by Jennifer Wells

Created on: July 08, 2009

Creating a positive environment for your home school child is essential to their overall educational experience. A child who is alert, comfortable and encouraged is one who ultimately can pay attention better, understand more clearly and have more stamina through the school day. These positive energies will reflect in homework quality and grades.

How does one begin to make a positive environment? The answer seems simple enough: start with a positive atmosphere and attitude! Try to do your schooling in a well-lit room (preferably windowed) that is painted in soft reflective tones. Make sure the room is well vented and that air circulates through without smoke, dust or other air-born allergens. Play light classical music (nothing too bouncy, fast-paced or dark) in a hushed volume that does not disrupt or over-reach your normal speaking voice.

Once you have a neat, comfortable and well-lit school room, focus on the attitude you bring into it each school day. School hours are not personal time, and should not be used to paint nails, do laundry or any other task that is not teacher-related. If you are teaching teenagers, who should be given more time to problem-solve and do homework on their own, at least keep your activities at a level that will not disturb their study.

Realize that your children feed off of your attitude and keep it friendly. Now is not the time to worry about bills or a dispute you may have had with a friend or another family member. Behave as you would if you were teaching in a public school room, and check your troubles at the door.

Greet your children with a smile. Let them know that they are a welcome addition to your home, and that this part of your shared lives is important and special to you. All of these things are expressed in the way you dress, talk, emote and behave. If you come in your pajamas with messed up hair you are sending the message that education is not that important. If you come tense and speak tersely you subtly share with them the idea that the lesson is hard to learn and this day will be tough.

Stay motivated! Keeping up a good energy helps to keep the school day on pace so you do not drag over and make the day unnecessarily long. View each new subject as a fresh start, and be enthusiastic though sincere while you present it.

Be encouraging! Nothing keeps a child's attention like praise. Praise is also a valuable tool in building confidence and self-esteem. Do not limit your praise to large accomplishments, but offer it as often as you can. You do not need to gush (although that does not hurt here and there either); a pat on the back or half-hug when returning an assignment well done goes a long way. Little children are especially fond of high-fives and stickers, and will soak in as many 'Great job!' notes as you make a point of giving them.

Remember these simple guidelines as you move through the school year. When you get tired or frustrated, take a breather and begin again. You will be pleased and perhaps even surprised at what a long way a little extra effort on your part goes. An airy classroom that is well-lit and filled with the subtle tones of light classical music will likely put you in a better mood as well as the children. Back that up with your own cheerleading and encouragement, and it is safe to say that your children will have the best possible experience you can give them.

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