Learning is a continuous process which takes place even without formal instruction for most children. While teaching children at home, parents do not remember that daily routine activities can be just as instructional as formal lesson plans that they follow in the homeschool classroom.
Those new to homeschooling have very rigid ideas about how they want the children to learn the curriculum they have picked up for their grade. However over time the homeschooling parent will understand that being relaxed and flexible can be just as effective while teaching young children.
Fixed time for formal study and worksheets
As there are fixed targets that you would like your child to achieve in the school year, and some of these may be defined by the state you live in, you will want your children to spend some fixed amount of time per day on formal learning. This will involve instructions about new topics with worksheets to consolidate what they have picked up. You can formally analyze this learning in an end of week report per subject that you have taught that week.
Some time for unstructured learning
All work and no play makes your children not just dull but highly irritable. So in each day’s schedule you must ensure some fun. And guess what these activities can be educational as well. Start with tasks that make them more independent, such as tying their own shoe laces, and then move on to tasks which help them contribute to the upkeep of the house, such as watering the plants or feeding the pet. These little chores that they learn will help to boost their self confidence while giving you a little help at home.
Some time for fun and games too
Work and learning can become boring, so give them some time to do what they want to do for an hour or so. This small chunk of time is for them to spend as they want. So if they want to play outside, paint a picture, read a story book, or watch some television, they can do it all in this time. The daily routine should be fixed so that each activity gets its own slot and there is a predictability in the routine which will comfort the child.
