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Jenny Holt, a freelance health writer for a number of health sites and magazines sent us the following articles to share them with our readers. 

 CYBERULLYING – THE COMPLETE RESOURCE GUIDE

CREATING SPACES THAT ARE ADHD- FRIENDLY FOR KIDS

MOVING HOUSE: HOW TO MAKE MOVING EASIER ON YOU AND YOUR CHILD

DON’T FEAR THE DENTIST

HELPING CHILDREN RIDE THE STORM

THE POWER OF ART FOR ALL CHILDREN

BENEFITS OF PETS FOR KIDS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

SPECIAL NEEDS GARDENING: SOWING SEEDS ON MANY LEVELS

CHILDHOOD SLEEP ISSUES

HELPING YOUR YOUNG CHILD DEAL WITH ECZEMA

THROWING AN INCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR A CHILD WITH ADHD

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND HOW TO TEACH IT TO YOUR CHILDREN

EDUCATING KIDS ABOUT ORTHODONTICS

DEALING WITH CHILDHOOD CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

HOW TO BUILD CHILDREN’S CONFIDENCE BY TEACHING THEM CLOTHES MAKING

HOW TO INTRODUCE MEDITATION TO YOUR KIDS

GETTING YOUR CHILD INVOLVED IN A PENPAL PROGRAM

Thanks Jenny!

The Ideal Environment For Your Homeschooled Child

Since 2012, homeschooling in America has grown from 1.8 million each year by up to 8%. For those making the decision to homeschool their children, it can be hard to know where to start.  Creating a suitable space in which your child can learn most effectively is important, particularly for children with additional needs. The right type of learning environment will depend on your child, and as their parent or guardian, you’ll be in the best position to help them.

Make your home child-friendly  

Depending on the age of your child, there will be different things in your home that can provide certain distractions. For toddlers and primary school children, it is important to remove any potential hazards from each room – particularly if you have only recently moved in. For older children, meanwhile, keeping electronic devices out of sight is key. It is also important to ensure that each room is clean and kept free of clutter. Studies show that clutter impacts children’s concentration levels and emotions, making it more difficult for them to study effectively. Make tidying up part of the daily homeschooling routine; something that is done between each lesson and/or activity.

Learn in different settings

An approach to learning that has gained a lot of popularity in the western world over the years is the Montessori method. Put together by Dr. Maria Montessori, it focuses on children learning skills that they will need outside the classroom, rather than giving them more rigid, grade-based tests. For example, as well as learning inside the home, make time for learning outdoors, whether it be in your backyard, at the park or even the zoo. This could be done independently or as a group, with other homeschooled children of different ages. This all plays a part in the Montessori emphasis on ‘learning through experience’: that is, a child playing an active role in their educational development. By having a variety of spaces in which to learn, and different people to engage with, you are giving your child the opportunity to develop social skills as well as confidence in different subjects.

Incorporate the right kinds of colors

Color plays a significant part in our ability to learn. For example, orange is said to boost people’s mood, improving one’s learning capability in the process. Blues can have a calming effect on the mind if used in moderation, while used in excess it can cause stress. The latter is also true when yellow is used too much; a small amount of warm yellow can induce feelings of happiness. Bear these things in mind when it comes to the interior of your homeschooling environment.

Homeschooling: rewarding for you and your child

It will probably take time to work out what type of environment your child will work most productively in. Don’t be afraid to try out different ideas. Whatever the setting, remember that working effectively means making time for regular breaks. This gives both you and your child(ren) important time to relax, unwind, have a snack and recharge for the next phase of learning. Encouraging a relaxed, positive atmosphere will make your children feel happier and more likely to want to learn. Together you can make learning a fun and rewarding experience.