by Joan Collins

Created on: December 21, 2009

A positive learning environment is necessary for optimal success when a parent is homeschooling their children.  Since every parent and child is different.  The idea of the positive school environment may vary, but it can be achieved in every homeschooling situation.  There are a few things to consider before you begin your day.

It is essential for the schooling of your children to be a priority.  It is helpful when specific hours are set aside for daily lessons.  The times can vary from day to day, just as schools follow different daily schedules, though homeschooling can be more flexible.  Having an established time allows the children to know what is expected of each day, a fact that will get them started on a more positive note.  

The time you have set aside to teach or monitor lessons should be guarded.  Turn on the answering machine and ask friends to avoid stopping by during your working hours.  Side-tracked teachers give too much freedom to the students.  If you want them to stay on task without any nagging from you, do the same.  It is understandable that, being at home, there will be some interruptions but you must try to keep them at a minimum.

Plan each day.  Again, expectations that are clear help kids remain more focused.  It also helps you cover the amount of material needed to cover a year's work.  Taking time to establish the week before it begins lowers your stress level.  As the parent, any time your stress level is lowered, it will have a positive impact on your children and therefore, on their homeschooling experience.

Have fun with your children while you teach them.  Making lessons fun, interactive and hands-on helps create a very positive learning environment.  Find ways to make your child look forward to their daily assignments.  The more fun the work, the more fun you will have too!  In the wise words of Mary Poppins, "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Give your students the ultimate learning experience.  Take field trips and learn on-site.  These are some of the lessons your children will fondly remember forever.  Looking forward to field trips puts a positive spark in everyone's day.

Be certain that the lessons fit the student.  Work should be at a level that will stretch the student without becoming frustrating.  Don't teach algebra until the basic operations of math are understood. Don't read a book on the eighth grade level if the child reads at the fifth grade level.  Tailor the curriculum for the student that will be using it.  The beauty of homeschooling is that students who are behind can catch up and excel if the parent is active in the educational process.  Nothing creates a more positive atmosphere in a homeschooling situation than success.  Find ways to make your children successful!

Finally, your attitude will affect the homeschooling environment.  Plan your schedule to have a little "me" time to avoid teacher burn-out.  Taking care of you will have a positive, calming affect on your program.

Having a positive homeschooling program takes a little time and a little planning but it is worth it.

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