Tips for Homeschooling Boys
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As parents, our calling is to train up our children in the way he/she should go. At times, this can seem like an insurmountable task, but by God’s grace, He will enable us to do challenging things for His glory and our good. Homeschooling our boys is rewarding and a gift beyond measure, although in all honesty, it can be quite a precarious journey!
As you read through the following tips, please know that they are coming from a mama of three boys who is desperate for God’s grace every day and has learned through mentors, friends, conferences, & simply, the fire. I continue to be a student of my boys - watching and learning what helps them learn. Honestly, it even changes moment by moment each day. Trials & errors are gifts.
This is a generalization, but many boys need to move! Boys were created for things and often, it seems, they need to move their bodies and/or hands to figure out how things work. Yes, this is kinesthetic learning. Let your boys touch & manipulate anything that is appropriate!
While reading, allow your boys to do something that doesn’t take much extra “thinking,” since they will be listening to your content. Let them build Lego’s or blocks. Have them play with clay or Play Dough. Allow them to draw or even hang upside down while playing with a fidget cube or spinner. Typically, my boys are listening! They know I will need to take away whatever they are doing if they cannot answer my questions. This helps to keep them engaged and on point. Each one of my boys have their own clay in their cubby, along with fidget cubes & spinners, for when they are needed.
Use a large body ball as their chair! This is ideal in getting out the wiggles, while learning! They can slowly (hopefully!) bounce, while figuring out math problems, learning Spanish, or reading their literature for the day. This is NOT a good idea for penmanship-time, though :) Also, let them stand, kneel, or lay down whenever it is feasible. This helps them to get out their squirmies AND cuts down on the constant reminders to sit down. Please know, I DO agree there are times where it is vitally important to sit still and listen. But one amazing reason for homeschooling is getting to let our boys burn their energy throughout the day. (Although, I know some schools are moving to this idea.)
Use ANYTHING besides “typical” paper when possible! Our home has numerous dry erase boards - a huge one on the hallway wall, a medium size one, and small ones for the table. This gives them variety and keeps them on their toes. Chalkboards are helpful, also. Various other types of paper like graphing, tracing, special lined paper, etc… are convenient for struggling writers. I place lined-paper lines on our large dry-erase board. This has been invaluable for one of our struggling writers.
Make the learning process FUN with new & interesting school supplies. Sweet Nelly, I have bought NUMEROUS types of pencils & erasers, silly folders, and special containers, Special supplies for each individual child has been a blessing in the midst of the challenge of focusing on school.
Recess and/or physical activity/education IS SO IMPORTANT! Granted, it is important for ladies, too :) Having them burn off steam gets out the pent up energy from needing to focus all morning/afternoon. It is amazing how wonderfully they can focus after getting in a quick bike ride.
My friend, Laura, shared about boards she made for her children. These boards help to separate space between children and serve as a learning tool. They have been incredibly helpful for our boys in helping them not be distracted with their brother’s sounds/work/antics! (Please see pictures below.)
Teach manners! Overall, my boys have been naturally spontaneous, focused on bodily functions, energetic, and talkative. Some are more quiet than others, but generally, they have much to say. Manners are a way of loving others and showing care to those around us. How vital to teach our boys these matters from early on.
Make time for the memorable moments on a day-to-day/weekly basis. For instance, make healthy hot chocolate during science or history reading. Have tea time while doing silent reading. Do school at a local coffee shop OR the library to mix it up a bit. Take those sweet boys (almost) everywhere. Let them experience life while under your loving care and teaching. Teach them appropriate behaviors at various places. Train them to see the beauty, truth, and goodness in life! Life is a gift from the hand of God; share this truth with them!
Last, but certainly not least, Homeschooling Mom & Dad, you need the enormous grace of our Savior! This grace is unmerited, but a gift. We are clay in the potters hand, just like our children. We MUST remember this as we care and school our boys. Our entire family is in need of the grace that only our perfect Savior can give. Realizing that the Lord is not finished with any of us helps to give encouragement to keep on persevering through the exhausting times.
