes is important, it’s just as important to point out successes, no matter how small. This will give your child the confidence needed to persevere and to keep learning.
When it comes to learning, ask questions. This helps your child engage with the material and encourages them to think critically. It also helps break down difficult concepts and provides additional guidance when needed.
Lastly, encourage independent learning. This will help your child think for themselves and build up their own skills and knowledge.
What If My Child Needs Extra Help?
Sometimes, your child might need a little extra help with their learning. If this is the case, there are various options available.
You can find tutors, enroll your child in classes, or use online resources. Tutors can be a great way for your child to get extra help on specific topics or skills. Search for qualified tutors in your area and arrange for one-on-one sessions for your child.
You can also search for classes in your area that offer homeschooling support. These can provide supplemental learning in areas where your child might need a little extra help.
Finally, there are a variety of online resources that can be used at home. Khan Academy is a great resource that offers free educational videos and practice exercises. YouTube also has a variety of videos, many of which are educational in nature.
There are also educational websites like IXL and Edutopia, which offer a range of activities, quizzes, and games to help supplement learning.
Conclusion
When it comes to learning at home, it’s important to make sure your child has the right materials, resources, and guidance. By creating a curriculum focused on developmental goals, learning core subjects, and using supplemental materials, you can ensure your child is learning the basics and having fun along the way.
With the right amount of guidance and resources, you can give your child the foundation needed for success.