Beyond the run-of-the-mill school curriculum, homeschoolers have the opportunity to create a unique educational experience for their child that not only fits, but helps them excel.
After years of debate, we have learned that every child is unique and has their own way to acquire and retain information. While some children understand better if they see pictures or diagrams, others learn more quickly if they hear about it. If, as a parent, you know what learning style suits your child best, you will be able to help them grow academically with a self-paced homeschool curriculum.
In this article, we will explore how to identify your child’s learning style, ways to customize your curriculum, tips for adjusting the school day, and ideas on how to work with your child’s natural energy patterns
Understanding Different Learning Styles
There are several different ways your child can learn and recognizing how your child learns best is the first step toward a more effective homeschool experience. Here are the three main types of learning styles:
Auditory Learners
These children learn best when they listen. They remember information when it is explained out loud and enjoy discussions.
What Works Well:
You can look for audio lessons, storytelling, group discussions, and using music or sound effects to teach lessons for more listening simulations.
Unique homeschool ideas for Parents:
- Read lessons aloud and encourage your child to explain the material in their own words.
- Use recordings of educational content or even songs related to the topic.
- Allow time for conversations about what was learned to help reinforce the material.
Visual Learners
If you have a visual learner you will observe that they understand information better when they see it. Diagrams, charts, videos, and pictures can all help them remember facts.
What Works Well:
Prepare flashcards, mind maps, infographics, and educational videos and include them in your daily lessons as much as you can.
Unique homeschool ideas for Parents:
- Include a lot of visual aids during lessons.
- Draw pictures or diagrams that explain the concepts.
- Use color-coding or highlighting in notes to help organize ideas.
Reading/Writing Learners
For reading and writing learners, it is important to see and write things down to learn better. They often enjoy reading books, taking notes, and writing essays.
What Works Well:
Include lots of books, worksheets, journals, and written instructions in your study material.
Unique homeschool ideas for Parents:
- Provide plenty of reading materials and encourage note-taking.
- Have your child write summaries of lessons to help them process what they learned.
- Use written instructions along with verbal explanations.
Keep in mind that many children use a mix of these learning styles. Your child may learn better with a combination of two or more styles. All you have to do is practice trial and error to see what works best.
Customizing the Curriculum to Fit Interests
As soon as you realize what learning style fits your kid the best, you must work on a curriculum to fit their unique needs. Learning should not seem like a chore and should come naturally. For that you will have to make changes to their curriculum.
Keep Your Lessons Fun and Relevant
- Connect Lessons to Real Life: One of the best ways to ensure learning is to link lessons to real life. Try to show your child that everything they learn comes back to real life applications. For instance, if your child loves nature, use outdoor examples to explain science topics, even nature books can help!
- Use Your Child’s Interests: Incorporate topics that appeal to your child’s interests. If they enjoy art, include creative projects in subjects like history or literature.
- Mix Learning Styles: It is common for homeschooling parents to stick to one learning style. But even if your child favors one learning style, try to include a variety of approaches.
Practical Strategies
- For Auditory Learners: Use storytelling and discussions in subjects like history or literature. Ask your child to describe what they have learned or retell a story in their own words.
- For Visual Learners: Create charts or mind maps to summarize information. Use drawing and coloring activities to help visualize science experiments or historical timelines.
- For Reading/Writing Learners: Provide plenty of reading assignments and encourage writing summaries. Have your child keep a journal where they write about their daily learning experiences.
Involving Your Child in Curriculum Planning
Since your child will be on the receiving end of the curriculum, it is always a great idea to include them in the planning.
- Talk with your child about what they enjoy learning. Their feedback can help you pick topics that excite them.
- Give them the choice to pick out their own assignments. For instance, your child could choose between writing an essay or creating a poster on the same topic.
- Ask your child what goals they want to set while still challenging them to take on more. With this you can encourage your child to take ownership of their education.
Tune To Your Child’s Natural Rhythm
This may seem like a new concept for you, but every child has their own natural energy pattern, which can affect how well they learn at different times of the day. You can use these energy patterns to the benefit of your child and make learning smoother and more effective.
- Observe your child to determine when they are most alert and when they seem tired. Plan challenging subjects during their peak energy times and schedule easier activities or breaks when they need a rest.
- Schedule short breaks between study sessions to allow for relaxation and physical activity, such as stretching or a quick walk. Include moments for deep-breathing or mindfulness to help refocus.
- Some children work best in the morning, while others are more focused later in the day. Adjust your schedule accordingly by planning longer, focused sessions during peak periods and quiet sessions in the evening for reading or creative projects.
Key Takeaways
Homeschooling is about creating an environment where your child can enjoy learning. Understanding your child’s learning style and natural energy patterns lets you build an engaging and effective curriculum.
- Identify the Learning Style: Observe if your child learns best through listening, seeing, or reading and writing.
- Customize the Curriculum: Tailor lessons and activities to their interests and learning method.
- Adjust the Schedule: Allow extra time for challenging subjects and create a flexible daily routine that fits your child’s pace.
- Respect Natural Energy Patterns: Plan lessons during your child’s peak alertness and include regular breaks.