Recommendations for Beginners: How Learn Arabic Effectively

Create Productive Learning

Ultimate Steps to Learn Arabic Effectively in the Modern Age

Many parents are overwhelmed when they start out homeschooling. Following several organizational homeschooling tips will help these beginners break down the daunting task of creating an ordered, productive homeschool day and to Create Productive Learning.

Plan Time for Homeschooling and Avoid Interruptions- Create Productive Learning

Set aside time just for homeschool. Though homeschoolers do not have to follow the standard hours of a public school, many find it helpful to set a consistent schedule. Setting aside a regular portion of the day can help homeschooling parents create more productive learning.

Turn off YouTube videos, online casino bonus games and all other online activities. Avoid interruptions, such as non-emergency phone calls and e-mails, which can become time-wasters that leave homeschooling parents frustrated at the end of the day. In the time-management book Organizing Your Day, authors Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims suggest preventing such interruptions before they become a problem. Prevent interruptions by screening calls and e-mails and by setting aside a specific time during the day to respond to them, as necessary.

 

Find a Homeschooling Routine That Works- Create Productive Learning

 

Find a homeschool routine and stick with it. In her article, “Joyce Swann’s Homeschool Tips,” Swann, of Homeschool World, debunks the misconception that following a routine restricts creativity. According to the article, following the rigid routine has allowed her children more time to be creative, considering they are done with chores and school by 11:30 a.m.

 

Not all homeschoolers will want or need to follow a routine as rigidly as Swann, but they can still make use of the benefits of a general routine. A routine helps enable consistent learning progress. It helps the children feel stable because they know what to expect.

 

It may take several attempts to find a routine that works. Try the following flexible schedule (with example activities) from a Christian homeschooling parent, for example:

 

  • Bible Time (30 minutes): Read from the Bible or devotional, Work on Bible Memory Verses, Sing Worship Songs Together, Write in Prayer Journal, Pray Together
  • Math (45 minutes): Complete one or two pages in Math Workbook, Play one math game (e.g. Checkers)
  • Reading (30 minutes): Read together, silent read (30 minutes), listen to audio books
  • Writing (30 minutes): Spelling practice, handwriting, free writing projects (fiction, non-fiction, friendly letters, etc.)
  • Science or Social Studies (45 minutes): Read books or conduct activities related to the current theme
  • The Arts (30 minutes): P.E., Music, Computer, Art

 

Add Variety Throughout the Day

 

Vary the types of activities throughout the day. Alternate between sit down work and active lessons, independent work time and instructional time. The change will help keep children’s attention on learning.

 

It may also help to plan the school day around breaks. For example, on a six credit day, try planning three or four credits before lunch and two or three after lunch. The break will give both parents and children a chance to re-energize for the remaining learning.

 

Refresh With a Change of Scenery

 

Plan to get out of the house at least once each day. One of the difficult aspects of homeschooling is the temptation to stay in. Getting out of the house is mentally refreshing and it also offers the opportunity for experiential learning.

 

Remember that the overwhelming task of homeschooling is easier to accomplish in small steps. Start out with a simple routine and some lesson ideas, and then tweak and add along the way to find what works and what does not. Watching the kids develop and taking all the credit is the homeschooling parent’s sweet reward for all the effort of trial and error.

 

How Teachers can Avoid Giving too Much Homework

 

That homework is controversial is an understatement, although many teachers, parents, and administrators are unaware of the debate surrounding the practice. Clearly, homework is of varying importance depending on many factors. Perhaps the most important single factor is the effectiveness of classroom instruction. Teachers who maintain a well-organized and well-disciplined classroom can often avoid assigning homework.

 

Considerations for Homework Assignments

 

Reducing the amount of homework reduces paperwork for teacher by reducing the papers to be graded and subsequently recorded. Teachers must recognize that homework is not clearly essential to successful learning. Many students across the nation learn well without it. Work at home seems to have a small positive effect in high school and little, if any, in elementary school.

 

There is no hard evidence that homework is indispensible to instruction. It’s primary benefit is what it tells the teacher about student progress. With this in mind, homework should not be graded. Grading places unmotivated students in jeopardy.

 

Teachers should avoid giving too many questions that cover a single standard. Worksheets are useful as supplementary materials but cannot replace good teaching and student involvement. Avoid busy work and address instructional standards.

 

If students have adopted a learning style that rejects homework, one teacher is not likely to change the habit. For students who don’t do assignments at home, it becomes just another reason to tune out. Preaching about the dangers of missing work is not an effective instructional technique.

 

One certain benefit from to giving homework is that students who don’t do it will not be given zeroes for missing homework assignments.

 

Student Input is a Valuable Source for Improving Homework Assignments

 

When homework does not seem to be helpful ask students why. Students will appreciate having a chance to offer input and they are capable of providing useful information about the relevance of assignments.

 

Consider individualizing assignments to fit the study habits and needs of different students or allowing students to choose from a variety of assignments. The homework selected reveals important information about what might work for different students.

 

Students might be able to make up their own assignment. Teachers can explain the standard and ask students to come to class the next day with a question and answer that demonstrates understanding.

 

Be Aware of the Issues Regarding the Amount of Homework and Instruction

 

Regardless of individual viewpoints regarding homework the need to know more about teaching and learning requires teachers to be informed about the issues regarding homework. Faculty meetings are good places to discuss various practices regarding homework. The Internet abounds with homework blogs and websites that define the controversy.

 

As instructional leaders principals should be able to offer assistance to teachers regarding the amount of homework. They should have a viewpoint and cite their sources. Leadership helps teachers find answers.

 

How much homework is enough? The question is crucial to learning and has not been answered. Only by exchanging information for attitudes will the issue be resolved. Homework can likely be streamlined by eliminating busy work and encouraging student feedback.