Every parent is a home educator. As a long-time home schooler, now
with a teen, I’ve learned a lot about learning, my child and myself.
Here are some tips to help any family teach kids while at home.
Minimise memorisation: It’s more important to know how to find an
answer than to know one. With facts and trivia at our fingertips, kids
should learn how to search the Internet, use an index and pick up a
phone and ask.
Encourage mistakes: Always double-check class work. Encourage your
child to try new things and do his best, not be perfect.
Let them talk: Important life skill is the ability to engage people of
all ages in conversation. Let your child give the waitress his order,
ask the librarian for help, and develop a firm, traditional handshake.
Help with Homework: Checking homework isn’t enough. Occasionally sit
with your student to watch how he organizes essays, calculates math,
or reads literature. Discuss what he’s learning and how he gets
answers.
Learn local: Visiting local venues gives kids a greater sense of their
place in the world. History happens everywhere. Share your childhood
favourites or explore somewhere new together.
Think long-term: One failed test or bad grade is not going to make or
break your child’s academic career. Share your failures. Maintain
perspective. It’s better to encourage lifelong learning than force a
semester’s GPA.
Watch them play: Not just organised sporting events, but also when
your kid is hanging out with friends. Does he laugh and smile? Does he
appear comfortable in his own skin? You may see yourself in him, but
let your child be himself.
