In this article, we will give you some ideas on how to make homeschooling fun and interactive. Many homeschool parents worry about how to keep their children’s motivation for learning. Homeschool kids do not have the excitement of being around other students or being in a new environment. We listed some ideas that every homeschool teacher and parent can do to make homeschooling fun and interactive.
6 Simple Ways to Make Homeschooling Fun and Interactive
1. Choose a Specific Place in the House for School and Decor
Nothing can set the tone for a fun experience more than the environment in which you’re in. Involve your children to take pride in building this space exactly how it fits them and their learning needs. In addition to helping your kids into the mindset of going to school, creating and decorating a specific area for homeschooling can also make them excited to learn in a space they created themselves. It does not have to cost much to set up a homeschool corner in your house.
Depending on the child’s age, you may find fun and colorful posters with letters, numbers, shapes, and more. If your children are older, may you opt for posters that fit the age group a little more? This could be periodic tables or multiplication charts, for example. Be sure to include fun materials and supplies that your children can use to be more creative while learning, which is another way to make learning fun.
2. Incorporate Technology and Watching Videos
Almost all kids know how to use some form of technology. Even if they aren’t clear on how to use it, at the very least, they have an idea. Presenting information in a different format can help engage a child and keep up the motivation to learn. With the abundance of resources online now, you can video any variety of videos, games, apps, and even programming kits.
ABCmouse even provides curriculums for your child to follow. Some of these resources may require subscriptions, while others are offered for free, so it’s best to go ahead and do your research to find out what works best for your family and the needs of your child.
Videos are a great way because people find everything easier when it’s in the form of a story. You’ll soon notice the benefits of storytelling for language learning as it provides a combination of visual media, body language, and speech patterns. So do not hesitate to use this resource.
3. Get Creative: Hands-on Arts & Crafts
For some children, visual learning can be what keeps them engaged and interested. Get an easel and some paint, and let your kids be creative. If your child does not know what to paint, you can find some great painting ideas for kids online.
It is a great idea to incorporate some crafts, including painting, coloring, and drawing. Some homeschool students can even do more complicated art projects that require gluing things together.
Other students like activities that pull out the child’s creative side, such as making shapes using polymer clay or creating their little terrarium. There is an endless amount of ways to get creative with your child while they are learning.
Those who do not like to paint can do other interactive activities such as puzzles, creating collages, sewing, knitting, and scrapbooking.
4. Go on Field Trips
Homeschool field trips are the perfect way to learn and to have fun outside the house. Because this idea comes with so many variations of places you can go to, it is essential to research the area where you live and find some kid-friendly activities. Some great places you can go on the field to are libraries, parks, hiking trails, aquariums, zoos, museums, even just around your local neighborhood for cleaning or planting.
The options are endless, and you can tailor your field trips to align with whatever your children are currently studying. If you can not go outside or do not have the time for a full-day field trip, plan a virtual field trip.
5. Rhythm and Music
Music is a great way to get the kid’s attention. It can help stimulate their brain as they wake up and prepare to learn. Music can also be calming and comforting for children, which can help them have less resistance to staying focused for the remainder of the day. It can also help calm a child when they are possibly feeling overwhelmed, which we know children are prone to do, mostly when they can’t figure out how to do something themselves.
In addition to being helpful in various emotional and mental ways, music can also be an excellent learning tool. Sometimes remembering a ton of new information can be difficult. Still, sometimes, when that information is presented as a song, it is easier for the child to recall what was singing, and they can remember things more effectively.
6. Play STEM Games
Adding STEM to your homeschool curricula is a good way to bring educational games to the routine. Your kids will develop different skills playing STEM games such as problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, working as a team, communicating or cooperating with others, and resolving conflict.
STEM toys can be the perfect way to keep your child at full attention, at least for a certain period.
Playing a game can be one of the most fun ways to learn something new, and of course, for the child, they will be so busy having fun that they probably won’t even realize they’re learning at the same time.
STEM subscription boxes are a great way to never run out of ideas. These are excellent skills that they will need and otherwise, might not learn while homeschooling due to not having other students interact with them. Playing games can be one way to remedy that situation.
Conclusion
There are some do’s and don’t that for homeschoolers, especially on the first day of homeschool. But by following some of the ideas above and planning a year-round homeschool schedule with activities, trips, and school, you can create an interactive and fun environment all year round.
While every idea might not be best for you and your child, you must find the perfect routine and activities that will help your child focus and learn to their best ability. Although it seems overwhelming to think of how to keep your homeschool routine fun and interactive, eventually, you’ll have your go-to activities, and you won’t even have to think about it.
