Learning Environment - Ten Tips That Helped Our Homeschool

Every once in a while, I re-evaluate our learning atmosphere. I discovered early on with my oldest child how very important the child's environment is to successful learning. I'm finding that my children are very individual in their environmental needs, so frequent evaluation is helpful to keep things running smoothly.

Here's what I've learned over the years about helpful and healthy learning environments. Authors like Thomas Armstrong and Joyce Herzog have helped me tremendously in fine tuning our homeschool.

1. Children learn best when they are relaxed and safe. A child will not learn effectively if they are stressed, tense or worried. Providing a safe environment for children, as is appropriate to their age, is imperative. For my kindergarten student, that means we do not allow her to watch the national or local news reports. When you are little, some things are too heavy. That may also mean that we don't talk about how terribly tight the finances are...but rather we speak about how we are going to be good stewards of God's money. Positive perspectives provide protection to young minds. (Yes, four "p's" in a row...helps me remember to look at the glass as half full.)

Further, we do not allow independent internet use. If a child needs to use the internet, an adult or older sibling is in the room with them. No exceptions. Ever.

2. We keep a positive atmosphere. We avoid harsh criticism and look for areas we can genuinely praise our children. If I criticize without praise, the heart withers and dies. If I praise without healthy criticism (in love), the heart swells and becomes proud. The key is finding a balance.

But let's face it, we parents mess up from time to time. As a parent, I must honestly look at my mistakes and failings and be willing to agree with the Lord and make direct amends to my children, seeking their forgiveness.

Each day, we purpose ourselves to have at least one fit of laughter. Living and learning should be fun.

3. Consistency is very important. This is two fold.

A. Think before you say...and then do what you say. Let your "yes," be "yes," and your "no," be "no."

B. Children like to know what comes next. A consistent schedule helps them get things done in an ordered manner. It's harder to miss math, when math always comes after English.

4. Sound Input - Use music if it is helpful to a child. Some children enjoy music while they work while others become distracted. Some need perfect silence and yet some don't mind the noise of a toddler nearby. Experiment, and implement those things that work. Do what is best for the child, not what is best for the teacher.

5. Use as much natural lighting as possible. Flourescents tend to cause problems in a lot of children. I can barely stay awake under a flourescent bulb and I also tend to develop headaches, but in a room with natural light, or a nice bright standard bulb, I'm okay.

6. Visual Input- Some children thrive on lots of visual cues. Bright posters, organized word-wall lists and timelines are a helpful tool for them. Other children become easily overwhelmed by too much visual stimuli. Be willing to do what works for each child. Experiment and eliminate anything that is not helpful. At one point in time, my oldest son preferred having a project board propped up around his learning area. This helped tone down distractions for him so that he could work more productively.

7. Control indoor temperatures within reason. Too hot or too cold temperatures can cause anything from sleepiness to a distracted mind.

8. Be mindful of perfumes, cleaning supplies and food smells as your children study. Smells and odors (whether good or bad), can distract some students. We don't necessarily need to avoid these types of smells, but we should warn the student that they might smell burgers and fries and that they should continue to work until you call them.

9. Use a controlled, calm voice when instructing, encouraging or admonishing a child.

When instructing children, a calm and controlled voice is always best. Be concise with words. "Joe, please put down the pencil and look at the word list on the board." However, some children can become overwhelmed with stimuli. If a child cannot seem to pay attention, gently grasp the child's shoulder's, kneel down so that faces are parallel, and then speak the instructions calmly yet firmly. The combination of direct eye contact and physical touch will often help a child ground themselves.

If admonishment is in order, speak to the the child privately away from distractions and chaos. The goal is in reaching the heart. This is where true change occurs.

If ever in doubt as to how to proceed with a child, take a spiritual time out. A few minutes alone with the Lord will often give you direction and peace to keep moving along in a day.

10. Vary learning activities, so that boredom doesn't ensue. Recognize that some misbehavior issues stem from both boredom and/or too much challenge. I've learned that I must tune into my child, never comparing him/her with another child. What is their learning style? Strengths? Weaknesses? What is God's plan for this child? Teach to a child's strengths and then occasionally stretch their weaknesses.


Blessings,



©2008 Y.M.F.