Top Tips for Homeschooling Success

Establish a Consistent Routine

Structure and routine are crucial for homeschool success. Outline a weekly schedule that works for your family, designating blocks of time for core subjects like reading, writing and math as well as breaks, creative pursuits and physical activities.

Post the schedule prominently so the whole family can refer to it. Using a whiteboard for daily or weekly to-do lists also helps keep kids on track.

While allowing for flexibility, try to stick to consistent wake-up, meal and bedtimes during the week. Making beds and getting dressed in the morning signals the start of the school day.

Set Learning Goals

Discuss your children’s interests and learning priorities. Then, establish academic and personal goals and outline steps to achieve them. Break bigger goals into smaller milestones to maintain motivation.

Frame goals positively – “I will read 20 minutes per day” rather than “I need to improve my reading.” Refer back to goals often and celebrate progress!

Subject-specific goals might include:

• Improve reading fluency to a set Lexile measure
• Master three-digit addition with regrouping
• Score 90% or better on weekly spelling tests

Personal goals might address growth mindset, organization or independence.

Plan Engaging Lessons

One of the best parts of homeschooling is tailoring instruction to your child’s unique needs and interests. Tap into their passions to make learning exciting!

Hands-on activities, educational games, art projects and real-world learning make lessons fun and memorable. Let your child guide the learning by asking, “What do you want to know about ____?”

Balance student-led learning with teacher-assigned topics important for grade-level proficiency. Monitor progress to ensure key skills are developing.

Set Up a Reward System

Celebrate your child’s hard work and achievements with motivating rewards. These might include:

• Special outings.
• Screen time.
• Treats or prizes.
• Fun weekend activities.
• Extra recess time.

Create a reward chart outlining goals and associated rewards. Place sticker, stamp or track progress. Smaller milestones earn smaller rewards with bigger payoffs for major goals met.

Praise effort and positive learning behaviors too: curiosity, persistence, flexibility and cooperation.

Evaluate Curriculum Options

As the primary teacher, you must determine what to teach. While states outline general subject requirements, you choose the resources.

Of course, for high school, we recommend SVHS online courses. When selecting curriculum for middle school and elementary homeschoolers, simple workbooks and textbooks may not capture their interest or allow them to dive deep into topics. Instead, consider more interactive resources like online courses featuring engaging videos, animated lectures, interactive assignments and built-in rewards systems. Unit study approaches also work well, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary projects centered around a common theme. For example, a rainforest unit could incorporate reading passage analysis, creative writing, math calculation application, arts and crafts, music and drama extensions along with supplemental science experiments. This cross-curricular method helps reinforce concepts across subjects. Hands-on labs and makerspaces encourage problem solving too. Of course, traditional pen and paper tasks have a place as well, so aim for a mix of tactile assignments and digital experiences.

Schedule Time for Creativity

Nurture your child’s creativity alongside traditional book learning. Schedule regular time for music, drama, art and imaginative play.

Stock up on supplies like craft materials, musical instruments, dress-ups, puppets and blocks. Use how-to-draw books and online tutorials to practice new techniques. Put on performances for family members.

Unstructured creative time allows the brain to recharge and tap into original ideas. Observe what captivates your child during this time and find related reading material and projects.

Prioritize Social Interaction

One concern about homeschooling is potential isolation. While away from the traditional classroom, homeschooled kids need regular social interaction with peers.

Prioritize get-togethers, play dates and extracurricular activities. Join homeschool groups and enroll children in community sports teams, clubs and classes. Schedule one-on-one friend meetups too.

Volunteer or set up virtual meetups during sickness, holidays and quarantine periods. A sense of belonging and community is vital for social-emotional health.

Embrace Real-World Learning

The real world is the ultimate classroom! Get out into your community as much as possible:

• Visit libraries, museums and cultural institutions: Spark interests through exhibits, hands-on learning labs and educational programming. Many offer classes and camps too.
• Frequent educational destinations like botanical gardens, aquariums and zoos: Interactive elements bring concepts to life. Chat about observations and new discoveries.
• Interview family members: Discuss memories, traditions and skills passed down generationally. Record or journal details.
• Explore family heritage: Research your ancestry online or via genetic testing kits. Trace migration patterns on global maps. Recreate traditional recipes from native cuisines.
• Volunteer: Serving others teaches empathy, compassion and civic responsibility. Shelters and food banks often welcome families.
• Learn about local government: Tour city halls, attend community meetings and vote alongside parents. Debrief processes observed.

The world is your classroom! Embrace teachable moments wherever you go.

Join Homeschool Networks

Connect with fellow homeschool families for support, advice and social opportunities:

• Join homeschool groups on social media: Share resources, struggles and successes with those who understand first-hand. Local groups unite families in your region.
• Attend homeschool conferences and seminars: Expert speakers equip parents with teaching strategies and tools while kids enjoy classes and activities.
• Tour local homeschool co-ops: Cooperative learning networks allow families to share teaching responsibilities for group lessons and activities.
• Use online forums: Tap into a wealth of collective knowledge 24/7 by posting questions and browsing database discussions.

While homeschooling can feel isolating, a strong network reminds you that you are not alone on this journey.

Set Aside Time for Yourself

Pouring constant energy into teaching, lesson planning and parenting leaves little time to recharge. To avoid burnout, prioritize self-care.

Squeeze in some alone time each day, even if just 15 minutes. Take a bath, go for a walk, journal or meditate. Say no to nonessential obligations.

Schedule regular date nights or weekends away from the kids. Pursue hobbies that energize you. Carve out time to nurture personal relationships beyond your family.

Your children’s success hinges on your own health and wellbeing! A weekly family meeting helps manage expectations and responsibilities.

Prepare an Emergency Substitute Plan

Sickness and unexpected events occur, despite meticulous planning. Pull together emergency lessons the kids can complete independently in your absence.

Compile these items in a clearly labeled binder:

• Contact information for people authorized to help.
• Step-by-step schedule and directions.
• Week’s worth of core lesson plans and answer keys.
• Online learning login information.
• Library of educational games and books.

Assign an emergency to-do list including reading, writing, math, chores, physical activity, creative pursuits and life skills practice.

Let older kids assist younger siblings. Building this self-directed learning capacity takes practice! Update materials as kids master skills and progress.

Celebrate the Joys of Homeschooling

While requiring hard work, homeschooling offers unmatched freedom to:

• Pursue children’s unique interests.
• Travel and learn across the globe.
• Customize school hours around family needs.
• Strengthen relationships through increased time together.
• Witness each learning milestone and lightbulb moment.

Document your homeschool adventure with journals, photos and videos. Reflect on blessings, challenges and lessons learned.

Above all, appreciate each day with your kids. Their childhood passes so quickly! Savor this special season and impart wisdom to shape who they will become.

The homeschool journey stretches you, changes you and creates memories to last a lifetime. Embrace both the struggle and joy!