Home education is quickly becoming the norm for children around the world. This means that as a parent, you have a much more direct impact on what and how your child learns. It's no secret that every student has different needs, so this is a great opportunity to give your youngster some well-deserved one-on-one instruction. If your child is transitioning to home education, here are some great ways to customize it in preparation for a bright future.
Add Your Own Topics
While you shouldn't neglect the state-administered curriculum, learning from home means you have control over some of the extracurricular topics. Consider adding material that isn't normally taught in schools. The basics of taxes, simple first aid and résumé building are all fantastic places to start. While it's critical to educate children about politics, medicine and career-building, make sure you're also including topics that interest them. Take some time throughout the week to talk to your children about what they'd like to learn. Ask about their favorite and least favorite school subjects, hobbies or anything they're curious about and consider adding these to the curriculum.
Emphasize Complete Honesty
All too often, misinformation circulates through society and causes children to grow up with misconstrued views of the world. If you find any such examples of misinformation in your child's curriculum that can be factually disproven, don't be afraid to teach the correct details. In the course of doing so, talk about the incorrect material and explain why it's being taught in schools. From the exploits of Christopher Columbus to outdated health and sex education, you can take this opportunity to update your child's instruction with some much-needed checking of facts.
Make Every Moment a Teachable One
Everything in the world has the potential for learning, and it's easy to open up new doors for your young student through teachable moments. When you head into the kitchen to make dinner, bring your child along to start learning the basics of cooking. Are you changing the oil in your car? Encourage your child to come along and see how it's done. Whatever you're doing, inviting your child to learn more about it provides opportunities to grow and furnishes a chance to bond with you.
Education is important, and homeschooling is a great opportunity to teach your children in a diverse, well-rounded way. At the end of the day, make sure you speak with your young learners and find out how they feel about their education, too.
