3 Tips to help with Homeschooling

At this point we are all trying to figure out how to help our kids with homeschooling and some of us are just not having luck. I'm a Kentucky State Licensed Cosmetology Instructor, so although its a different topic, I have experience teaching all variety of ages and learning styles. Besides that, in cosmetology we have to study everything from biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and many other scientific topics. So I've come up with 3 ways to help you homeschool your kid.

1. Have a plan, but give options.

Most teachers have a list of topics and assignments planned out for the day, which is great for letting us know what is expected. So most of this is planned out for you, but you don't have to do them in order. Give your kid the option to choose which assignment they want to do next. My oldest needs to do her hardest subject first otherwise the rest of the day is a disaster and she tries to put it off until last. So I tell her she has to do it first and then she can pick the next assignment after that. And every time she gets something right, its a huge celebration!

2. Find Your Kids Primary Learning Style

Finding your kids learning style is like having a GPS to how to help your kid understand their school work. There are 7 different learning styles and many people have a primary learning style. Most people can use a variety of learning styles, but has one that stands out the most. Remember just because you may learn one way, doesn't necessarily mean your kid learns the same way.

*Rhythmic Learning

Theses types of learners enjoy learning in

-patterns

-repetition

-song

-uses graphs and diagram

-Likes things to be in a particular order

*Logical Learning

These types of learners enjoy learning

-step by step directions, one direction at a time

-chronological order

-numbers, graphs and analytics

-checklists

-calanders

-organization

-Problem solving

-Comparing and contrasting

-Sequence of events

-categories

*Visual Learning

These types of learners enjoy

-design

-creating

-art

-pictures and video

-graphs

-flashcards

-how-to tutorials

-maps

-uses color coordination for notes or subjects

*Language Learning

These types of learners enjoy

-Reading

-Writing

-Auditory/ Listening

Typically these types of learners

- memorize names, dates and places easily

-has better than average skills in writing and speaking

*Bodily Kinesthetic

These types of learners enjoy

-movement

-hands on learning

-fidget spinners

-stress reliever balls

-pacing while using flash cards or going over notes

Many Bodily Kinesthetic learners are often misunderstood in traditional learning. This may be an opportunity to let them thrive while at home, allow them to get up and stretch in between lessons, have them do a yoga pose imitating something you just taught them. Many bodily kinesthetic learners are super smart and very independent, however many are not patient with the learning process and want to rush through and get the work done fast. A lot of times they need to know why they are learning something and how it is important to them. If they feel like they won't use it or it's not important to them, you've already lost them and they want the next subject, because they want to move at a very brisk pace. You might hear yourself say slow down or not so fast alot.

*Individual Learning

These types of learners are probably thriving right now, they enjoy

-Studying or reviewing a subject alone

-Quiet time

-Listening to their own intuition

-Listening to their emotion over a subject

-Reflection time

Many individual learners will hear a lesson or a subject and not grasp the entire concept until they have had a chance to be alone to process it.

*Group Learners

These types of learners may be having a rough time right now, they enjoy

-various points of views on the same subject

-collaborating with others

-Group study

These types of learners thrive on apps like Zoom, Google meet and Marco Polo to discuss concepts and learning styles.

3. Establish Learning Goals

Understanding where your child is with a subject will help you to figure out the best way to help them master it. Right now is the time your child can learn at their own pace. It's a great way to establish learning goals daily and figure out how to teach or help them along. Be sure to communicate with the teacher if you are having challenges determining where your child is with the subject.

1. Learning a new concept

- This is the time to start with opening concepts, nothing major, just the basics

-Try not to overwhelm

-Explain using terminology they comprehend

-This may take a couple of times with this skillset

2. They begin to understand the concept

-This is the time to expand on opening concepts

- Continue to review opening concepts

-Begin asking review questions

- This skillset varies depending on the learner, some grasp the concept easily, others may take their time, but the key is not to rush or overwhelm

3. They can use the concept

-They have a good grasp of the concept, but may still ask questions

-Can explain back in their own words

-Ability to expand on the concept easily

4. They understand

-Practice and review on their own

-They don't really have any additional questions

-They can play review games easily

-No problem talking with peers about the concept