Are you a parent of an only child considering homeschooling? Or perhaps you're already on the homeschooling journey with your only child?
The Homeschool Quest community, comprised of new and veteran homeschoolers from around the globe, has come together to share a treasure trove of tips and strategies specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of homeschooling an only child.
Whether you're navigating the challenges of maintaining social interaction, fostering independence, or creating a dynamic learning environment, this article is your comprehensive guide to unlocking the full potential of homeschooling for your one and only.
Activities
"Make a "bored jar" and let them come up with the activities when they are feeling alone/bored.
- Join a co-op, church small group or extracurricular activity with other kids.
- Check what programs your local library does for community-based stuff.
- Serve at a food pantry together for interaction with others.
- Let them check out a stack of books from the library each week.
Coordinate pen pals and video chats with long-distance friends and family—some of the things we've done! Just my 2nd grade daughter and we have a blast, but definitely unique compared to many who homeschool with loads of kids! Also, be ok with being unique." ~ Jenni Schmidt
Shared Learning
"I do some of the same assignments as she does, and we share what we learned! I do this with research essay writing. We both do our own research on anything we want, write our essays and share our progress and end papers." ~ Stefanie Jarvis
Socializing
"Find classes or other activities where the same group of kids meets every so often; bonus if there is some play/free time - so they get the ability to get to know each other." ~ Antonina Shchepina
Spending Time Together
"We do everything together. That includes learning and play. She helps me cook, clean and do laundry after her school lessons. We go to the library for their homeschool days for social interaction." ~ Lynnette Skinner
Homeschool Groups
"Connect with local in person homeschool groups for various activities and online groups too." ~ Rene Knievel
PE
"Check out the local rec centers. We do swim, PE, karate, Zumba, ballet and tap at multiple recs around us." ~ Pam Ski
Homeschooling An Only Child
"Homeschooling an only is amazing! Enjoy the ease of putting your effort into one child and being able to cater their learning experience around what they enjoy and are interested in, without the distraction of multiple children and grades." ~ Danielle Brown
Reading Activities
"Read a book together regularly! Pick a kids chapter book like Paddington or Mr. Poppers Penguin, or even harder ones like The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. Instill the love of books and the connection and bond you can have through others with that." ~ Hannah Gillispie
Role Reversal
"I had one day where he was the teacher, and I was the student. He learned SO MUCH MORE prepping for his one day than I could teach him in a week!" ~ Suzanne Gose
Involving Them In Learning
"I let my 7th grade daughter be involved in her education. She picked out her core courses as well as the electives she wanted to take.
I discovered that when she is taking courses she picked out, she is more productive daily in those courses. I also let her be involved in the grading process. I have found out that she does not give herself the credit she deserves.
She is learning that she is brighter than she thought she was. We do house chores together, cooking, and gardening. We take the dogs on walks, etc.
She is learning life skills - something she would not learn in public school. She is also involved with free groups online that play games together, so she gets to be social." ~ Tina McNelis Arozena
Fuel The Fire
"My biggest advice would be to fuel the fire within your child. Let them explore the unknown, pursue their passions, and enjoy every moment as you yourself rediscover the world and the magic within it through the eyes of your child." ~ Vanessa Ann
Make A Poster Board
"My favorite thing to do is make a poster board. I call it the big pink reward poster. I write down everything that needs to be learned by the end of the year, like reading a book, and we add stickers to each thing she learns.
When she earns a sticker, she also earns a fun indoor park day, a snowcone, pizza, or something fun. She loves it! I also have a treasure chest she gets to dig in every day that she is good and does good." ~ Chychy Heard
Adding Their Input
"Ask for input on what's interesting to them, an if nothing is at the moment then that's okay. Go to alot of community outings and play dates, sign them up for classes and see what interests them. School isn't only "classroom".
It's fostering their whole being and since they're an only child, getting them out and finding friends or including them in classes fosters connection and let's them explore other aspects of themselves." ~ Teresa Elizabeth
Reading Together
"One thing that’s been super beneficial for us is reading a book together. We are able to tie in some writing assignments and will always watch the movie when we are done (if there is one). We like to compare and contrast differences between book/movie.
That has helped a lot for my daughter to be more engaged in what we are reading. We also do 4 days of school a week then on Fridays we have found a group to join for activities and hikes. We also do other activities like field trips and tumbling during the week.
I have found facebook very helpful in finding groups in my area to connect with and make friends." ~ Sami Carter
Personalized Schooling
"If I could offer another parent the one tip I learned homeschooling my son is that homeschooling is not a one size fits all type of method. I was homeschooled so I thought this process was going to be easy and was I wrong.
My son will not sit down and focus with paper/board work or listen. At first, I thought I was doing it all wrong, blaming myself and thought about giving up. I tried many variations of homeschooling methods and each was unsuccessful.
One day, I just said let’s have fun and see where that takes us. Well, an absolute game changer! Once I learned how my son needed to learn, his educational world/knowledge has grown leaps and bounds.
Most would say I unschool my son because we do not have a home classroom, a place he must sit and learn. He enjoys being outside, getting dirty, and building things.
So, I research activities we can do each day to incorporate his lessons in and we just have fun. If he has a rough day, we take a break. Schooling is a process and it doesn’t have to be so structured and regimented.
It can be fun and exciting. My tip is to learn how your child needs to learn. Make their environment fun. I think a child learns best when he/she is involved in the process instead of just being forced to be a part of it.
When we give them choices and make the learning environment engaging and inviting, it makes them feel as if they are important and have a say in how they learn. I know it has made a world of difference for us!" ~ Melissa Ann
Friends
"Find regular, consistent friends that your kid can see weekly. Be proactive in making plans and let your kid know when they'll be seeing their friends next. Make playdates." ~ Jordan Diane McNeish
Play Days
"Take a day to enjoy! We have fun Fridays! Play games, watch videos, do crafts, cook/bake something just whatever he decides he wants to do." ~ Melanie Warrick
Want more tips or have a few of your own to add? Click here to read the thread and join The Homeschool Quest group! Together, we can navigate the unique challenges of homeschooling an only child. Join us on Facebook and continue your journey towards successful homeschooling!
