My homeschool confessions have come later in my journey. I would love to tell you it’s because I am a slow learner, but the truth of it is I am a stubborn teacher.
Though I could fill up a book about things I have tried and that have flopped, I am hoping that by sharing things to try when your hands off homeschooling approach is a flop, I know that you will be a much quicker learner than me.
I have heard many reasons excuses throughout the years about why hands on learning does not work like it takes too much time, my child would prefer to just read or I don’t like the mess.
My Hits and Misses for Hands-On Homeschooling
Guess what? They may be all true, but because there is no denying the sticking power of hands on learning, I hope these ideas to ease into hands on learning will you have rethinking your present hands off approach.
Don’t Jump Ship Completely.
When I moved over to a more hands-on approach, I folded in a few activities a week, not each day.
As frustrated with my hands-off approach, which was not working, I knew that I needed time to make the transition. By not abandoning my present homeschool approach, I could slowly learn to add in hands-on activities.
I didn’t want to get overwhelmed with adding something new to my approach and besides I had to have time to mull over the fact that though a mess might be created in my home, it had a purpose.
Not only did my boys become engaged with learning that day, but they were ready to return the next day.
Meet with Just ONE Other Family.
Another thing I did when I wanted to transition to a hands-on approach was to meet with another homeschooling family each week.
If you’re a party animal homeschooler this may defeat your purpose because the more kids you have, the more you have to plan.
By meeting with just one other family, you can divide homeschool planning time between two homeschool moms.
This idea turned out much better than I even could have imagined. Not only did I have time to play by having activities every other week, but I could watch another mom that already used hands-on activities with her kids.
It was such valuable learning time for as a homeschool teacher.
A huge added bonus was that my boys had hands-on activities each week as the other homeschool mom and myself took turns planning.
Start off Easy.
Another hurdle that kept me from trying a hands-on activity was thinking that activities had to be long, drawn out and with lots of materials.
I had my light bulb moment when I saw my boys playing with puzzles.
From that moment, I learned that I set up my own boundaries to hands on learning because I thought activities had to be complicated.
Who is living and schooling in a perfect homeschool world? Good thing we can start over when we flop.
Don’t be intimidated by using a hands-on approach. It can be easier than you think.
What ideas do you have for easing into a hands-on approach?
Hugs and love ya,
Look at these posts that will help jump start you into a hands on approach without overwhelming you.
Easy Hands On Homeschooling Ideas When You’re Not the Bomb Mom
Blurring the Line Between Living and Learning When Homeschooling
When My Homeschool Curriculum Has Lost That Lovin’ Feeling
Hands-on doesn’t have to be complicated. People can choose the easier hands-on activities and still have that same “sticking power” you referred to. 🙂
Well said Susan. I agree, simple is better sometimes..