Many parents choose to homeschool because they crave a more flexible, customized education for their children. Homeschool situations allow you to set a school day that both challenges and educates your children, while remaining flexible to their learning styles. Start lessons in the late morning if your child isn't a morning person. Include a long break in the afternoon if you notice him drifting off in attention. Embrace this flexibility as a way for your child to learn the most, in the most efficient manner. Beware, however, of granting too much leeway. You cannot put off lessons repeatedly simply because your child has trouble paying attention. Turn the homeschool schedule into a lesson for your child. Ask him to contribute ideas about how to structure the day or week. This doubles as a lesson in prioritizing and organization skills.
Homeschooling does not mean your child is doomed to learn alone. A quick search likely will reveal several homeschooling resources in your area. Tap into a local network for benefits such as comparing curricula, getting ideas for projects and special trips, such as an educational excursion to a museum, that the children can participate in together. The best networks will provide support for both you and your child, as well as socialization opportunities.
While homeschooling allows you to design your own lesson plans, there are many available resources that provide prepared lesson plans or detailed outlines. This approach may be better for homeschool parents who have little educational background, or for parents just beginning the homeschool process. Using prepared lesson plans helps ensure that your children meet grade-level expectations but still allows you to customize the lessons to your child's interests and abilities. There are a number of books that provide lesson plans, including model tests and quizzes and project ideas. You can also purchase software programs with prepared lesson plans. Or, seek guidance from your local school district about grade-level appropriate lesson plans. As you gain more experience in homeschooling, you can tailor these plans to your child, if desired.
Homeschooling's flexible schedule leaves ample opportunity for educational excursions. Look beyond the obvious, such as museums. For example, if you're studying the Civil Rights movement or World War II, seek out a local person who participated. Ask if your child can visit with him, and then have your child write a report on the experience. Inquire at local laboratories if you and your child can visit to supplement science lessons. Attend plays or concerts for lessons on the arts. Also add in other experiences, such as community service, that may not be directly related to lessons but will give your child a well-rounded experience.