Whether some of us also enlist the help of a school or not, we’re all homeschoolers in some form or another. Every parent is trying to both educate and entertain their child at home.

Here are 6 ways you already teach your child at home – even if they go to school! I’ve also included some great links and ideas in case inspiration hits and you want to take your “Teaching At Home” game to the next level. You can also check out these 3 fun learning challenges you and your kids can enjoy!

1. Reading Aloud

How many of you listen to your child read? How many of you read to your children? Well, congratulations! You participate in every homeschooler’s favourite subject – Reading Aloud.

If you read your kids a bedtime story or if you listen to your child read their reading book about Biff, Chip, Kipper, and that amazing magic key, then you do what every home educator does. You’re teaching your children to read, and by reading with them, you’re creating a positive experience so they will enjoy reading as they get older.

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

The Reading Aloud movement is a passionate one which supports parents in the never-ending quest to get our children to LOVE reading, and most importantly, CONNECT with our children.

The Read Aloud Revival, captained by the ever-awesome Sarah McKenzie, guides parents on this quest with resources, motivation, and booklists! She even has her own book on the subject. Grab your copy here!

2. Writing Practice

I can hear you groaning right now. Yep, writing practice. All those sight words, handwriting sheets, and “write about your holiday” assignments.

Handwriting practice is just as frustrating for homeschool mums, as well. I often get told, “I don’t know how you have the patience for it! You must be a saint!”

I promise you, there are no halos or beams of angelic light following me around as I force help my 7 year old write 2 sentences.

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

Twinkl has some AMAZING handwriting resources, and they recently started their own phonics scheme as well as a complete handwriting programme!

3. Field Trips

Sounds so peaceful, doesn’t it? This is where homeschoolers have a slight edge over school parents. Homeschoolers hit the attractions during school time, so yeah, it really IS peaceful.

But, if you’ve ever taken your children to a museum, zoo, farm, or any other glorious location, then homeschoolers worldwide solute you! Those crowds are not exactly fun.

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your field trips (and downgrade your blood pressure), try Charlotte Mason’s incredible Nature Journaling. Give your kids a sketchbook and go for a walk. The beauty of Nature Journaling? Completely child-led.

To find out more, check out this blog post by Simply Charlotte Mason.

4. Arts & Crafts

No mum, homeschooling or otherwise, enjoys doing arts and crafts. Sorry, let me correct that – No mum enjoys the CLEAN UP AFTER doing arts and crafts.

Whether we love it or hate it, arts and crafts are a staple in every childhood, so we might as well embrace it!

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

For some fantastic arts and craft ideas, check out The Crafty Classroom. Go on. Be brave!

5. Homework Help

If any of you have helped your child with homework, then you’re a home educator! You’ve taught your child everything – from Maths, to Science, to History, to Religious Studies.

Sure, maths changes faster than we can keep up and you may not understand the science topic half the time, but guess what? The same applies to homeschoolers.

We DON’T know everything, and by admitting that, we teach our children a valuable lesson – it’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’, so let’s find out together.

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

If you’re following the UK National Curriculum (or any curriculum for that matter), you NEED to get Twinkl. You’ll find activities, worksheets, and lesson plans for any topic your child might be doing in school. You can supplement their learning at home and have some awesome bonding time in the process.

6. World Peace 101

And finally – the most important one. As parents, we are ALL trying to teach our children how to be decent human beings with a working moral compass.

In this day and age, it’s getting harder and harder, but whether you send your children to school or you keep them at home, our goal is still the same:

We want to raise our little people to be kind and wonderful big people.

*Teach At Home – Upgrade*

You don’t need one. You’re already smashing it.