“Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” – W.B. Yeats

As homeschooling parents, we all know the challenge of encouraging independent learning. 
We not only want our children to learn, but to actually seek learning without prompting- to hunger for more knowledge. That, I think we can call agree, is the ultimate goal. Developing an independent learner doesn’t just happen overnight, it takes a lot of encouragement as well as a nurturing of your child’s particular interests.

Here are some tips we have for helping your child grow as an independent learner…

1. Establish confidence

It’s the basic foundation for a child who wants to learn. Spend time teaching your child one-on-one from the very beginning, making sure they have a firm grasp of all the basics.

2. Believe in their abilities

Especially in those moments when they are struggling with a difficult math problem! Make sure you affirm that you believe they can do it – it will help establish the confidence to back their own abilities and seek out more knowledge.

3. Set Goals

Do this with your child. Tell them what goals you have for them while also having them set goals for themselves. It will help to give them ownership of their own learning experience.

4. Make Learning REALLY Interesting

Your child likes photography? Head out to the park and photograph all the different types of trees. Your child likes to draw? Perhaps they could draw the American Presidents and learn more about U.S. history in the process. It’s one of the best parts of homeschooling – the ability to tailor lessons to your child’s own particular way of learning.

5. The Big R

Responsibility! This is perhaps one of the most crucial parts of developing an independent learner. Allow them to work independently, but check in each day to make sure they have completed set tasks to a good standard. As your child gets older, you can check in less frequently but focus on helping them to plan better.

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