Virtual learning was thrust upon many families as the coronavirus spread across the nation and shut down schools. Currently, however, more and more people are considering home learning, virtual learning, and homeschooling. One of the benefits of homeschooling is that parents/caregivers – who are responsible for teaching the child – can now be so much more involved in their child’s learning. Also of benefit to both child and parent is the ability of parent/teacher to make homeschooling fun. The more fun children are having: they learn more willingly, they learn better, and they learn faster.
Parents will have lots of questions if they’re just getting into homeschooling. Unfortunately, one of the questions frequently overlooked is that of how they can make homeschooling fun. Let’s take a look at some ways in which this can be accomplished.
Fun Fridays
Away from your set homeschooling schedule, it’s a good idea to break off occasionally. One day a week, some people choose Friday, take a break from homeschooling. Put the workbooks and textbooks away. Family connections can be fostered here as you both get to think outside the box.
Here are some suggestions:
- One great learning adventure can be a scavenger hunt inside the home
- Go on a nature walk and see how many animals, plants, etc. you can identify
- Try playing educational games
Connecting Current Events to Virtual Learning
One of homeschooling’s benefits is, to begin your homeschool program, it doesn’t take much to find materials/sources.
To find homeschool activities, one great source is current events. Look at the news stories for this past year. You’ll be able to consider numerous jumping-off points.
Have some fun with outer space. At home, follow along with NASA initiatives, learn about the International Space Station, or come up with a hands-on study to learn about a mission to Mars.
History and science news were in abundance last year and continue to be plentiful this year. Incorporate into your homeschool program some of today’s interesting scientific topics. While topics like human-sized bats or murder hornets may not seem pleasant, they are undeniably interesting!
Start Homeschooling
Unless you’ve already been homeschooling for a while, you may be wondering how to start. First and foremost, remember this: schooling at home does not need to be exactly the way it was in public school. They do not need to be a mirror image of each other. One of the benefits of homeschooling is that it can be completely and totally different from the public school atmosphere, scheduling constraints, rules, and regulations, etc. Whatever works best for you and your child – that’s how you set up homeschooling. Unique learning styles call for unique teaching styles. This is possible in homeschooling – not so in public schools.
For both kids and parents, virtual learning should be enjoyable and fun. Create your schedule from scratch considering both you and your child’s needs, extracurricular activities, appointments, and more.
Homeschooling – Make It As Fun As You Can!
Homeschooling is preferred by many families today over public or even private schools for any number of reasons. Some people fear for the safety of their child due to guns in schools, bullying, drugs/alcohol availability, etc. Some children have unique learning styles and homeschooling allows them the opportunity to experience a teaching style more appropriate for their style of learning.
What’s more, you can create a curriculum that incorporates as much fun as you and your child want.
At NFC Academy, we provide accredited home school programs for grades K through 12. For grades K through 5, we offer book homeschool programs, and for grades 3 through 12, online homeschool programs.
Give your child a world-class at-home education. Contact us at NFC Academy. Speak to a member of our staff at (888) 960- 4624 or fill out our convenient online form to request information.