Page 33 - TODAY magazine Issue 1 2021

10 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SETTING UP A HOME CLASSROOM
Taweni Gondwe Xaba, the mum who shared her home-schooling journey with us (page 28), has practical tips for setting up a home classroom.
1. If possible, select a curriculum that provides sound and reliable learner support.
2. Try to make it fun, for example a Netflix documentary can count as extra learning and an extramural. (After watching The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life, Taweni’s daughters wrote reports and did presentations on what they learnt.‚
3. Structure removes stress, so create a schedule. For instance, school can start at 8:30am with no-one allowed in the rest of the house except at breaktime.
4. Have clear rules and directions about how and when to use the shared learning space. The girls brainstormed rules and I reviewed them before putting them up on a wall. This includes bringing food into the classroom (not allowed), when it’s time to talk and how we keep the classroom clean.
5. Each child has a dedicated learning space, which they have personalised.
6. The class monitor for the week empties the wastepaper basket, waters the plants and checks that everyone has tidied their desks at the end of the day.
7. If there is room, set up a work station for yourself in the classroom to be able to monitor them on test days and provide moral support when assignments get tough.
8. Friends who home-school can be a great source of support. For example, you can share helpful activities you’ve found online or elsewhere, and your children can do certain exercises together.
9. Having a vision board for each child helps them to focus on their goals.
10. It’s important to stay aware of what children are missing out on from the formal schooling
environment, so don’t forget about extramural activities.
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