Whether your kids go to school or have all their education at home, teaching children at home is something many parents wish they could do a little better. The key to teaching your children at home successfully is to let yourself be their fellow student when they are interested in a subject or trying to master a skill you don't know much about.
Think Outside the Desk
Learning does not have to happen at a desk, according to the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. Take advantage of the fact that you're not at school, and take your learning sessions to a comfortable couch, the back porch or even your car. Create reading nooks with soft cushions and easy access to books or nature shelves where kids can stash their guidebooks and show off their forest finds. Organize your everyday spaces to encourage your child's curiosity and creativity.
Let Your Child Lead
Children have different learning styles, so following your child's lead can make at-home learning a more pleasant experience for you both, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association. If your child has trouble sitting still, look for ways to incorporate movement into your home education sessions. If your child loves books but has trouble reading by himself, read aloud or play audio books so he can absorb information.
Get Out of the House
Learning at home doesn't have to mean being housebound. Look for learning resources in your neighborhood. Visit the local library, art and history museums, nature centers and zoos. Call your local television or radio station or check with local businesses, police stations or fire stations to find out if they give tours. Your child will learn to associate learning with everyday life.
Play to Their Interests
If your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, rocks, ancient Egypt or another subject, look for ways to connect his passion to what he's learning. For instance, show a student who's struggling with math how the Egyptian pyramids are mathematically defined, or get a slow reader who loves volcanoes excited about a book by choosing one about Pompeii. Your child will be inspired by the subject, which can help motivate him to struggle through areas that are more difficult for him.
