Cool Tools for Homeschooling

Many parents make the choice every year to take a more active role in their child’s education by implementing a homeschool program. Of course, this is a decision that cannot be taken lightly. Parents who already homeschool their children know that it is a full time commitment. And, those who are just beginning are soon to find out the same. Homeschooling your child can be a rewarding experience for you and your child, if you prepare yourself with the right tools.

Each parent and child may prefer different tools and methods of instruction. That’s the beauty of the home school dynamic. It can be highly individualized to meet the student’s needs and fit their personality. Consider the following tool a jumping off point to build upon. You may find tools you like better or that you at least want to add to your bag of tricks.

Books:

This first category probably comes as no surprise. However, many people underestimate the importance of books in a homeschool program. You will want to start a small homeschool library with essential reference books (dictionary, thesaurus, nonfiction, and fiction books). In addition to these categories, you will need reading materials for history and civics curriculum, as well as math.

Keep in mind that part of your goal in choosing to homeschool your child is to personalize their education to meet their needs. Many children are very auditory, even older children will love appropriate picture books and funny poetry read aloud to them. Consider picture books to use around holidays that you celebrate and historical events.

Manipulatives:

Many of these supplies can be found at a local education store or by website order through a homeschool supplier. Consider important manipulatives for math like connecting cubes, calculators, rulers, and protractors. If you have a home school math curriculum that you want to purchase, check to se if it comes with manipulatives or at least has a list of suggested materials.

Internet:

While this may seem like an obvious tool for a homeschool setting. Some people think that it would be more of a distraction. The Internet is a power tool for anyone to use to access information and explore new things. The key with this homeschooling tool is to provide direction, supervision, and interaction while using it. Children can play online math games to reinforce concepts learned. They can even take virtual field trips to museums and aquariums all around the world.

As a parent, you can use the Internet to plan your homeschool lessons and activities. There are many helpful resources online like parent support forums and lesson plans. If you are just starting out, you might find the Internet to be your best friend, at least for a while.

Art Supplies:

This is really not a tool that should be considered an option. Many parents who homeschool feel that art projects and crafts are unnecessary. But, when used in conjunction with other lessons being taught, to extend a child’s learning, they are powerful. Use markers, construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, and even clay to enrich the homeschool experience.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning homeschool please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.