In the homeschool classroom you want to teach your students all that they would ever need to know to do well in life. In the zeal to teach them everything you know, sometimes you forget that they need time to work things out on their own. In order to foster creative skills and self learning in homeschool students you should help them develop their own interests.
Have a Creative Time Slot
Yes, you want them to gainfully occupied with learning at all times, but creativity does not work that way. Give them a creative time slot in which they can do, or not do, anything they want. Let them read books that inspire them, or just sit out in the garden till creativity strikes. Just tell them to come up with a project that allows them to be creative in some manner.
Provide the Materials They Could Use
When the creative idea strikes, ask them to write down all the materials that they think they will require to complete the project. This will get them in the habit of logical thinking as well as list building. A good set of skills to reinforce creativity. Once you have the list, suggest changes that you may have and then set off for the shop. Creativity should not stop for lack of materials.
Plan the Project in Phases
Depending on the complexity of the creative project undertaken by your homeschool student, have him divide it up into different phases. Each phase can take from a single day to a week based on what needs to be done. This is sort of a route map that they can measure their activity against. It will also give them a rough idea about just how long a certain project will take to be completed.
Be Supportive but not Intrusive
A new project undertaking can be an existing time for the homeschooling family. Be sure to let your child know that you are there to support him in the project, at the same time reign in your own enthusiasm. Remember it is not your project, so allow your child to learn from his own mistakes and experiences.
