This week we are exploring one of the topics that every homeschool considers at one time or another – how to get dad more involved. Whether dad has been uninvolved, the sole homeschooler in the past, or just the “principal” and disciplinarian, there are always ways to get dad more involved in your homeschool.
One of the best ways to get dad involved in your homeschool is to have him teach a subject or two. Though this is not feasible for every family, one of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that it is flexible so, even if dad works all day at a regular job, he can still teach a subject a few days a week once he has gotten home from work, maybe even after dinner, or on the weekends or whatever his days off are.
If dad has a strong subject or one of great interest, this may be the best to start with. Does dad speak a foreign language? If so, then it’s a no-brainer which subject he can teach. Does he excel at math or science? Love science experiments? Enjoy discussing history or politics? Then these might be where he wants to start. Remember, not all subjects have to be every day. He can do the lesson one day and assign work for another day to be done that he reviews when he gets home. Lessons can be done traditionally or non-traditionally depending upon how his work schedule and your family schedule fit together.
Having dad be responsible for a subject keeps him involved and gives quality time with dad. Additionally, this gives mom a much needed break to either spend time with another child or do something for herself. It might even be a good time to prepare dinner or do the shopping.
Most families find that having dad involved in their schooling makes them see the overall importance of schooling and they see it as a family venture, not just something they HAVE to do. And mom doesn’t feel alone in the journey to educate the children. She feels part of a family team to give the kids the best education they can.
Does dad teach a subject in your homeschool? What does he teach and how do you integrate it into your homeschool schedule?
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