Image Source: Pexels
By Katie
Moving your child to a homeschooled environment can feel like a huge feat, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are many factors to consider, such as your budget, the learning environment, and the right method of homeschooling. With a bit of planning and organization, you can make the process of transitioning from public school to home education a smooth one. We’ve outlined some of the basics of beginning your homeschooling journey so you and your child can achieve boundless success.
Establishing a Physical Learning Environment
Setting up your homeschooling space is an opportunity for you to tailor your space to your child’s learning style. If your child is well-stimulated by vibrant colors, charts, and visuals, you can style the room accordingly. If they often get overwhelmed by clutter, you can organize a minimalistic space for their studies.
This space should also be free of distractions. Try to use a room that is not associated with play or relaxation. This can be a spare bedroom or even a converted garage. A garage is one place in particular that offers a great deal of room and can be renovated to fit your needs. Consider soundproofing the floors, walls, and doors to enhance focus. This process can cost around $1,900 and up, but if your child tends to get easily distracted by external noise and activity, it can be well worth it.
Furniture is also another important part of the physical learning environment. Some children find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time. With homeschooling, you can purchase an adjustable desk for your child so they can transition from sitting to standing easily. This is also beneficial for their comfort and growth. An ergonomic chair is a must as well – not only does it promote good posture and concentration, but it can also be a fun opportunity for your child to pick out their own chair and style it with their favorite accessories.
Other important classroom furniture and materials include:
- A whiteboard;
- A TV or projector;
- Laptops or a desktop computer;
- Paper and writing utensils;
- A printer and laminator;
- A filing cabinet;
- Educational games (Jenga, chess, etc.);
- Art supplies (paint, brushes, crayons, canvases, etc.).
It can be helpful to check in with other parents and homeschooling teachers to see what their favorite materials and supplies are. Community is essential for the homeschooling process to prevent isolation, so be sure to connect with others via digital message boards or other channels.
Obtaining Resources & Building Curriculum
Once you’ve got the classroom basics down, it’s time to create your schedule and curriculum. This includes finding the right learning resources for your child to engage with. For a more structured experience, there are programs you can purchase online that offer detailed lesson plans, books, and videos for your child to follow along with. But, if you’re looking for a more personalized experience, you can always make your own curriculum with a collection of paid and free local resources.
Some of the best free resources can be found at your local library. With a library card, you have access to an abundance of books, along with internet access, individual study rooms and areas, DVDs, and even supplementary educational programs your child can attend after traditional school hours. This also gives your child the opportunity to explore a space outside of the home while interacting with other children their age
Assigning DIY projects for your child is great for stretching their creative muscles. These projects can be outside of your realm of experience as well, allowing you both to learn alongside each other for an enriching experience. Consider experiments like coding and robotics, which incorporate a mix of math, literature, and science while teaching your child ways to fail successfully.
Providing Emotional Support During the Transition
When a child goes from attending public school to shifting their learning environment to home, the stark differences can feel a bit jarring at first. One of the most central aspects of public school is the socialization and friendship-building aspect.
In the absence of in-person socialization, they’re more than likely to take to social media even more than before. That’s understandable, but it’s crucial to understand social media’s impact on body image and mental health. They could develop unreasonable expectations for how they should look and act due to the curated and unrealistic portrayals on social media.
Your child may develop some strong feelings and could benefit from a mix of counseling and activities in a social environment. These activities can include visiting local playgrounds or museums during the school week to interact with other children. Getting them involved with extracurricular sports is also a great way to maintain regular social interaction, which is helpful for a child’s mental wellness.
It can also be helpful to routinely schedule a time to discuss with your child how they feel about the homeschooling process, digging deep into what they enjoy and what they’d like to change about the experience. Creating a safe space for feedback right from the beginning can strengthen your relationship with your child and make them more excited to learn.
While homeschooling isn’t easy, with the right resources, community-based activities, and multiple channels of support, transitioning from public school to home education can be much simpler than you’d think. Always leave room for change, discussion, and improvement, and be sure to schedule pockets of relaxation time for yourself as well!
