3 ways to make home schooling easier than ever

With uncertainty surrounding when children will be able to return to school, parents are still finding innovative ways to deliver lessons at home. Often combining work commitments with caring for younger children too, it’s no surprise that many parents are eager to receive help and support as they coach their kids on a range of key subjects.

The vast majority of children in the UK attend either state or private schools, so home schooling isn’t just an adjustment for parents. As parents get to grips with holding mock lessons, kids are learning to resist the distractions that surround them at home and hitting the books instead – for the most part!

There’s no doubt that anyone who’s spent the last few weeks educating their kids at home has a newfound respect for teachers. Whether you’re helping teenagers prepare for next year’s GCSEs or assisting youngsters with their spellings, teaching is one of the toughest jobs there is. To make things a little less hectic in upcoming weeks, check out these three ways to make home schooling easier than ever…

1. Create a schedule

It’s tempting to go with the flow when you’re home schooling your children but a schedule can help to set goals and let your kids know what’s expected of them. While you can certainly take a more relaxed approach than usual, setting daily objectives or implementing a routine will help to minimise chaos and bring some order back into your home. As all parents know, children respond well to routines and familiarity, even if they don’t always like it. By using a schedule to map out when your kids should be doing schoolwork and what subjects they should be covering, you can help to keep them motivated and on task.

2. Use tech devices

Technology has revolutionised the way we learn, so be sure to make the most of it while you’re teaching your kids at home. If you have access to the internet, kids can login to online lessons and connect with their classmates via video conferencing. If you have a set top box, you can record Freeview channels and take advantage of the increase in educational programming that’s been scheduled. You can even download worksheets and subject guides free of charge from dedicated websites, so leveraging your tech really can make things easier.

If you don’t have access to the devices you and your kids need during this time, be sure to ask for help. Some schools may be able to lend equipment to families that need it, so contact your child’s teachers for advice. In addition to this, there are many organisations who are making tech devices available to families who are home schooling, so don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your child’s experience of home schooling.

3. Vary learning methods

Although children are taught the national curriculum in school, a variety of teaching methods are used to help them understand, absorb and retain information. When you’re home schooling, don’t assume that you have to rely on old school methods, such as essay-based questions and multiple choice quizzes. Although these can be a great learning tool, there are other options you can incorporate into your at-home learning routine.

Many children are kinetic learners, which means they absorb information more easily when they’re doing something. Others are naturally visual learners, while some achieve better results when they’re listening to information. In reality, most of us are able to learn in numerous ways, although we tend to favour one or two methods of learning over others.

To ensure your kids benefit from a varied teaching regime and get the chance to learn in a way that suits them best, remember to mix things up a little. If your child’s science lesson is focused on plant development, for example, head out to the garden and let them see nature at work. If you’re teaching your kids about the aftermath of WW1 in history lessons, let them listen to themed podcasts and watch relevant documentaries.

Choose a Relaxed Approach to Learning

Home schooling can be extremely tough, so don’t despair if it isn’t quite going according to plan. During these unusual times, everyone can feel a little unsettled and unsure of what’s going on. For youngers, adapting to a new routine and learning environment is bound to be tricky, particularly if they’re aware of why schools are currently closed. By doing your best, encouraging them to complete key pieces of work, keeping them entertained and allowing your kids time to relax and unwind when they need it, you can ensure that their emotional wellbeing is being nurtured and that their educational needs are being met.