I was listening to music while I was walking the other day when a song by Darius Rucker came on.
?When was the last time you did something for the first time??
Plenty of parents are homeschooling for the first time.
Maybe you?re one of them.
Maybe you?ve been teaching your own kids for a while now, but you?re trying a new curriculum this year.
Or maybe you?re just stuck and want to change things up generally.
I know the feeling.
Homeschool Is All About Firsts
There were a lot of firsts in our homeschool adventure, but each one of them offered not only obstacles to overcome but a chance for all of us to grow.
One first you may be considering is adding hands-on learning to your homeschool.
You?ve heard how important it is to introduce hands-on activities in each subject.
If hands-on is your ?first time? this year, you?re in good, well, hands.
Hands-On Learning Comes Naturally
But I?ll bet you?ve been using hands-on experiences for a long time without realizing it.
You show your kids how to do something, then encourage them to try.
You read about a food in a book and suggest you all head to the kitchen to make it.
You bring out the coins or measuring cups for what you think is play, but your kids are learning money and fractions.
My advice is, ?Keep going!?
With a world of information at your fingertips, you can find something fresh and exciting for just about every lesson you?re teaching this year and for years to come.
Hands-On Learning Checklist
Here is a short checklist for you when you?re searching for that little something extra for a lesson:
- How excited is my child about trying hands-on activities? If it?s one of those subjects that makes you both cringe, adding an experiment or craft or even an outdoor exploration can make it fun. Even more fun? Including your child in the activity selection.
- How well do I know the lesson? I remember learning plenty of new things right beside my kids as we played, tested, and experimented our way through the grades.
- How can I fit all this extra stuff into our school day? Ah, that?s the beauty of hands-on. Some activities can take the place of textbook and worksheet lessons. Augment those lessons by reading from the books during a meal or other free time. The best part? You don't have to do ALL the things.
- Do I have all the ingredients or materials? A little bit of planning ahead can make hands-on time a breeze. Use the OHA planner to keep up with links and shopping lists.
- Where can I find an appropriate hands-on activity for this lesson? You have the whole internet and library at your disposal, but if you?re short on time, you?re in luck. I?ve gathered hundreds of fun activities for you in the member?s hub.
- What if I find an activity designed for a classroom? You?re the master of your homeschool, and activity adaptation can be your friend. I?ve found wonderful ideas meant for a room full of kids that lend themselves nicely to a family activity.
Trying something new is the hallmark of learning. Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the freedoms you have to do something ?for the first time?. Then do it again. ?