3 Ways to Design a Home School to Inspire Learning

If it looks like a duck then it likely belongs in a home school, emulating design and fun atmosphere of traditional classrooms.  Rather, some parents disagree; their home schools deviating from the structure of traditional schools.  Such decisions are under their control; however, a number of implements serve as staples, necessary for the facilitation of learning.

Before you conduct your first lesson, devote time in studying opportunity for constructing a productive learning environment.  While no two home schools are exactly alike, a number of resources share presence in traditional and home schools.

Whiteboard

Tell a student a parcel of knowledge, and they’re more likely to retain the information if it’s graphically represented as well, such as on a whiteboard.  Additionally, in classroom boards invite students to write themselves, exhibiting learned insights to peers and teachers.  Some rest assured in deviating from traditional structure, but many teachers agree, some sort of shared experience is helpful.  Whiteboards help propel discussions, giving students more information in order to grasp insight.

Whiteboards are not as messy as traditional chalkboards, infesting rooms with dust and necessitating regular cleaning of erasers and boards.  Whiteboards host a number of colored markers and wipe away easily without leaving a stain or harmful residue.  Simple and space-efficient, place a board in front of a number of classroom tables, and you have an immediate learning environment.

Books/Devices

Traditionally, children learned from a variety of books on a range of subject matter.  Today, an iPad can behold hundreds of books along with Internet access, inviting worlds of information.

Whether a home school decides on books or smart devices, the most intelligent choices introduce constant stimulation and opportunity for guided and independent learning.  For home schools on a budget, or teachers accommodating children too young to leverage iPads, consult local libraries about rotating books to and from the home school as well as suggested curriculum aligned with particular subjects.

Recess Area and Resources

The most honest of schoolchildren admit recess is among their most beloved periods.  Breaks in study are needed and suggested- even grownups look forward to the weekend; the awareness of recess and play things remind students their day is not filled with ‘work’ entirely, helping them concentrate on lessons at hand.  Whether choosing a few tricycles, or building an elaborate outdoor gym, stock a particular area with toys and equipment for recess.

Alternatively, take the child or children to a nearby park and large fields rather than hosting recess at the home school.  Like traditional schooling, keep a routine, providing time for recess; as mentioned, give the children something concrete to look forward to amid episodes of learning.

Learning is a process; it’s not magically granted due to one element, yet experienced teachers and learners agree- a combination of elements and attitudes prepare students for learning also making teachers effective purveyors.

Invest in a whiteboard, giving students additional cues to subject matter, inviting opportunity to write and exhibit mastery.  Ensure a continuous influx of new material is presented, stimulating multiple interests, covering a variety of topics.  Lastly, ease student learning anxiety and award achievement with regularly granted recess time.

Joanne Lawrence is a school counselor. She loves to share her best tips with homeschooling parents on education blogs.