As a former homeschooler, and unschooler, I can tell you that the best way to teach kids at home is not to have “school at home”. While I haven’t homeschooled in many years, I wrote a blog post during Corona about why Covid “homeschooling” isnt actually homeschooling, and then how to actually make learning at home during this time more effective and enjoyable for the kids, and this post is a similar idea- helping your kids learn at home while also making sure they are having a nice time.
Supporting your child’s education doesn’t have to feel like running a second school. The best learning at home often happens in low-pressure, creative environments — like the kitchen table, a walk through the neighborhood, or even during bedtime stories.
The pandemic taught many parents that learning doesn’t end when school does. In fact, a report from the Brookings Institution found that students in grades 3–8 lost an average of five months of math learning during the COVID disruptions — especially those without strong support at home. That learning gap hasn’t vanished, but with the right strategies, parents can help close it.
Make Learning Part of Everyday Life
The trick isn’t forcing extra lessons — it’s weaving learning into what you already do as a family. Kids are naturally curious; they just need the right prompts.
Here are a few ways to turn everyday activities into learning opportunities:
- Cooking together teaches math, measurements, and sequencing
- Board games build problem-solving and social-emotional skills
- Grocery shopping can involve budgeting, reading labels, and nutrition
- Nature walks open the door to science discussions and observation skills
- Storytime supports language development, critical thinking, and bonding
Rather than adding to a parent’s to-do list, this approach works because it blends seamlessly into family life. It also builds a more positive, low-stress relationship with learning.
Use Technology and Tools with Intention
Educational apps, online videos, and games can boost engagement — when used with purpose. But don’t forget physical tools that kids can interact with offline. One great example is creating personalized photo books as learning aids.
You can make custom picture books using family photos or drawings to teach:
- Letter recognition (“A is for Aunt Anna”)
- Counting with real-world items
- Simple stories built around your child’s interests
- Science topics like weather, plants, or animals
- Journals of field trips or vacations to build narrative skills
These photo books become both fun keepsakes and personalized educational resources — perfect for visual learners and early readers.
Bring in Extra Support When Needed
If your child is struggling in a particular subject, outside help can ease the pressure on both of you. A math tutor in New York City can provide structure, encouragement, and one-on-one focus that’s hard to replicate at home — especially if math causes stress or resistance.
Tutors also help reinforce what’s being taught in school, fill in gaps, and give parents peace of mind that progress is being made.
Create a Learning-Friendly Environment
You don’t need a dedicated classroom, but a few smart adjustments go a long way:
- Set up a consistent study spot away from distractions
- Use bins or shelves to organize learning materials
- Stick to short, regular routines to build learning habits
- Celebrate achievements by displaying projects or checklists
Letting kids help design their space — even if it’s just picking colors or choosing a comfy seat — makes them feel invested.
Focus on Curiosity, Not Perfection
The best learning happens when kids feel safe to explore. Instead of pressuring for perfect results, ask open-ended questions like:
“What did you figure out today?”
“What’s something you’d like to learn more about?”
And don’t worry if the learning doesn’t always look academic. Creative play, storytelling, and imaginative exploration all count — and they fuel deeper engagement in the long run.
