Homeschooling has been steadily increasing in popularity for the past two decades. Some parents opt to homeschool because of dissatisfaction with the school system, religious beliefs, or problems their children had when attending classes, such as bullying. In 2020, many schools across the United States and around the globe were shut down due to the coronavirus lockdowns imposed by governments to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some schools are not reopening to in-person instruction at the start of the school year, and some parents do not feel comfortable sending their children back to school because of the pandemic.
The pandemic has prompted more parents to consider homeschooling. If you have decided this is the best option for your family, make not of these exceptional resources to help you effectively homeschool your children.
1. Library Services
Many libraries offer access to Hoopla. Hoopla is web-based and enables people with a library card to borrow electronic media. You can borrow movies, e-books, and audiobooks through Hoopla at no charge if your library offers it. Best of all, you don’t have to leave your home to access these materials.
You can also access reading materials through sites such as Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg offers free e-books. They focus on classics and works in the public domain that they can legally distribute at no charge.
2. Online Tutors
Most people have academic strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, you can turn to online tutors to supplement your child’s education in subjects they struggle with or that you don’t feel confident teaching.
HelloThinkster offers online math tutors. If your child is in elementary or middle school, their K-8 tutors will guide them through their curriculum. They provide parents with access to an app that allows them to stay informed about their child’s progress. HelloThinkster also has tutors who specialize in working with high school students studying algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, trigonometry, and geometry. Students who are getting ready to take standardized academic tests can also use HelloThinkster’s services to prepare.
3. Webcams and Streamed Events
The internet can offer you access to other locations from the comfort of your own home. For example, the National Zoo has multiple webcams that allow individuals to view some of their most famous residents. Your child can monitor cheetahs, elephants, lions, pandas, and other famous animals. This is an excellent way to learn about these animals, even if you can’t visit the zoo in person.
Libraries and other venues are also using Zoom and Facebook Live to host online book clubs and other events. Your child can still socialize with others virtually and benefit from interactive online programs.
4. Language Apps
If you want to include foreign language instruction into your homeschool routine, you can expand your options with DuoLingo, Memrise, and other language apps. Some apps tailor their content so individuals who are learning the language for work purposes will learn relevant terms and phrases. Others combine personalized instruction with instant feedback to help students master the language. Some apps focus on offering users drills to help them memorize words and terms.
You can also use Youtube to learn some keywords and phrases. There are also online instructors who teach American Sign Language.
5. Homeschooling Networks
One of the biggest challenges of homeschooling can be a sense of isolation. Homeschooling may be incredibly difficult if you hadn’t planned on homeschooling before, but find yourself homeschooling due to the pandemic. Fortunately, there are many online forums and blogs where you can receive support.
Blogs, such as Special Needs Homeschool and The Homeschool Classroom, focus on dispensing tips to new homeschoolers and advice about how to tackle specific subjects and tasks. They also provide readers with links to other resources. Parents can learn how to evaluate curriculums, improve their teaching skills, and assess their child’s progress.
