Motivating the Homeschooled Kid
Homeschooling is better than regular school in a lot of ways. Children benefit from the control in pace and hours that such an environment allows. Children who are educated via homeschooling also have more freedom as to the extent of their learning, as they do not have to be stuck to the traditional curriculum of campus schooling, and can even extend their learning to incorporate subject matters that really interest them. However, the biggest problem parents may face with children who are homeschooled is motivating the child to learn.
In an environment with less pressure due to the lack of rigid schedules, uniforms, and an actual classroom, there is a tendency for the child to slack off and become lazy. In motivating homeschooled children, the important thing is to cater to their needs. Find out what they like to do and what is fun for them so that you can incorporate these into their daily activities. This way you can make them look forward to learning because it is associated with the things they like to do most. For example, if a child is into soccer, you can join this activity with his mathematical lessons by letting him calculate how many goals he can score, and so on. Be as creative as possible, and let the activities vary so that the child is always excited about what kind of activity he is going to be doing next.
Another thing that motivates children towards learning is assigning them less work. It may sound crazy, but sometimes it actually makes the child work ahead and do more than what is asked of him. This is the same as when children are given a certain amount of food on their plate. When there is too much, they get overwhelmed even before they touch the food, because they think right away that they cannot finish it. However, when they are given only a small amount their appetites are whetted and they find themselves wanting more. It is basically the same with schoolwork.
Lastly, as with all children, incentives are of great importance. A child is always motivated by the thought of rewards. However, different children have different likes and dislikes, which is why rewards must be tailored to the child’s preferences, unlike in regular school wherein children are given generic incentives.
Every child is different, so why make them go through a generic learning process? For better learning, it is important to focus on what they really need, and homeschooling can give them that. If you are interested, and would like to find more resources about homeschooling for children, visit http://www.elearningyellowpages.com/ where a section on homeschooling can help you decide if this is the right path towards your children’s fulfillment in education.
Tag: Motivating Homeschooled Kids
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children
Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children
Thinking about taking the plunge into homeschooling? You’ve probably got some questions. Others have had questions, too, so we’ve compiled our own Top Ten list of questions about homeschooling children.
1. How can I teach my child? I don’t have a teaching degree!
Most states offer various ways to set up a homeschool program. Some require the homeschool teacher to have a high school diploma or GED; some request a licensed teacher oversee the program; many require nothing.
2. What about socialization with other children?
You can socialize your child during homeschool just as you socialized your child before he or she started school. Homeschooled children can participate in church activities, 4-H, scouts, and other activities.
3. I’m not good at (fill in the subject)! How can I teach it?
Teachers sometimes teach subjects with which they’re not familiar; you can do the same thing with a little advance planning, some library books, and the Internet or other online resources. The resources won’t come knocking on your door and offer up their services, but they are out there if you’re willing to hunt them down. Alternatively, some parents hire tutors for subjects about which they are less confident to teach.
4. Where can I find accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
There are some great packaged homeschooling programs. Some of them may be completed via the Internet, while others may use CD-Rom programs. Take a look at the directory at eLearningYellowPages.com. They list many good providers of accredited homeschool curriculum.
5. What college will accept a homeschooled child?
Lots of them! Homeschooled children take the ACT and SAT tests just like customarily schooled children. Homeschooled children can also take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and tests, which can count as college credit.
6. How do I know my child is learning at the proper rate?
The same way you knew your child was learning to walk or talk at the proper time. You found out the appropriate range, and then you observed your child. Actually, it’s even easier than that for homeschooling. There are practice tests and workbooks you can use, but the best gauge will be the time you spend with your child, and your observations and conversations.
7. What about the prom?
Check with your state’s homeschool program. Some states have proms specifically for homeschoolers. Some have you work with a teacher or program in your local school district, and your children can attend that school’s prom.
8. How do I know what subject areas need to be covered?
Your state’s homeschool program will give you information on that. You can be assured, however, that the basics of reading, writing, and math will need to be covered.
9. Where do I find information to help me decide if homeschooling is for me?
Each state’s Department of Education has information, as well as websites such as http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/
10. Do I have to keep records? What kind?
The answer to that is a definite yes, you need to keep records. There are many paper forms out there, as well as computer programs that you can purchase. Again, check your own state’s requirements and make sure your recordkeeping conforms to their requirements, or all that hard work could go up in smoke.
Tags: Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children
Thinking about taking the plunge into homeschooling? You’ve probably got some questions. Others have had questions, too, so we’ve compiled our own Top Ten list of questions about homeschooling children.
1. How can I teach my child? I don’t have a teaching degree!
Most states offer various ways to set up a homeschool program. Some require the homeschool teacher to have a high school diploma or GED; some request a licensed teacher oversee the program; many require nothing.
2. What about socialization with other children?
You can socialize your child during homeschool just as you socialized your child before he or she started school. Homeschooled children can participate in church activities, 4-H, scouts, and other activities.
3. I’m not good at (fill in the subject)! How can I teach it?
Teachers sometimes teach subjects with which they’re not familiar; you can do the same thing with a little advance planning, some library books, and the Internet or other online resources. The resources won’t come knocking on your door and offer up their services, but they are out there if you’re willing to hunt them down. Alternatively, some parents hire tutors for subjects about which they are less confident to teach.
4. Where can I find accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
There are some great packaged homeschooling programs. Some of them may be completed via the Internet, while others may use CD-Rom programs. Take a look at the directory at eLearningYellowPages.com. They list many good providers of accredited homeschool curriculum.
5. What college will accept a homeschooled child?
Lots of them! Homeschooled children take the ACT and SAT tests just like customarily schooled children. Homeschooled children can also take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and tests, which can count as college credit.
6. How do I know my child is learning at the proper rate?
The same way you knew your child was learning to walk or talk at the proper time. You found out the appropriate range, and then you observed your child. Actually, it’s even easier than that for homeschooling. There are practice tests and workbooks you can use, but the best gauge will be the time you spend with your child, and your observations and conversations.
7. What about the prom?
Check with your state’s homeschool program. Some states have proms specifically for homeschoolers. Some have you work with a teacher or program in your local school district, and your children can attend that school’s prom.
8. How do I know what subject areas need to be covered?
Your state’s homeschool program will give you information on that. You can be assured, however, that the basics of reading, writing, and math will need to be covered.
9. Where do I find information to help me decide if homeschooling is for me?
Each state’s Department of Education has information, as well as websites such as http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/
10. Do I have to keep records? What kind?
The answer to that is a definite yes, you need to keep records. There are many paper forms out there, as well as computer programs that you can purchase. Again, check your own state’s requirements and make sure your recordkeeping conforms to their requirements, or all that hard work could go up in smoke.
Tags: Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children
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