One of the less spoken-of challenges when homeschooling children is the disruption. Interruptions during homeschooling are somewhat inevitable. For example, the phone can ring, the postman can knock incessantly, and spillages can occur. The fact is that homeschooling occurs around real life and so it’s vital to be prepared for some level of interruptions. So what does it take to minimize interruptions while also maximizing productivity?
Minimize Interruptions You Can Control
There will be plenty of unexpected interruptions, but there are many that you have control over. Perhaps you need a plaster repair company to come out and they can only do so on a specific day, in which case, you can plan in advance, but if they do not turn up on time, this can cause frustration on your part. The fact is that you can minimize interruptions you have control over, and be aware that there will be some level of interruption. If the phone rings, it can easily go to voicemail and you also need to make sure that your concentration is intact. You should not feel obliged to answer messages as soon as they come through.
Implementing a Solid Schedule
The important thing to remember when we are homeschooling children is that their concentration is going to peak and trough. One of the advantages of homeschooling is that you can maximize productivity in a way that suits your child’s learning capabilities. As far as heavy deep learning sessions are concerned, average adults can only manage a maximum of 90 minutes. And when we start to think that the average school day is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this is the equivalent of three intense learning sessions (and lunchtime and breaks). Working with your child to find when they learn best is going to make a massive difference here, while also ensuring that they are learning in the right way that suits them. For example, finding out their learning style can make a massive difference as to whether they are auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learners.
Creating a Productive Environment
It’s not just about the interruptions and distractions that impact your ability to teach, but also your child’s ability to learn. There will be times when the door goes and you have to stop in the middle of something. Creating a productive environment to teach your child is going to ensure that they say anchored to the page or the learning material, but also ensure that this environment does not come with huge distractions. A very simple and plain desk that does not have a huge number of books and materials can help to answer your child better. If you want to help your child with online learning, this article by Principal David Karkoff is worth looking at.
Scheduling Buffer Time
Homeschooling is a far more relaxed approach and you can allow more time for a lesson than you think you will need. If you are anticipating disruptions on a particular day, you can use these days as an opportunity to have more downtime. But of course, in order to maximize this downtime, your child has to already adhere to a strict schedule.
There are many ways for you to minimize disruptions during homeschooling. The task of homeschooling requires lots of preparation, and some of these approaches can make a massive difference.