When your child has a question, don't answer it immediately! Show them how to research the answer on their own, so they can know how to do it when you're not around. There are many websites offering simple information which children of any age could understand, so point them in that direction.
Find a homeschooling support group. While homeschooling might be very appealing, it can also be very lonely for both you and your child. Check community bulletin boards or the internet to find other families in your area that are homeschooling. Parents can get together to discuss methods that are successful and offer each other support. Children will benefit from group activities such as local field trips or projects.
When choosing your homeschooling program, consider the ultimate goal of the education you are providing your child. If you plan to reintegrate them into a regular school, then your curriculum should shadow the curriculum of that school. On the other hand, if you plan to home school them through high school then you want to be sure that they are learning everything they need to get their GED or even to perform well on important pre-college exams like the SATs or ACTs.
Be flexible. If a teaching method doesn't seem to be working, try something new. Sticking to something that is not working does neither of you any favors. A new approach can help your child see the subject in a new way. This might help shed some light on a previously confusing topic.
Your children needs some hands-on lessons such as experiments or field trips. For example, make learning about foreign cultures fun by experimenting with foreign cuisine. Learning about Hispanic countries could include making tortillas and tacos and creating a pinata. You could have your child cook cuisine from each country as you study the various Axis powers. When all senses are used, information is better retained.
If you have kids in the home that are not yet school age, spend some quality time with them prior to starting the day's lessons with the older kids. If they can get their fill of attention time before you get busy with the older kids, they are likely going to be able to entertain themselves while you work.
Do not just rely on the use of technology in your daily routines. Internet connections can drop, and you might find that when you really need the internet it's not working. Be certain to have backup materials so that time is not wasted.
You need to also realize that homeschooling will not always be fun. There may be times when you have to crack down and be the stern teacher, There may be things your child despises. To help make it easier on you and your child, use a rewards system.
Plan meals in advance when homeschooling. Simple things, such as cooking in bulk on the weekends, can help to make meal times during the week easier. Cooking ahead can help you stress less about cooking when you're really busy or really tired. Use different plans and choose the one that works the best.
So many parents would love to homeschool, but are too afraid to begin. With what you've read here, you should have enough knowledge to overcome this fear and instead move forward with bettering your child's education. With a little bravery and drive, you'll become a homeschooling master in no time!
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