As most of us are gearing up for the new school year (and some are in full swing), a good way to break up the week and add something new and exciting to your homeschool is to consider an online course. There are many opportunities to take online courses for children of all ages, it is just a matter of determining whether it’s a good fit for your student and which would be good.
There are several advantages to adding an online course to your semester.
#1 – Gives your student an opportunity to learn from someone different. Though this is not imperative, it can be a great way for your student to experience different teaching styles and even find out if different ways of learning are helpful to them.
#2 – Gives your student the opportunity to discuss with and learn from peers. Since many homeschool families do not have multiple children learning at the same level, taking an online class can give your student peers to discuss topics with and learn from. Many online classes have student from around the country or even around the world so this can also give you student the opportunity to learn from peers from other backgrounds and cultures which can give them a new perspective to their thoughts and interpretations.
#3 – Gives the parent a chance to have someone teach a subject they are not strong in. Some people are great at math and some are not. Some can speak 3 languages and some struggle with one. If this describes you, you may find an online class is an excellent way to let someone that is more knowledgeable, more educated, and/or more enthusiastic about a subject that you are teach your children. You may find that having someone that has a strong background in a subject instruct your children is a great way to find they have some hidden talents and interests that you were not aware of.
#4 – Gives the parent a break. Another advantages that should not be ignored is that taking an online course can give a parent a much needed break. It may be a break to work with another child individually or a time to clean the house or prepare dinner. Whatever it is that you do with that time, you may find that an online class is an excellent way to give you much deserved time while your student continues to work through his or her school day.
No matter what advantage you find or what reason you have to take an online course, considering adding it to your homeschool schedule is a great way to break up the learning, change up the day, and give your child something new and exciting to look forward to in his or her school day.
Some places you may find some great online courses for you and your family:
Do you use online courses to supplement your homeschool curriculum? Do you do all your homeschooling online? We would love to hear how that works for you.
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