(Guest post by David Serwitz)
Many people assume that all home-schooling families fit into a particular model: Dad goes to work and mom stays home to teach the kids. For many families, that is the way home schooling works.
However, there are quite a few home-schooling families who do things a little differently. In these families, dad teaches the kids. Sometimes, both parents work full or part time and share teaching duties. Sometimes, mom goes to work every day leaving the bulk of the teaching to dad.
These families are bucking traditional patterns. Not only are they deciding to not send their kids to public school, but they are also turning traditional home-schooling models upside down. However, despite the uniqueness of the arrangement, this can work marvelously for many families.
If you are a dad who is considering home-schooling your kids, you may want to keep these tips in mind:
1. Create a Daily Routine.
Of course, there is plenty of space for all kinds of fun when home schooling, but you must create a routine to tackle daily lessons and chores with your kids. While interesting, engaging, unconventional methods of learning can work well, sometimes your kids will have difficult or boring schoolwork. Creating a routine for lessons, housework and free time will help your kids know what to expect. While each day will probably feature some challenging lessons, they will be more engaged when they know that something fun will follow.
2. Emphasize the Importance of Education.
Lead by example and demonstrate to your children the importance of a good education. Take this job seriously. It may be difficult to juggle part-time work or a home-based business and home schooling, but if you are going to home-school you will have to figure out strategies to make it work. Invest in quality materials that make education engaging and interesting. Have an organized plan before teaching each fall. You may not need to write detailed lesson plans for each day’s work, but you do need to have educational goals in mind for each of your children.
3. Create a Study Space.
Home schooling is much easier if your family creates a dedicated home-schooling space. Of course, many families simply use the kitchen table for home schooling. However, each day’s books, papers and projects must be cleared away every time a meal is served. Additionally, some kids may be more distracted if the house has an open floor plan because every time someone in the home is doing something, they can see and hear what is happening.
To enhance your kids’ learning experience, a dedicated home-schooling space should feature plenty of bookshelves and cupboards for storage. Additionally, many families prefer a large dining table where lessons can be spread out rather than each child having an individual desk. Think about how your family likes to work and customize your learning space to your kids’ personalities. Whatever style of learning you prefer, every home-school space should feature proper lighting, comfortable seating and good ventilation.
4. Reach Out to Others.
Just because you’re a home-schooling dad, there is no reason for you to feel isolated. Consider reaching out to other home-schooling groups. You can find them by simple Web searches or by checking bulletin boards at the library. Another way to meet home-schooling dads is to volunteer to teach a class at a local home-schooling co-op or enrichment program. Even if you can’t find other dads to get together with, your kids need to find friends — so do make the effort to meet like-minded families in the community and participate in home-school activities.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Remember, it’s OK to take time each week to do something that you enjoy. Tell your wife if you need to escape to the garage for a half hour or want to go fishing with a buddy on the weekend. While you may be at home each day, sometimes the demands of trying to teach your kids, keep an eye on a toddler and manage day-to-day household responsibilities become draining. You’ll be a better dad and teacher if you recognize your need for renewal.
6. Communicate.
The most important thing you need to do when teaching at home is to communicate with your wife. Talk about everything, especially in the early days when your family is trying to establish a new routine. Ask your wife what her expectations are, and tell her what you hope to accomplish. Try to find a middle ground and warn each other if a difficult day made meeting the daily goal impossible — be flexible and ready to compromise. Also, be willing to try something new if tasks aren’t working well.
Home-schooling dads are blazing new trails in the world of education. This calling will challenge you, enthrall you and ultimately bring you closer to your children.
* * *
David Serwitz is the Founder & CEO of Grade Potential Dallas/Ft Worth In-home Tutoring Services, the National Leader for In-Home Tutoring. Grade Potential was established in 2002 and has worked with thousands of families across the country to help them achieve their academic goals.
photo credit: Hard at Work via photopin (license)
The post 6 Essential Tips for Home School Dads appeared first on DADDYLIBRIUM.