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Creative Learning Methods For Homeschoolers
Homeschooling during the pandemic has challenged educators, parents, and kids alike. Thousands of families everywhere have found the screens-only format of remote learning to be a difficult learning style, meaning children are falling behind.
That’s why breaking up the monotony while still offering kids the opportunity to learn is so important. Homeschool SuperCenter can be a great resource for finding new, creative, and low-cost ways for your kids to learn, so make it your first stop. Also, consider the following:
Redefining Learning
The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to reevaluate the parameters of what constitutes learning and education. While educators have been striving to re-create the classroom environment in an online venue as best as possible, parents are learning that other activities can be educational and beneficial for their kids, as well—all without breaking the bank. While different age groups have educational requirements unique to their school systems, parents can supplement their kid’s education with other meaningful—often low-cost—approaches.
One learning opportunity many kids don’t get until they are adults is about how to deal with stress. Kids also experience stress, and methods of effectively addressing stress, like exercise and meditation, work well for both children and adults alike. So take some time for physical education and learn how to destress together.
Learning Made Fun
Education isn’t just about books and assignments. Hands-on experiments and learning opportunities can work different parts of the brain and help kids gain new skills in ways that might not always be possible in a traditional classroom environment. For example, cost-effective and easy-to-create scientific experiments can be both entertaining, as well as educational—and often ties back into the curriculum your child is already following in school. You may also have materials in your pantry already (baking soda volcano, anyone?).
Education Through Reading
Traditional primary educational curriculums don’t always provide a significant amount of time for pleasure reading. Learning to appreciate the joy of immersing yourself in an engaging story can not only be an enjoyable pursuit but can help kids expand their vocabularies and introduce them to subjects they might not otherwise be exposed to.
Look for reading material that corresponds with your kid’s personal interests—even those inspired by their favorite online videos and streaming programs. Consider a family book club that allows you all to access the same material and talk about it at a later date. Many e-books can be downloaded for free. And if your child prefers to read alone, set them up with audible books and comfortable earphones. Of course, your local library is also a completely no-cost option.
Smart Tech Use
According to Common Sense Media, sometimes screen time gets a bad rap. However, there are numerous applications and programs that feature opportunities to “learn in disguise” in the form of educational games. Look for interactive, engaging, free applications that will be fun for kids while also fostering critical thinking skills.
Brain teasers, trivia games, analytical and problem-solving apps can all work different parts of the brain and help kids of all ages develop new skill sets. Your free PBS channel often focuses on exploring various regions of the world and learning about other cultures, which can engage kids on a different level, as well as expand their horizons. Family viewing and discussion can also encourage bonding — another no-cost option!
Family Fun
Even simple, inexpensive arts and crafts projects can bring the whole family together in creative pursuits that stimulate creativity and learning. For example, putting together a puzzle, building a diorama, or making cups and vases from oven-dry clay are ways to learn through doing. Involve your kids in the process, and let them choose the activity.
According to Ready, Set, Eat, preparing meals together is another way to encourage learning. Turn it into an educational activity by starting a family garden. If you don’t have a flat surface, a simple land grading job can clear a spot. Everything from planning a grocery list and budget to creating well-balanced meal plans, following a recipe, and growing and measuring ingredients provide teachable moments, and can potentially help kids understand how to save money with informed food choices.
While homeschooling has created a number of challenges, it has also provided an exceptional opportunity for educators, parents, and kids to work together and redefine what it means to learn. Take this time to create no- and low-cost opportunities for your kids to explore different interests, try their hand at various projects that involve the entire family, and create a brand new learning paradigm! Even a nature walk to identify plants, trees and birds can be a fun, free outing.
This article is brought to you by Homeschool SuperCenter, your one-stop curriculum shop for your homeschooling needs. For more information, contact us today!