Parents and guardians who choose to home school their children are not only taking control of their education, but often their entire life structure. To ensure that their homeschooling day is both effective for learning and beneficial for socializing, organization is key. This article provides an overview of how to build an efficiently planned homeschool day, from setting the schedule to maintaining the home learning environment.
Creating a Detailed Schedule
One of the most important initial steps to creating a successful homeschool day is setting up a detailed schedule. It’s important that this schedule include not only academic goals, but also flexibility for more creative pursuits like drama and art, as these activities facilitate creativity and knowledge as much as a traditional element of curriculum like science or math. The structure of the schedule should be in the form of a daily task list with expectations and general timelines.
As the day progresses, this list should be revisited in order to stay on track, keep motivation high, and avoid any procrastination. Breaks and free times should be set in between tasks as necessary in order to recharge, as well as whatever activities are planned for the day.
If children are being homeschooled in a group setting, it’s important to create a class schedule that includes group activities, and plan designated times for group discussions, collective learning and team-building activities. During the planning stage, it’s important to keep in mind that the homeschool day should have enough structure to be a good learning environment, but also enough flexibility to keep everyone engaged and interested in the task at hand.
Readying the Homeschool Environment
Creating a positive learning environment starts by setting aside an area for homeschooling. Homeschooling can happen anywhere, from a designated corner of the child’s room to a completed classroom with desks and a blackboard.
Parents should think about what works best for their children and childrens’ learning style- is it better to work in a designated quiet space or would the children learn better by having the materials at the kitchen table? Would the children do better with their own desks or do they learn better if they are able to move around?Furniture positioning and creating an attractive learning zone are important parts of creating a positive homeschool environment.
Bringing color into the classroom and home can help keep both adults and children motivated and focused, and hanging art, having plants and setting their books in easy access can contribute to a positive and creative learning space. The learning materials should also be carefully prepared.
All books and stationery should be organized and within reach, as well as any tools, like computers and smart notes, if necessary. Additionally, considering the right atmosphere with the right amount of light and temperature is paramount for a successful active day. Lastly, encouraging children to display their artwork and accomplishments around the learning room can help build their self-confidence and growing sense of personal accomplishment.
Regular Exercise and Outdoor Recreation
It’s important to now only provide an academic structure, but also one that includes physical activity and fun recreation away from the home learning environment. Incorporating exercise into the schedule is important for both physical and mental health, as regular physical activity helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety which can boost confidence and upper self-esteem.
Scheduling one structured exercise class a day can be great for physical health, such as yoga, parkour or martial arts. It’s also important to set aside regular time for freestyle play, like playing in a local park or making up creative games. Additionally, many libraries and community institutions offer low-cost programs for homeschoolers, such as sports teams, music classrooms and art courses.
It’s important to note that structured learning is incredibly important, but allowing children different outlets for creativity and recreation is essential for their physical and mental growth and should be included in the homeschool day.
Managing Socialization
Homeschooling carries with it a certain degree of socialization, as children are often learning with their families, in homeschooled group classes or online. It’s important to make sure outdoor experiences, field trips and travel opportunities are provided whenever possible, allowing children to interact with broader social groups and explore the world outside of their home.
This can address any issues of socialization that could arise with homeschooling. Organizing any classes or activities for homeschooled children that involve other peers of their age is also a great way to ensure that children remain socially active and acquire the necessary skills to effectively function in school, work and community environments. Collaborating with other homeschoolers in activities and field studies is also a great opportunity for children to learn from each other in a casual environment and socialize with people outside of their family.
Conclusion
Creating a successful homeschool day requires careful planning and organization. It’s up to the guardian or parent of the homeschooled student to ensure that a productive yet flexible schedule is set in order to provide the necessary structure that ensures learning and development, while still allowing plenty of times for play and recreation.
By readying the homeschool environment with the right supplies, as well as staying on top of physical and social activities, the homeschool day should shape into a productive and efficient learning program.