HOMESCHOOL
Many of you probably never planned on being your child’s teacher. You probably feel that the term “crises teaching” refers to you! If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and frustrated by this new responsibility thrust upon you….YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Parents all over the world are experiencing the same exasperation. So, I thought I would share some of the things that I have used in my years as a counselor and professor that seem to help when it comes to effective studying.
#1. SET UP A “PROFESSIONAL” STUDY SPACE.
I would always tell my students that they have already begun their profession while in school – they are just in the training phase. So, for them at home, it should mimic a professional work space with a desk or table and good lighting. It should include study aids like pictures, maps, charts, etc. that relate to what the child is studying hung on a wall or bulletin board. This space is dedicated to nothing else except studying. Brain studies are very clear that our environment plays a significant role in our performance. Working from your bed or couch is counter-productive.
#2. SET A SCHEDULE.
Humans work better when their world is stable and predictable. This is especially true of children dealing with ADHD or a learning disability. Include breaks, if needed, and build in rewards for completed work and/or work well done. It’s OK to ask your child for their input just as long as you stick to the schedule you devise. For longer assignments it can be very helpful to use a timer that lets them know when they can take a break.
#3. USE THE SKILLS YOU ALREADY HAVE.
For more difficult subjects, help them research possible solutions but do not do their work for them. There are some topics that you may need to study up on a bit before you can help them. Use your computer to find introductory explanations that can give you some background. You already know how to search the internet. Who knows? You might learn something new, too!
#4. MONITOR THEIR WORK.
Some of you are blessed with children who actually enjoy doing their school work. You don’t have to check on them because you’ve learned to trust that they will do their best. Others of us are not so lucky! As much as you would like to leave it up to them, we know that we can’t trust them to do what needs to be done. This can be incredibly frustrating for parents and, unfortunately, can lead to some conflict – which will only make the teaching task more difficult. It requires energy on your part, but it is essential that you keep track of their work. If your “sneaky student” knows that you will ALWAYS check everything, the less likely they will try to employ shortcuts.
#5. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
I’m talking about YOUR attitude. When dealing with our own children it’s easy to become irritated and emotional when you think that they aren’t trying their best. This absolutely works against what you’re trying to accomplish because it builds resentment. You certainly don’t want your child’s teacher yelling, nagging, or belittling them. There may be times when you both need a break – that’s fine! - go buy some ice cream, play a game, or something else not related to schoolwork. As hard as it may be, being enthusiastic, encouraging, and cheerful will help this chore immensely!
Many of you probably never planned on being your child’s teacher. You probably feel that the term “crises teaching” refers to you! If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and frustrated by this new responsibility thrust upon you….YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Parents all over the world are experiencing the same exasperation. So, I thought I would share some of the things that I have used in my years as a counselor and professor that seem to help when it comes to effective studying.
#1. SET UP A “PROFESSIONAL” STUDY SPACE.
I would always tell my students that they have already begun their profession while in school – they are just in the training phase. So, for them at home, it should mimic a professional work space with a desk or table and good lighting. It should include study aids like pictures, maps, charts, etc. that relate to what the child is studying hung on a wall or bulletin board. This space is dedicated to nothing else except studying. Brain studies are very clear that our environment plays a significant role in our performance. Working from your bed or couch is counter-productive.
#2. SET A SCHEDULE.
Humans work better when their world is stable and predictable. This is especially true of children dealing with ADHD or a learning disability. Include breaks, if needed, and build in rewards for completed work and/or work well done. It’s OK to ask your child for their input just as long as you stick to the schedule you devise. For longer assignments it can be very helpful to use a timer that lets them know when they can take a break.
#3. USE THE SKILLS YOU ALREADY HAVE.
For more difficult subjects, help them research possible solutions but do not do their work for them. There are some topics that you may need to study up on a bit before you can help them. Use your computer to find introductory explanations that can give you some background. You already know how to search the internet. Who knows? You might learn something new, too!
#4. MONITOR THEIR WORK.
Some of you are blessed with children who actually enjoy doing their school work. You don’t have to check on them because you’ve learned to trust that they will do their best. Others of us are not so lucky! As much as you would like to leave it up to them, we know that we can’t trust them to do what needs to be done. This can be incredibly frustrating for parents and, unfortunately, can lead to some conflict – which will only make the teaching task more difficult. It requires energy on your part, but it is essential that you keep track of their work. If your “sneaky student” knows that you will ALWAYS check everything, the less likely they will try to employ shortcuts.
#5. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
I’m talking about YOUR attitude. When dealing with our own children it’s easy to become irritated and emotional when you think that they aren’t trying their best. This absolutely works against what you’re trying to accomplish because it builds resentment. You certainly don’t want your child’s teacher yelling, nagging, or belittling them. There may be times when you both need a break – that’s fine! - go buy some ice cream, play a game, or something else not related to schoolwork. As hard as it may be, being enthusiastic, encouraging, and cheerful will help this chore immensely!
