What You Should Consider When Shifting to Early Learning Programs at Home

There is an on-going shift in the educational system right now. Due to the increasing evidence that parental involvement is crucial to child development, many parents are considering home early learning, instead of merely leaving their kids to daycare centres. If you are thinking of this move, here are some of the basic things you must know:

Why be involved in your child’s early learning

Parents are often their children’s first teachers. Their involvement in their children’s learning process gives kids a more positive outlook on education. Many studies have shown that the best predictor of academic and social success in children is not socio-economic status and educational pedigree, but parental involvement. Learning with your child, even beyond the day’s requirement, teaches them the importance of lifelong learning. It also improves the child’s intrinsic motivation, attitude, behaviour, and, consequently, academic performance.

Furthermore, it also provides a foundation for parent-child relationships. The time invested by the parents can make their children feel that they matter. It also gives them security and a sense of closeness to their parents. When parents teach their child, it is not just the lesson that gets passed down; the parents’ values are transmitted to him as well. Therefore, despite the demands of work, the parents should show intentional effort to engage in their child’s schooling.

Considering homeschooling

Home early learning should be given much thought by parents who value the importance of being present in their child’s life. A parent who wants to take on this challenge should set aside four hours of uninterrupted time. This requirement might be challenging for those who have office jobs, but it is highly workable for parents who have a flexible work schedule.

Aside from hands-on experience, another consideration that parents should think of is the overall well-being of the child. Since most of the time the kid will only be interacting with family members, it is essential that parents also craft opportunities for their children to bond with other people in their age group and expose them to different environments. This can be done by enrolling them in group classes and team sports activities.

Partnering with a homeschool provider

Not every parent has the capacity to create educational materials. Many are also not equipped to provide the right curriculum that can enhance learning. As such, it is necessary to partner with a homeschool provider when considering this method of schooling.

A good homeschooling provider should offer a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for an early-grader’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Some of the crucial things that children in early grades should learn are literacy, numeracy, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, critical thinking, curiosity, and empathy.

Before, homeschool providers only offered modules, worksheets, and toys to meet these core competencies. Nowadays, they are not enough. You should partner with a homeschool teaching provider that promotes a balanced interaction with technology. It will be a big plus if your homeschooling partner offers educational videos that will encourage play and engage the mind at the same time. Through this, your child learns the positive power of technology, while alleviating some of the teaching load on you at the same time.

Investing in your child’s life, especially during his most foundational years, is the best decision you will make as a parent. As young as they are, you can already plant a contribution to their success and overall well-being by being involved in their education.