Through the peak of the pandemic, most of us mamas had a little taste of what it’s like being our childrens’ primary educator. If you’re now considering (or are already currently) homeschooling, read on for some tips and ideas on creating a home learning environment to bring out the best in your child!
1. Child directed learning
The easiest way to make teaching stress free? Make sure your child is interested and wants to learn. We all know there is nothing harder than to force a sullen, uncooperative child to finish their ‘homework’.
Child initiated activities have been advocated by many educational philosophies including the Reggio Emilia approach. When children are engaged, deeper and more meaningful learning takes place. Take cues from your child’s questions throughout the day. It often comes at the most unexpected times.
Just last week, I found a snail whilst washing the veggies. “Where do snails live, mummy?” was my daughter’s first question after being shown the discovery. We proceeded to build a home for our new pet, now called Tommy. This event led to many extended lessons about habitats, plants and insects!
2. Learning schedule and space
 Creating a learning time frame with an allocated space allows for structure and predictability- both crucial in helping to manage a child’s daily learning expectations. Homeschooling will allow you the flexibility to curate the best combination for your child. Some children may prefer more breaks in between learning. Some may prefer a cozy corner over a large spacious room. Work out what works best for you and your child.
Of course, practical learning often takes place throughout the day, at unplanned times and at different parts of the house. Units of measure can be explored while cooking and gardening becomes a time to learn about plants. Reinforce and expand on these concepts during your scheduled learning sessions.
3. Daily chores
Don’t forget to involve your children in the daily chores. The popular Montessori method encourages practical life skills even from a young age.
Helping around the house builds a host of positive traits- responsibility, helpfulness and cooperation. Yes, we even recommend getting your barely talking toddler to help you scoop that extra spoonful of rice into the bowl. Even if it means extra clean up or twice the normal amount of time it will take to complete the chore. Of course, choose the ‘messiness’ of the ‘help’ based on your mental capacity at that time!
Many concepts can also be incorporated within daily chores. Categorisation while putting away the groceries. Literacy when reading recipes. Recycling while throwing out the trash. The list is endless.
4. Social skills
We are all social creatures (remember how difficult social distancing was?). Despite the common stereotype, homeschooling definitely does not mean your child will end up with a lack of social skills! Make a conscious effort in curating a homeschooling curriculum that includes social activities so your child will have opportunities to interact with other children (and adults). A good idea would be to have one or two consistent playgroups a week, so that they will be able to develop their social skills and build relationships with other children that they routinely see.
5. Let the kids get bored
 We all want the best for our kids, often spending hours ferrying our kids from one activity to another. It’s exhausting for us, but we do it for their future. Idle time is wasted time. We feel pressured to constantly find ways to occupy our children- to make sure they don’t fall behind in their development.
Good news, parents! You can take a breather. Research has shown there are in fact many benefits of boredom. According to psychologists, boredom and unstructured time unleashes creativity and allows for children to discover their true interests. Watch as your kids find innovative ways to self-entertain. Don’t feel the need to shop excessively online for educational toys (let’s save that for your own indulgences). Blankets in the house can be turned into a fortress, a row of chairs into a train.
Take moments to slow down our pace of life, to enjoy the little moments at home, to relax… and to let the kids get bored.
6. Take it easy
Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. We repeat- Take it easy. As mothers, we often have enough on our plates, juggling the many roles thrown at us. Did your kid miss a scheduled activity due to an unexpected tantrum fit? It’s okay. There’s always a tomorrow. Engage the help of technology when needed. When used with intention, screen time can be a wonderful aid in learning and development.
And enjoy the process mamas! The best part about homeschooling is that you will be able to curate a program and structure based on your preferred approaches, taking into consideration your family’s values and your child’s unique needs and preferences. It does take trial and error to find something that works- which is all part of the fun!
Wishing all our homeschooling mamas of #makchicmumsquad a successful (and enjoyable) homeschooling journey!
By Elaine Yeoh
Elaine is a mummy of two who moved from the financial world to become an early childhood educator. She loves travelling, books and her cup of tea to unwind after a long day of diapers, school runs and pretend play.
