Homeschooling is the fastest-growing form of education, with between 1.9 and 2.7 million homeschooled children in the U.S. alone. Families nationwide are finding homeschooling the best fit. Traditional teaching roles have changed within homeschooling setups, involving multiple family members instead of one person shouldering all the responsibilities.
You may want to homeschool your grandchild for several reasons. You may be a retiree assisting working parents or helping raise your grandchildren. You could want to contribute to the household while bonding with your family. Homeschooling is the perfect fit for grandparents, offering flexible schedules, customizable curricula and the chance to spend time with your grandchildren on field trips, outdoor lessons and hands-on learning experiences.
An Introduction to Grandparents Homeschooling Grandchildren
Though the benefits of homeschooling are well known, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed the choice on families. Still, nobody foresaw that homeschooling would become a preference in many households. Students and their families benefit from flexible schedules and personalized lesson plans. However, the process can be challenging for working parents or single-parent households. Grandparents can lighten the load while bonding with grandchildren, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Grandparent care and support contribute to academic growth and social competence, while mitigating behavioral challenges. With about 2.55 million children in the U.S. living in the same households as their grandparents, it’s understandable why many would choose to homeschool. Grandparents involved in learning can provide encouragement, support everyday educational outcomes and enhance the homeschooling environment.
Grandparents can enhance children’s homeschool experience with quality online tools. You have much to offer your grandchildren, from sharing your wisdom and life experience to creating an impactful educational environment.
Curriculum Choices for Grandparents
Like many other homeschooling grandparents, your first task is to assess your grandchild’s educational needs. Think about their skills, interests and areas for growth. With an excellent homeschooling platform and a little research, you can find a homeschooling curriculum that fits your situation. For example, if you feel your grandchild should focus on math and science subjects, you can choose a different curriculum than if they are more creative and arts-oriented.
While you may feel underqualified to teach some subjects, you’ll soon find the online and programmatic support you need. You can incorporate other teachings into your program once you decide on a curriculum and homeschooling platform. Define specific responsibilities and remain consistent in your schedule to keep your grandchild interested and fulfilled.
Engage Your Grandchildren in Learning — Strategies for Effective Homeschooling
The ability to experiment with different teaching techniques is one of the principal benefits of homeschooling. Find the most engaging learning format for the student. While every homeschooling setup looks different, the following strategies can help you engage your grandchild and structure your daily lessons.
- Set goals together: When homeschooling your grandchild, you can participate in their education. Setting goals is a fundamental part of their learning, so outline some broad objectives and then work with them to set some goals for the school year.
- Incorporate hands-on activities and real-world learning: One of the many benefits of homeschooling is moving beyond a traditional classroom setting. Keep studies engaging by planning field trips. Choose activities like board games, baking and household management skills.
- Balance structure and flexibility: Flexibility is a significant advantage, but you must balance it with a structured routine. Routines help students develop discipline and stay on track with their academic goals. Create a study schedule with your grandchild and encourage them to stick to it.
- Incorporate breaks: Taking short breaks helps our brains absorb new skills. Encourage your grandchild to split their learning into more manageable segments.
Simplify Technology for Homeschooling
Homeschooling today is predominantly online, which often leads to better opportunities for higher education. Purpose-built online learning platforms simplify your homeschooling process. They give your grandchild access to various multimedia tools, from e-books to videos and traditional printed worksheets. You can also incorporate the same lessons used in school districts nationwide.
Well-constructed homeschooling technology is user-friendly and straightforward. You can set goals, access your grandchild’s progress in real time and review their work for each lesson all in one place. You have the data you need to focus on keeping your student engaged and learning.
Build a Support Network
Many grandparents whose children went to traditional brick-and-mortar schools are new to homeschooling. If the process feels foreign, creating a network can make a significant difference to you and your grandchild. Connect with other homeschooling grandparents in your area and join a homeschool association. Ask friends and family for help with lesson plans, fun activity ideas and accompaniment on field trips.
Many local homeschoolers have regular meetings, sports and clubs. Search online — you’ll likely find a group of homeschooling families with the same questions and concerns as you.
Problem-Solve Together
It’s natural to be apprehensive about potential challenges with homeschooling. As a grandparent, you might worry your relationship with your grandchild might change or wonder whether you have enough energy to withstand the rigors of a daily learning environment. Work through these challenges and concerns with your grandchild and other family members. Explain that the schedule must work for you and your student and ensure you’re all on the same page about your role as an authority when you’re doing schoolwork.
Success Stories — Grandparents Homeschooling Grandchildren
Many grandparents have transformed their grandchildren’s lives with robust learning platforms like Power Homeschool. Even experienced homeschool grandparents have seen a marked difference in their grandchildren’s performance with quality tools. The testimonials speak for themselves, showing other grandparents what they can achieve with support every step of the way.
Take the Next Step With Power Homeschool
Homeschooling can be incredibly rewarding — an opportunity to bond with your grandchildren and add value to their lives. Though you may initially encounter challenges, digital tools and a robust support system will help. You’ll get into a productive and exhilarating routine where you can watch your grandchildren grow and learn.
Power Homeschool’s robust online homeschooling platform empowers grandparents and parents with resources to provide a high-quality education. As the official provider of Acellus® courses for grandparents, we provide independent homeschooling without teacher support. We use state-of-the-art technology to enrich your homeschooling experience. What are you waiting for? Feel free to contact us and start teaching today!
