Seven Recommendations to Follow to Give Homeschooled Students Structure
Structure originates from the Latin word structura, which means "a fitting together or building." When students work on assignments in a homeschool environment, it is important to have a set of rules. If students follow a schedule and stay productive, they may accomplish more within a smaller window of time.
Here are seven recommendations for providing your homeschooled student with a structured day.
Find the Right Location for Your Student’s Desk
If your student is self-driven, consider having your student’s workstation in an area free from distractions while still remaining relatively visible by the parent. Avoid setting your student’s desk in their bedroom—a room designated for rest; instead, consider having them work from a home office or a small study nook.
If your student requires more oversight, then consider locating them in a common area, such as a corner in the living room, where they will be more visible, and you can hold them accountable for working.
Minimize Outside Noise
The brain functions best when it concentrates on one task at a time. Try to keep noisy distractions down while your student is working on school assignments. This can include television, road traffic, podcasts, and distracting music. Remaining free from audible distractions can help your student focus on courses and complete schoolwork in less time.
Have a Schedule in Place
Let your student start with easy assignments first, such as their Bible lesson, then English, math, history, and science. Why is science recommended as the last subject to work on? Science has some more complex projects, so parental help might be needed, and this help is usually available later in the day. Also, science projects might be time-consuming, which is why it is important to finish other core subjects first, such as Bible, English, Math, and History.
Be sure to put short breaks between lessons in your child’s schedule and a longer break after all school assignments are completed. You can walk together around the neighborhood, go to a nearby park with a playground or sports equipment, or participate in another planned activity.
Weekends are Great for Playdates
Though it is important for your child to have friends, they should not bring a distraction while they should be working; playtime can be arranged after school work is done for the day. Plan your weekends ahead of time.
Every season has its own adventures. Based on your budget, you may visit nearby farms, go hiking, set a family movie time, or visit your child’s grandparents if they live close by.
Church attendance is important as well, since it supports your child’s spiritual well-being. It will also allow your children an opportunity to connect with others in Sunday school or youth ministry.
Get Enough Sleep
A minimum of 8-10 hours of sleep is needed for healthy brain function. The ideal time for an elementary school student to go to bed is between 8 and 9 pm, and for teenagers, it is no later than 10 pm. Waking up before 8 am is recommended; then have breakfast, and start working on school right away - the brain functions best in the morning!
Start and End your Day with Prayer
Spiritual health is vital for the well-being of parents and children. Daily Bible reading will benefit your family as you seek together to honor Christ in your every word and deed.
Prioritize a Healthy Diet
Be sure that your child has enough vegetables and fruits, and it’s best to try to limit sugary items. Ask your child to help with dinner preparation. Family time around the dinner table is great for socializing and sharing what happened throughout the day. Children learn by example, and you can be a good example to your child even in how you socialize and enjoy meals.
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.
