| Homeschooling during the primary years can be | | | | introduce these concepts in this way, you can still |
| fun and very stress-free. A lot of parents get | | | | use real situations to reinforce simple learning. The |
| worried that their kids won’t learn everything | | | | nice thing about homeschooling is that the world |
| that they need to. But with the right resources | | | | (your home) can be your child’s classroom, |
| you can keep your kids on track and develop all | | | | whether they are “in school” or at play. |
| the necessary skill sets for high-school and | | | | The task of schooling during the primary years is |
| beyond. | | | | to lay basic concepts for middle and high school. |
| The primary school teaching style can be a lot | | | | Having the kids at home during the primary years |
| more intense than the highschool equivalent. | | | | also gives you the chance to zero in on your |
| Primary aged children require constant attention | | | | child’s specific difficulties and correct them |
| to their learning. Every day the learning process | | | | early, before they become stumbling blocks in |
| begins again and every day you need to practice | | | | your child’s academic career. This is the time |
| concepts and learn new things for a successful | | | | to make sure that all the basic skills such as |
| learning progression. Drills, testing, and practice are | | | | reading, writing (both grammar and hand writing), |
| absolutely necessary. This requires a lot of time, | | | | and math are well established so that your |
| so be prepared to be very involved in their | | | | children are ready for highschool. Also, other |
| learning. Planning each day’s material is very | | | | challenges can be remedied during this time, such |
| important because smaller children can be easily | | | | as speech impediments and dyslexia. These |
| confused and get lost. Proper planning is crucial. | | | | challenges can be easily overlooked by teachers in |
| The nice thing about the primary years is that | | | | schools who have the daunting task of teaching |
| you can use a variety of real life events to teach | | | | and caring for a whole classroom. |
| mathematical concepts and other important | | | | In the primary school years don’t forget that |
| primary concepts. There is so much scope for | | | | your usual homeschooling resources are also at |
| fun. | | | | hand: online websites and search engines, local |
| I find the kitchen is the heart of the home and | | | | homeschooling groups, state associations, and |
| the laboratory. Practicing reading by reading labels | | | | libraries to access any resources that you might |
| not only teaches nutrition but also provides | | | | need. Many parents find specific programs helpful |
| practice for word and number recognition. Cooking | | | | in the primary years and others find the eclectic |
| with measuring cups teaches fractions and | | | | method of using a variety of books and |
| reinforces simple mathematics. You can take basic | | | | resources helpful and best for their kids. Use what |
| concepts and teach them using every day | | | | works! |
| objects and activities. If you choose not to | | | | |