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If you’re considering homeschooling for your children, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, homeschool registrations are on the rise in Australia as many parents realise mainstream education doesn’t always work, and it isn’t the only option. In Queensland alone, we’ve seen an almost 50 percent change in homeschool registrations.

Whether you’re making the switch due to COVID or looking for a more personalised way to educate your child, there are many benefits to learning at home.

However, it can get tough for your child to socialise when they’re learning from their home. That’s why we’ve created this list of homeschooling tips designed to help your child succeed and socialise. Continue reading to discover simple and effective ways to help your kids stay connected.

Understand the Importance of Socialising

Kids with more social skills tend to have better relationships, may have less stress, and it may help them learn important skills like sharing, listening, and following directions.

Of course, your child will interact with you and any siblings, but it’s important they also connect with other kids. This helps them build life skills that will help them later in life.

When we think of mainstream schooling, we think of buildings full of classrooms and lots of time spent among other children. From classrooms to lunchrooms, school-age children spend a lot of time among their peers.

That said, homeschooled children can connect with others just as easily! In fact, homeschooled children see many benefits related to relationships.

Research suggests that homeschooled children have higher quality friendships and also have better relationships with adults, including their parents.

The first step is for both you and your kids to understand the importance of connecting with others.

Change the Environment

No one ever said learning has to end in the classroom—and it shouldn’t! There are many different homeschooling methods and ways to teach your kids. Switching up the learning environment can help stimulate your child and give them new opportunities to meet others and engage in social activities.

From hobby classes and Euka clubs to programs offered at your local library, there are many opportunities out there that you can work into your homeschooling curriculum and lesson plans.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Teach outside
• Visit the park
• Head to the botanical gardens
• Go to the zoo
• Have your child join a Euka club
• Stop at the art museum or children’s museum
• Enrol them in workshops, learning programs, or other opportunities
• Run your own Euka Learning Co-op

Much like a school excursion, a day outside can teach your child all sorts of new things. They might participate in activities or games with other kids their age or even make a friend. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

Take a look at some of our summertime ideas if you’re feeling stuck.

Get Them Involved in Sports

Allowing your homeschooled kids to sign up for sports helps them learn crucial life skills like cooperation, communication, and teamwork. They also learn the value of practice and hard work.

Many parents are wary of switching to homeschooling because they want their kids to participate in school sports. But homeschooled kids still can sign up for weekend teams. In some States they can even participate in school athletics and swimming carnivals.

Simply search for a local sports team and read the signup requirements. Check with your Homeschool Department to see if you can enrol your children in a public school sports team. You might also be able to get them onto a team for a private school or look for homeschool teams.

If a homeschool team doesn’t exist and playing with other public school kids isn’t an option, you could start a homeschool team.

You could always get them involved in other athletic activities like karate, gymnastics, or dance lessons.

Sign Up for Other Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities present an excellent opportunity to get your homeschooled children to interact with others their age. Other than sports, they could take music or art lessons.

They might be interested in taking a drama course. You might be able to find information on a theatre group nearby and get them involved in productions.

Remember, you don’t have to imitate the school experience. One of the most important pieces of homeschooling advice we can give you is that you can take inspiration from traditional schools and change what you don’t like.

Join Homeschool Groups

Local homeschool groups are one of the best ways for kids learning at home to connect. They can provide you with more ideas for homeschooling, activity ideas, and opportunities to learn outside of the home.

Homeschool co-ops allow your kids to connect with other homeschool families. Parents might take turns teaching classes, for example.

If this is your first time homeschooling, this can be a great opportunity for you to learn too!

Religious Organisations

If your family is religious, taking your child to church and letting them join church groups are great ways to connect with others that share similar values.

Most organisations offer Youth Groups and programs for kids that teach them valuable skills. Children may learn to volunteer and help their community or go on missions trips.

Volunteering

Speaking of volunteering, it’s also an excellent way to socialise and can teach your kids the importance of community. Search volunteer opportunities in your area and look for ones fitting for kids.

You can volunteer together and spend quality time together. Depending on what you choose, there are also a lot of learning opportunities in volunteering. For instance, they could volunteer in political or government programs.

Work experience is also a great way for teens to learn and connect with others.

Use These Homeschooling Tips to Help Your Kids Socialise

There you have it—many tried-and-true homeschooling tips to help your kids connect with others and build new skills. Feel free to use what you like and skip what you don’t. Take your children’s interests in mind and talk with them about the possibilities for getting involved in activities.

Euka is here to help your child learn and develop. Check out the Euka Clubs and Euka individualised learning options today.