Having a predictable homeschool routine might seem unappealing and boring, but it is considered to be one of the most effective characteristics of homeschooling.
Parents are very conscious of their jobs as the primary teachers to their little ones. However, once their children step into their respective schools, the role is relinquished. One must keep in mind that whatever children do at home encourages and inspires their success in school. Whether it’s adhering to bedtime, or eating a healthy meal, or getting along with siblings, and finding things where they left it, children accumulate these experiences and apply it to the school table. But how would parents know if their children are ready to face the homeschool world?
Children Versus Chaos
Children are not very good when dealing with chaos; however, they are also not good at following rigid structures where personal quirks and preferences are not allowed. The challenge of having children homeschooled is creating an environment inside the home where everyone will benefit from. Furthermore, it is a complicated task to impose one routine to all of your children because it can be counterproductive to expect success from someone who is not compatible with the given method.
On the other hand, the majority of parents who homeschool their children realized that creating a predictable, regular framework benefits all members of the family. Children, like adults, feel more organized and productive when there is predictability. Aside from that, settling routines and rules disqualifies the urgent arguments and decisions that usually exhaust both parents and children.
Conditioning Before School Days
Gearing up for the next school days before children go to bed provides them and their parents an established, reassuring feeling that there’s no need to be anxious for tomorrow because everything is panned out. Knowing both parents and kids have arranged and handled the task for tomorrow results in a pleasant, worry-free morning.
How can parents do this?
- The kids can review if all their assignments are done and put all their school materials in their bags, choose their clothes, and double-check their lunches in the fridge.
- Both parent and child should go through the calendar to contemplate on upcoming activities, appointments, assignments, lessons, sports practices, field trips, and other outdoor plans so they can assemble or take down notes on other preparations before the actual events. Post any upcoming activities on the fridge as a reminder of the who, what, how, where, and when of a specific schedule.
- Instead of continually yelling to perk up your kids, give them an alarm clock so they can get used to the annoying sound of it and be more responsible in waking themselves up.
- Always set aside extra time to prevent cramming and being in a hurry all the time.
Create Schedules As a Family
Always consider asking your children’s thoughts and opinions on specific ideas before making a decision. Schedules made with everybody’s consent are tough not to follow. This is an excellent way to establish your children’s particular habits before doing homework or learning a new subject. Ask your children to determine their learning tasks for the day so that they can decide if there’s still ample time to do other activities or just focus on their unfinished responsibilities.
Honing your children to observe predictable routines will make them more productive and efficient in handling and facing tasks once they turn to adults. So, as early as now, teach your children the value of being prepared not only to be better at school but also with life.