School is back in session and Alphapals has 5 important tips for homeschoolers

In the US today there are an estimated 2.5 million homeschoolers in grades K-12. Given the impact of coronavirus, and school closures that number has increased to at least 55.1 million. Knowing the flexibility and freedom homeschooling allows, it is extremely crucial to outline a healthy curriculum for our kids to stay on a consistent schedule from the comfort of their homes. You could be new to homeschooling or having difficulties maintaining a homeschool curriculum but it's never too late to make improvements, add more structure and uphold timelines and boundaries. Here are 5 tips we put together to help you and your child stay on track for the school year. 

Create a Designated Learning Space

• Separate a space that is just for learning to keep you (and your child) in “school mode” and to minimize distractions. This will allow their minds to adapt better knowing the dedicated room is meant for learning and teaching. 

• Add fun, back-to-school decor to get your child excited. This helps to keep them engaged and inspired and look forward to their sessions. 

• Incorporate educational toys like our Alphapals and interactive activities that align with your child’s stage of learning, there are so many ways to keep them stimulated, alert and active and it's important to lean into that. 

Let Your Child Lead

• Every child is unique and has their own way of learning and processing information. No way is the right or wrong way. Gently guide them in the right direction, but allow the freedom and space for them to grow organically. 

• It's important to pick up on their strengths and weaknesses. The earlier we can identify both, the earlier we can build upon that or seek extra help for any shortcomings. 

• Incorporating different learning styles such as seeing, and hearing, and activating this through educational games and hands-on learning toys will stimulate all their senses. This helps to create a well-rounded experience. Interactive learning, especially for small children, is critical in learning periods, teaching the basics of their ABCs, reading, writing, shapes, and colors are all important foundation elements they will need throughout their learning journey. Alphapals offers an interactive, sensory-friendly experience for ABC learning in several ways to make teaching fun and adaptable to different needs and ages. 

Start Slow and Build Up 

• Don’t overwhelm yourself, or your child, by trying to do “too much too soon”.  Start out with a few subjects and build up to a full homeschool schedule. 

• Consider starting with one subject to build up to a homeschool routine, and as that becomes more of a habit, add in more subjects. Gradual build-up makes it easier for children (and parents) to adjust to the routine.

• Give some variety in your teaching strategy, mix it up, and teach different subjects on different days. This will help to create more stimulation and increase their attention span. 

Take Breaks 

• Everyone gets frustrated or overwhelmed sometimes. Children need frequent breaks to decompress, find sensory input, or simply take a break from learning. The Alphapals bag is a great place to cuddle up and take a break.

• For children who may have learning difficulties consider integrating sensory toys,  learning toys, and teaching toys 

• Nature can often be the best reset. Incorporate mini breaks where both you and your child can go outside, take a walk together, or connect on a different activity or subject that they look forward to. The Alphapals backpack with mini letters is a great learning-on-the-go tool. 

Prioritize Your Relationship 

• When homeschooling a child, the biggest importance is to maintain the relationship between parent/child. It is key to keep the relationship and communication healthy and a top priority. 

• If homeschooling is not working for you or your child that day, then put it away and come back to it when it feels better. The advantage of homeschooling is working at this on your own schedule, so we feel it's important to take advantage of that as needed to fit your own individual lifestyle. 

• By making learning fun and adapting to your child's needs, wants, and goals, you may see a significant strengthening of your relationship. Your children will remember how much you loved them, not how long it took them to do a math paper.

In Conclusion:

• Create a dedicated learning environment to keep you and your child in “School Mode” 

• Let your child lead by giving them the freedom and space they need to digest everything they are learning 

• Start slow and build up when the timing and schedule feel right. 

• Take breaks when necessary or when you need a simple reset. 

• Prioritize your relationship with your child, reminding them how much you love them by keeping it fun but still productive. 

• Just like every Alphapals letter is unique, so is every child and the way that they learn, so rather your child is homeschooled or back to school Alphapals supports all ways of learning. 

Alphapals is a Malibu-based company and has supported smmusd.org/webster with their Jog-a-thon and their gifting booths to raise money for STEM.