How to Start Primary Schooling at Home?- An Overview
Ken Robinson has rightly said, “all children start their school careers with sparkling imaginations, fertile minds, and a willingness to take risks with what they think.” Starting with the best way to homeschool can be challenging for the parents as well as for the child. Making friends, learning new skills, and a pathway towards being independent- the school provides an environment for your child that prepares him for the real world.
It is the journey that begins being a student and culminates with being a responsible and independent adult. While most students tend to know concepts beforehand because they are prepared well by their parents, for the ones who start from the very beginning; the primary schools have programmes which help the child to catch up easily. To assist your child for his better future days in school, here are some effective ways for the parents to follow:
Improve his literacy and numeracy skills
Though the child is going to learn literacy and numeracy skills in school, preparatory skills will bring confidence to the child and motivate him to learn more. Some of the things that can be taught to them are:
- Fine motor skills: The child is starting to learn and then write. As a parent, you can help them build hand strength and eye-hand coordination. This can be done by indulging them in drawing, colouring, and model-making activities. Make them aware of how to use scissors, cut and paste, bead making, and some other fun activities to which the child cannot say no. Meanwhile, their hand-eye coordination and grip on holding colours and pencils will make them ready to shine in school.
- Share experiences and stories: Reading is the foremost skill that a child should know. It does matter how fluent he is. Reading enhances speaking and listening. You can find amazing stories with interactive graphics on our YouTube channel.
- Recognise names: The child should remember the names of common objects around him. In this way, he would not feel lost in the classroom among other students.
- Counting and currency: a preliminary knowledge about numbers and currency would help the child in the classroom. You can go on a walk and ask them to observe written numbers around, count objects, or give and take money from the shopkeeper while buying things. This would help them keep up with the numbers and the quest to know more about them.
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Talk about your child’s expectations
Children are not adaptive. That’s why a conversation with them helps the parent to know about their thoughts. While starting with primary school, your child might not be happy. He would be in a different place. So, you can buy him some books to draw, paint and colour. Ask about his expectations. What will the school be like? Create a personal space with them so that they can share any concerns without hesitation. You can even go with them on orientation. This will vent out their fear and make them comfortable. Ask them questions after the school visit.
Help in building friendship
Children have different personalities. Some like to talk and make new friends. While some children find it difficult to talk and connect. Well, the primary school offers a new environment and change. As a parent, you can ask your child about his classmates and friends. Invite your child’s friends over a nice brunch. This would help children build a relationship and feel comfortable in the classroom.
Create and follow a routine
Though the primary school has some relaxation on time while progressing to an elementary level, the child should have a proper schedule to follow. Follow the mantra, “early to bed, early to rise”. Help them in managing their time between homework, sports, and resting. A proper schedule will come with promising eating habits. Give them the schedule with a challenge and like a game. Following the same for a month will help the child develop good habits and maintain them in the longer run.
A lesson on safety
A lesson on safety is always important. Make your child aware of the threats and the ways to overcome them. Parents should have an open discussion with their children about road safety, what to do in events like someone trying to make them feel uncomfortable or how to react in times of crisis or calamity.
Promote the value of learning
Being the first teacher of your child creates a sense of belongingness. You can make a huge difference in how your child feels about school and learning. Several studies have demonstrated that early engagement with learning becomes an important tool as compared to later engagement with school. Parents are the role models of a child. In this way, you will be making an impact in shaping their views and perspectives.
Not an exception but your child is special!
Children with a learning disability or special learning needs
By the time your child is ready to go to school, you will be able to know if he has any additional learning needs. Do not worry if the issues start appearing in primary school years. Make sure that the issues are properly diagnosed at the right time. Children adapt with the learning environment at a different pace and professional experts are the best people to advise you on whether there is a need for follow-up testing or additional support. In the meantime, you should inform the school authorities about your child’s requirements so your fears can help the school focus on certain areas, organise support staff and groups to search and apply additional support to comfort the child and make learning a better experience for him.
The Reading Eggs programme has a top rated homeschool curriculum with core English, Maths, and Phonics that covers major literacy and numeracy skills that would help a child, preparing them for primary schooling. With over 3500 + e-books, each ending in a comprehension quiz brings in confidence, and self-worth and improves their conceptual understanding.
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Benefits of e-learning for Children (Online Classes)
