Deciding to homeschool your child can be a difficult decision to make. After taking this big step, the next logical step would be to find someone to help you in your homeschooling journey. It’s one thing to have the desire to homeschool, but it’s another to have the right knowledge and the determined mindset to actually do it.
Finding the right person to homeschool your child can be a daunting task. Apart from a qualified teacher, it’s also important to look for someone who could foster a nurturing and friendly relationship with your kids.
To help simplify this whole process, listed below are 15 questions to consider before settling for a homeschooling instructor.
How Qualified is the Instructor?
Your chosen homeschooling instructor should meet the standard educational qualifications applicable in your area. So, it is important to know what qualifications they have and how they compare to other instructors.
Ask the instructor to show their qualifications and degrees, certificates, and other information related to their skills. It’s important to research their educational background, as well as their past experiences, and make sure that they are up to speed on the current curriculum.
What is the Instructor’s Teaching Style?
When considering an instructor for homeschooling your child, it is important to consider how they plan to go about teaching the subject. The teaching style of the instructor should be a perfect balance between online, in-class, and outdoor activities. The instructor should have an engaging teaching style, providing the perfect mix of academics and fun activities to maximize your child’s learning.
Ask about their plans for the upcoming weeks and months and see if you approve of their approach.
How is their Communication and Interpersonal Skills?
It is important to ensure that the homeschooling instructor is efficient in communication and responsible enough to understand your child’s needs. Ask about their past experiences communicating with your children and make sure you interact with them as well. Do you find them easy to get along with and does their communication style help to improve your child’s understanding of the topic?
Is the Instructor Well-Versed in the Subject Matter?
It is important that the instructor has the capacity to understand the subject they are teaching. Your instructor should be able to efficiently explain the topic in an easy to understand manner and provide clear instructions on the topics.
Make sure they can answer any questions your child might have and hold their attention while still teaching the materials.
Are they Well-Versed with Technology?
Homeschooling involves a lot of confusing technicalities, let alone the classes and materials. It is essential for the instructor to understand digital resources and be comfortable enough to teach it to your child if need be. Ask questions related to the digital tools and software they use and if they have used them before.
Do they Provide Clear Plans and Goals?
It is important that the homeschooling instructor provides a clear plan and goals to follow. Your instructor should be able to provide you with a detailed list of topics and activities your child need to cover, along with an expected timeline. This will help you understand the progress your child is making and measure the progress of their goals.
Do they Provide Feedback and Progress Reports?
Once you have taken on an instructor for your homeschooling needs, it is important to ensure that you also have feedback and progress reports from the instructor. Ask the instructor how often they provide reports and feedback. Are the lessons and topics discussed in a way that helps you understand your child’s progress?
Do the Instructor Give Assignments?
Your instructor should give your child assignments so that they are able to practice the topics discussed in class. Make sure you ask the instructor how often they give assignments and how they make sure the child is able to complete them without feeling too much pressure.
Are They Understanding of Your Child’s Learning Style?
Every child has a unique learning style, which the instructor must understand. The instructor should be able to provide a comfortable environment and use a teaching style that helps your child to absorb all the information.
Make sure to confirm that they are comfortable with your child’s learning style and are willing to work to make sure they understand the topics.
Do They Include Extra-Curricular Activities?
Homeschooling should not involve only study materials, but also fun activities and experiences that help to foster a better understanding of the topic. Ask the instructor if they plan to include extra-curricular activities and ask for specific examples.
Does the instructor involve cultural and historical visits or trips?
Do the Instructor Have Any Experiences with Homeschooling?
If your instructor has any experience with homeschooling, it is important to know what it was. Ask the instructor questions regarding their past experiences as a homeschool parent or as an instructor. Do they have examples of success stories and experiences they have had working with children in the past and did they help them reach their goals?
What is the Instructor’s Discipline Policy?
Instructors need to have a clear discipline policy and the way they plan on implementing it. Ask the instructor how they plan to handle difficult situations and how they plan to keep their behavior in check.
Make sure their policy is something you can agree with.
What Resources are Available?
The instructor should have access to a variety of resources that could help your child to further understand the topics. Ask them what resources they have available and inquire about the cost for those resources. Do they use resources that are easily accessible for everyone or are they only available to the instructor?
How Flexible is the Schedule?
Flexibility is the main feature of homeschooling and having an inflexible instructor negates this feature. Ask them if your schedule is able to accommodate any changes you’d like to make and if it can change with the needs of your child.
What is the Instructor’s Fee Structure?
Before settling for an instructor, you need to know their fee structure. Have a discussion on their fee structures, the payment methods, and what is expected of you. Make sure you’re comfortable with the fees and their payment terms.
Conclusion
Finding someone to homeschool your child can be a daunting task, but with the right questions, you can make this journey a lot easier. It’s important to take into consideration the qualifications, teaching style, and fee structure of the instructor. Apart from that, being able to communicate effectively with the instructor and understanding the objectives of the homeschooling program are essential for its success.
With the help of this guide, you can find the perfect instructor for your child and ensure that your homeschooling experience is nothing short of a success.