Although homeschooling children is proven to be an effective alternative for regular schooling, many parents who want to enroll their children in the said program often does not have a clue on how to go about in directing learning. While it is true that many homeschooling programs provide detailed instructions for parents in order to facilitate lesson discussions effectively, it often ties learners to the task of hitting the books and sitting for hours listening to lectures. There are a variety of teaching styles that parents can use in order to make learning for their children interactive and enjoyable. A number of homeschooling methods which can help parents in making subjects interesting are presented below.
Blended learning is a homeschooling method that pertains to the use of online instruction with the combination of direct instruction. With numerous online homeschooling programs available today, it is a way in which parents can seek support in teaching certain subject areas and acquire resources. Children can take online subjects and traditional homeschooling programs that are parent-facilitated in order for them to experience a variety of activities. Blended learning also fosters independent learning and the opportunity to interact with the facilitator during traditional discussions.
One of the best learning opportunities that parents can provide their children is having them experience concepts in real-life situations. Homeschooling moms are at the best position to do this since they are the ones directly involved with household activities. Relate specific concepts being learned with everyday situations and explain the phenomenon. More than that, get children involved with these activities. An option would be to take the kids outside of the house so they can observe and see these concepts. Incorporate lessons with a trip to the park or at the zoo and you will surely have a fun learning and bonding experience with the kids.
Spark the interest of the kids by using problem-based learning as a homeschooling method. In this method, children has to resolve a problem based on a given situation wherein they need to have a full knowledge of concepts in order to come up with a solution. Although difficult to prepare and may require more time, developing such instructional material will surely be worth it as it develops logical and higher order thinking skills. Further, some homeschooling programs may provide these types of activities along with the lessons which parents can readily use.
Prevent children from getting bored while on a lesson discussion by creating visual materials that will support teaching. These materials need not to be large and expensive since this is not a classroom instruction. Books with colorful pictures, PowerPoint presentations and videos will help in getting the kids to be more engaged in the learning process.
Further, there are a variety of teaching styles that will work effectively as a homeschooling method. One can determine these methods through extensive research. The internet has a lot of sites dedicated to making teaching and learning more meaningful. It even has sites that provides ready-made worksheets and activities. Using these resources can aid any parent in making their teaching more fun and interesting.