As homeschooling parents, we take our children’s education very seriously. We have made a monumental commitment to help them learn and grow purposely and thoughtfully from curious children into compassionate and successful adults. While education is important, we are also charged with managing a sometimes hectic household. Homeschooling and keeping house can work together very well at the best of times. It’s the less-than-best-of-times that tend to hinder the progress.
Here are a few tips to help you make sure school happens no matter what obstacles life throws in your way.
Find Your Scheduling Sweet Spot
When is learning most productive for your family? For many it is the early morning, but it doesn’t have to be. Whatever hours work best for you are the hours you should hold on to for learning. As you plan from week to week, you will always know which hours to keep clear for school, and which ones are okay for scheduling other activities.
When it Comes to Learning, Cramming is not the Answer
Make sure enough time is allotted each day for your teens to actually learn and process their lessons. If you’re giving them five hours worth of school work, make sure they have five hours to do it. Cramming for tests and rushing through projects is a terrible habit to fall into, and can be very frustrating for teens who are still mastering the art of proper study skills.
Set Your School Hours in Stone
Every single week take a look at your scheduled activities and plan your school days and hours. Don’t schedule hair appointments, doctor visits, or anything else during this precious time. Guard those hours like a mama bear protects her cubs. School time is every bit as important as your other commitments, and when you, your family, and your friends take your commitment seriously, these scheduled hours will become your most productive time for teaching and learning.
Know What Your Teens are Studying and Why
Believe it or not, there can be too much learning, too many activities, and too much running around. Having an established master plan for each student will help you keep school on track. This way, when new opportunities come along, and believe me, they will, you can decide whether or not it fits into your student’s master plan.
Build Fun Outings into Your Schedule
Having field trips and other fun activities to look forward to will ensure that your family doesn’t fall prey to students (or parents) whining about “never getting to go anywhere or do anything fun.” The secret is to plan ahead and reward yourselves for your dedication. That’s not to say that you can’t take advantage of a rare, beautiful day during blueberry season to head to the farm, but those days should be the exception, not the rule.
As a parent and a teacher, you are an inspiration to your teens who are learning to be responsible adults who take their learning seriously. By creating a thoughtful plan, giving your student adequate time to complete lessons, and scheduling fun activities along the way, you are creating a positive atmosphere for learning and growing that your teen will appreciate long after your homeschooling days are over.
