5 Strategies We Use in Our Homeschool to Start the Year Off Right
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Our new homeschool year is off to another great start, and I wanted to share some of the strategies we are using to make it a great year.
1. Single-Tasking
During our new school year, we are embracing single-tasking, and it has already been bringing in quite a few positive changes for us. With this approach, we take life one task at a time and allow ourselves to be fully present.
Working from home while homeschooling this year, it has been wonderful to say goodbye to the high-stress societal obsession with multitasking! Stay tuned for a full week on single-tasking and the art of balance, coming to my social channels the first week in September!
2. Keeping it Simple
Education and stress have become closely intertwined in our society, and it is negatively impacting our kids. In our house, we embrace stress-free learning that focuses on support, guidance, and love.
One of the best ways to do this? Keeping things simple.
Our homeschool approach is focused on simplicity, and we work to avoid being overwhelmed. Children need to learn and gain skills, but they should not feel like they are being forced or dragged along to do so.
By keeping things simple in the classroom, in our schedule, and in clearly set expectations, I am able to help my children learn and grow at their own pace without burying them in information.
3. One-on-One Time
The traditional classroom pairs dozens of children with only one teacher. In most cases, it is very difficult—or even impossible—for kids to get the one-on-one time that they need.
Homeschooling allows us to make sure that our kids never feel that way and can gain the benefits of one-on-one teaching.
Prioritizing one-on-one time is huge for homeschool success. I’m happy to embrace it so I have a full understanding of my children and their needs. It gives us a chance to connect, talk, and improve their experience a little bit each day.
More importantly, it highlights to each of my children that they are a priority! Stay tuned to my social channels next week, as we explore how to homeschool with multiple children in multiple grade levels!
4. Building Autonomy
Autonomy is such an important skill for children, especially as they get older. When we help our children to be more autonomous, we empower them to think for themselves and make their own decisions.
What do we get when we do this? Intelligent and confident children who become critical thinkers and feel empowered as adults!
As a mom of three, and I can tell you from experience that letting go isn’t always easy. When you watch your child grow from a helpless baby into an active child or pre-teen who wants to make decisions for themselves, it can be a huge shift.
While it can be difficult to let go, this phase allows them to grow, and is critical for their development. By providing space with boundaries, I’m giving my girls the ability to grow into themselves and develop their own identities.
5. Playtime and Learning
My youngest is 21 months old, and that means he is too young for formal learning. I’ll have another post coming out on this topic later, so be sure to check back if you want to learn more about education for toddlers!
With my youngest, we don’t use a rigid approach to learning. Instead, we prioritize playtime, fun education, and plenty of time spent reading with mom!
Here is to a new year pairing life with learning!
Xoxo,
Mandy