A Home Away from Classroom
Do your children struggle with focusing on tasks that you know they are capable of? Maybe you’ve said “what is going on?? Last week Christy did the whole math sheet in 6 minutes and today doing one problem is like pulling teeth!” if not, you are probably a magician, keep it up! But if so, then we have a second question: is your house beginning to look like a classroom? After 20 years of interacting with homeschool families, our experience says it might be part of the problem.
As parents, we want to provide our children with the best education possible. And for many of us, that means homeschooling. Homeschooling is not just about setting up a classroom at home, we’ve learned it’s about creating an environment, one that fosters a love of learning and supports their individual growth. One advantage we have in homeschooling is the flexibility to offer education on our own terms, undefined traditional school system norms. This means we can create a perfect learning environment tailored to our family’s unique needs and preferences.
We’ll set the disclaimer here: for some of us, a classroomy style is the best for our families, don’t hear us say that it can’t be, although it often isn’t.
So! Might I suggest a replacement for the traditional classroom? At the Owens’ household we’ve focused on creating an environment that is comfortable, encouraging, and peaceful in order to promote focus. Here are a few things to consider when designing your homeschool learning space:
Flexibility is Key
Think first about how your child learns best. Do they work better at the couch, the table, or even outside? Each child is different, and it’s important to find the right balance between structure and flexibility. Experiment with different setups and observe how your child responds. You might be surprised to find that they concentrate better in a corner with a bean bag chair or that they thrive with the option to switch between a standing desk and a traditional desk. Make sure to verify that they are actually on task and learning ; ) Play around with different possibilities and consider letting them have a say in creating their learning space. For us, the silver bullet has been starting with the flexibility to experiment, and when you know what things work (even if they seem a little weird) make them a part of your structure.
Nourish Their Bodies and Minds
Creating an optimal learning environment goes beyond the physical setup. It’s also about considering the overall well-being of your child. Pay attention to their nutritional needs and how it impacts their focus and energy levels. Does your child need more protein in their breakfast to start the day off right? This exactly described our oldest son, while one of our daughters works better with small, frequent snacks throughout the day. Investigate what fuels their mind and body and make adjustments accordingly.
Embrace the Rhythm of the Day
Take note of your child’s energy levels and cognitive abilities throughout the day. Are they more alert and focused in the morning or does their attention peak in the afternoon? By understanding their natural rhythm, you can schedule their most challenging subjects or activities during their peak times. Maybe math is tackled best in the mid-morning but reading is easier during the quiet of naptime. Adjust your homeschooling schedule to align with their natural rhythm (for a fascinating science rabbit hole, check out ultradian rhythms) and watch their learning soar.
Share and Learn from Each Other
Homeschooling is not a solitary journey. It’s a community effort. As you experiment and discover what works best for your child, don’t forget to share your experiences with fellow homeschooling parents, and feel free to ask them about theirs! Homeschooling is way easier in a village than on an island.
Friends, let’s remember that learning is not confined to blue plastic chairs in a classroom, it encompasses the entire home and beyond. Continue to learn from each other and share insights and experiences to uplift and encourage one another.
Thank you for letting us be part of your child’s education,
Mike and Linda
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