Homeschooling a Reluctant Student
Homeschooling a reluctant student can be difficult. We’ve always been up front with our children about our reasons for homeschooling. They know their friends go to school down the street and participate in some fun activities. They also know their friends are often sitting in desks while we’re eating breakfast, taking nature walks, snuggled up with a good book, or out on field trips.
Here are 5 Suggestions for
Homeschooling a Reluctant Student:
1. Talk to your child about the pros and cons of homeschooling. If your child doesn't want to homeschool, but you and your spouse have decided public school is not an option, let your child know you will find other ways to address her concerns.
2. Find out his concerns. Your child may want a new backpack, a lunch box or a ride on a school bus – all of which he can accomplish without attending school. If your child is lonely, look for homeschooling support. See if his needs can be met outside of a school setting.
3. Reevaluate your home school. Do you need to:
You may also want to cut back on outside activities in order to turn your her heart toward home. The book, Hold on to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate, has some great suggestions for restoring relationships with children.
4. Set up a mock school at home. Wake your child up at 6:30 AM, rush him through breakfast, and make him stand in the cold to wait on the bus. Bring him inside, sit him at a desk and lecture on various topics for 20-30 minutes longer than it takes him to understand the subject. Make him raise his hand before speaking and wait to go to the restroom. Give him 20 minutes to eat, and don’t allow any talking. Let him stretch his legs for 20 minutes, then return to his desk until 3:30. Then assign homework.
5. If you are open to having other adults teach your child, enroll her in outside classes or a university model school. You can also let your child observe a public school classroom. If your child wants to go school, have her commit to stay for an agreed upon time period, such as 6 weeks, a semester or a full year.
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