Independent Work
Fostering independent study habits in your children is one of the most rewarding aspects of homeschooling. Encouraging self-directed learning not only builds confidence and accountability but also nurtures a lifelong love for discovery.
As a homeschooling parent, you might wonder where to start or which resources to trust. Fortunately, below I have included three key ways to begin introducing independent work in your homeschool. I've also curated a selection of my favorite curricula that are perfect for developing independence in young learners. These resources are designed to engage your children’s curiosity, allowing them to explore subjects at their own pace while providing the structure and guidance they need. Join me as we explore effective strategies and tools to transform your homeschool into an environment where independent work thrives.
💡 Did you know
Cultivating independent work in your homeschool will free up time and energy that you can invest back into the topics you learn together as a family like history, science, and art.
Getting Started
Step 1: Choose Age Appropriate Curriculum
The initial step to fostering independent work is selecting a curriculum that your children can manage on their own. While this may appear obvious, much of the curriculum we engage with alongside our children may actually be too challenging for them to tackle independently. You can opt for materials that are one level below what you are currently using, viewing them as opportunities for review or as tools to enhance your children's confidence and accountability. For younger learners, activities such as ABC puzzles, mazes, and writing on windows are excellent methods to encourage independent work.
😍 Find my topics picks of curricula that for independent work at the end of this blog post!
Step 2: Slowly Add More
It might be tempting to ask your child to tackle multiple workbook pages on their own right from the start. However, I've discovered that a gradual approach to transferring responsibilities helps your family cultivate a sustainable and manageable habit of independent work. You could begin by solving half of the problems on a math page together, then letting them finish the other half on their own. Alternatively, play a letters matching game together, and then encourage them to try another round independently. As your children grow older, you can gradually entrust them with more of their work as you notice them taking charge of their own learning journey.
Step 3: Accountability
This is the most challenging yet crucial aspect of independent work—reviewing their efforts. If you fall into the habit of overlooking their work, many children may either fail to complete their tasks, perform poorly, or perceive their independent work as unimportant. By checking their work, you can affirm and encourage their efforts! I enjoy leaving uplifting comments and smiley faces for them to discover the next day when they return to their independent tasks. This approach effectively fosters both confidence and accountability in your children. I find it helpful to have a system in place for my own accountability, which is why I created this kids homeschool planner with a designated space for me to confirm that I’ve reviewed their work.
My Curricula Picks
Here are a few of my recommendations of curricula that easily lend themselves to independent work:
Explode the Code
These books are fantastic for independent work. Simple, easy to understand. No need to purchase the teacher manual!
Math with Confidence
We love this math curriculum, especially third grade and up! The first part fo the lesson you do together and the second part is independent work!
The Good and the Beautiful Readers
These beautiful and engaging readers are perfect to have your child independently read aloud to a sibling, pet, or stuffed animal for extra reading practice.
Delightful Reading: Level 1
This book is full of ideas for playing with letters and sounds. Many of the activities a child can do independently after you have completed activity together.
Handwriting Without Tears: Cursive
A book that can be completed independently. Easy to understand instructions and excellent exercises.
Count Your Chickens
This cooperative game is fantastic for a child to team up with a sibling and play together or play solo to practice counting independently.
The Good and Beautiful App
I love using this app to reinforce the reading lessons I complete with my daughter. It's free and a great way for kids to practice spelling and reading independently.
Spelling Puzzle Cards
You really cannot go wrong with Learning Resource products. So many of them make great independent work! This is a great activity for your budding readers.
Letter Tracing Sensory Pad
A simple activity you can set up for your kids to practice writing their letters! This would also make a great calm-down activity while practicing breathing in and out.
Minute Math Electronic Flash Card
This fun math game will provide your kids a break from bookwork to review their math facts! There is a word-building version too!
CVC Spelling Blocks
I frequently set these out with a few cards for my kindergarten to complete independently. She can check her work by flipping over each card to reveal the answer.
