Homeschool homework helps children to keep on track, teaches them how to work independently, and allows the homeschool parent to check in on their progress. However, there are some dos and don’ts that all homeschooling parents should follow when it comes to the homework assignment. Here are some of the most important ones.
Do
Assign Homeschool Homework That Is Realistic
One of the biggest homeschool homework mistakes is assigning too much work. This can quickly lead to frustration and burnout, so it’s important to be realistic about what your child can reasonably accomplish in a day. A good rule of thumb is to give no more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level. So, if your child is in third grade, they should have no more than 30 minutes of homework each night.
Check-in Regularly
Another common mistake is not checking in with your child regularly to see how they’re doing with their assignments. If you wait until the end of the week or month to check-in, it will be difficult to make any necessary adjustments. Make a point to check in at least once a week to see how your child is doing and if they need any help.
Be Flexible
Homeschooling can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible with homeschool homework assignments. If your child has a particularly busy day or week, don’t hesitate to adjust their homework accordingly. They can always make up the work later when things slow down.
Keep the Focus on Learning
Finally, it’s important to keep the focus on learning when homeschooling. Homework should never be used as a punishment or something to dread. Instead, view it as an opportunity for your child to learn and grow. If they approach it positively, they’ll be more likely to retain the information and enjoy the process.
Don’t
Give Busy Work
One of the worst things you can do when homeschooling is giving your child busy work just to fill time. This type of homework does nothing to help them learn and will only serve to frustrate them. Make sure every assignment has a purpose and is relevant to what they’re currently studying.
Overburden Them
Another homeschooling no-no is overburdening your child with a homework overload. In addition to causing frustration, this can make them feel overwhelmed and stressed. If you notice your child struggling to keep up with their assignments, lighten the load a bit until they can catch up.
Forget about feedback
Giving feedback is an important part of the homeschooling process, but it’s often overlooked when it comes to homework. Make sure to take the time to review your child’s work and offer constructive criticism. This will help them learn and improve for next time.
Micro-manage
Finally, avoid micro-managing your child’s homework. It’s important to give them autonomy and trust that they’ll do their best. If you hover over them while they work, it will only frustrate them and make the process more difficult.
Creative Homeschool Homework Ideas
Since homeschooling allows for more flexibility and customization than traditional schooling, coming up with creative homeschool homework ideas can be a fun challenge. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Portfolios
Let your child create a portfolio of their work throughout the year. This can include artwork, essays, reports, and other projects they have completed.
Journals
Have your child keep a journal of their learning experiences. This could include notes on what they learned that day, reflections on their homeschooling journey, or favorite books and activities from the year.
Extracurricular Activities
Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. This could be anything from music lessons to sports teams to volunteering at a local animal shelter. Not only will this help them learn new skills, but it will also provide them with opportunities to socialize with other kids their age.
Homeschool Learning Center
Setting up the right homeschool environment is important to separate school from home. Set up a homeschool learning center in your home. This could include a desk for your child to do their work at, shelves stocked with books and educational materials, and even a small area for arts and crafts projects.
Online Programs
Take advantage of online resources. Now countless websites and apps offer free educational content for homeschoolers of all ages. Some of our favorites include Khan Academy, PBS Kids, and National Geographic Kids.
Field Trip
Plan an educational field trip. This is a great way to get your child out of the house and explore the world around them. Visit a local museum, take a hike through a nature preserve, or even just go on a walking tour of your neighborhood.
Educational Games
Get creative with your homeschool lessons. Instead of doing traditional “workbook” style homework, mix things up with hands-on activities, interactive games, and real-world applications.
Swap Roles
Encourage your child to teach you something they’ve learned. This could be anything from Recycling 101 to how to play their favorite video game. Not only will this help them solidify their understanding of the concept, but it will also give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Homeschool Scrapbooks
Creating a homeschool scrapbook can be a great way for them to document their homeschooling journey, and it will also make a wonderful keepsake for years to come.
Make it Fun
Last but not least, have fun! Learning should be enjoyable, so keep things light and fun for you and your child. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or your child, and don’t hesitate to take breaks when needed. Remember, homeschooling is about finding what works best for you and your family!
