by Jennifer Turner

Created on: October 11, 2011

Parents who choose to home school face numerous challenges.  They must balance home, school and job responsibilities while ensuring their children receive an adequate education.  Childhood provides youngsters with a unique opportunity to happily play and have fun.  Parents implement the following tips to produce a happy home school experience for their children. 

Make learning fun

Many home school families choose to conduct school at home in order to provide a customized educational experience for their children. Especially for kinetic learners, sitting still for traditional school subjects causes frustration. During story time or between math problems, allow your student to bounce on an exercise ball, run in place, or doodle in a notepad. Instead of sit-down tests at a desk, ask questions verbally and allow your child to answer while dancing. Your child will associate school with fun and will be happier for your willingness to think outside of the traditional school box. 

Play games

Turn lessons into game time as much as possible. Many board and card games reinforce lessons students learn in school. Use play money to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Field trips teach historical lessons. Trips to the grocery store allow your children to add money and practice budgeting. Rely on experiences rather than on textbooks for a happy home school education.

Cook together

The kitchen holds happy memories of families cooking together and creating culinary masterpieces after school or on weekends. Make happy moments while reinforcing school lessons in the kitchen. Learn fractions, how to follow directions, and cause and effect as you spend time cooking and baking together.  Turn on the music and sing while concocting tasty creations and nutritious meals. 

Encourage natural talents

Each child possesses unique talents that create feelings of fulfillment and happiness. Give your children opportunities to explore their talents. Arts and crafts, photography, painting, sports, mechanics and animal husbandry may be a few talents your child enjoys in his or her free time.

Performance

Do not pressure your children to perform. While completing school requirements, keep the focus on the experience as a whole rather than on the task. Remember to make each day fun. Laugh at mistakes and relax. Over time, your children will learn what they need to know. 

With a busy school or social schedule,

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