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What do I do if I’m confused about home education?
Stumped by science? Muddled by maths? Flummoxed by fronted adverbials? Home education can be tricky when you've spent a decade or two away from the classroom. There are things you can do to help like:
- Studying up on topics if you can though it’s fine to be a little rusty.
- Thinking positively to boost your child's motivation.
- Staying calm and talking through problems.
- Finding help and resources online, in museums or from friends.
Video - What to do when you haven't got a clue with Romesh Ranganathan
If you’re struggling with home education, comedian and former maths teacher Romesh Ranganathan has you covered as explains how to avoid looking like an idiot when it comes to teaching your kids.
Romesh Ranganathan:
So, let’s just agree: it’s okay not to know everything! I mean, I used to be a maths teacher, you’d think I’d nail this, but sometimes I don’t have a clue, even with the maths.
So, how do you home school your kids when you don’t even understand the lesson plan?
Well, you can panic, you can try to blag it, you can swot up on the subject, or you can leave the country. (Oh, actually, you can’t.)
Let’s be realistic, parents can’t be superheroes. You can admit that to yourself and to your kids. Just because you don’t know how nuclear fission works doesn’t mean you’re stupid, or not up to it. Unless of course you’re a nuclear engineer, in which case that is a massive issue.
I know some parents who swot up on each topic, but that takes time and adds even more stress to everything you’ve got on your plate already, including doing your work calls in a cupboard, trying to stay afloat in a global pandemic, and going to the toilet again, just because you want a break!
It’s hard for a cynic like me to say, but it helps to keep calm and positive. It’s tempting to run around saying: “God, I hate maths!” But that might make your kids hate it too.
Just relax and try it! No one’s assessing you. You’re not going to get a visit from Ofsted, or that teacher who thought you were rubbish at high school. You can’t judge me now, Mr. Wilson!
Outside of school, there are other places to cling to for help. There’s BBC Bitesize, of course. The National Numeracy Challenge is more fun than it sounds. Museums like the Science Museum have brilliant learning packs and apps on their websites, where you can learn alongside your child. And by learning alongside your child, I mean palming them off for a few hours, while you have a relax.
Try getting other people roped in too, like your sister who speaks French who can do a few Zoom lessons, or a neighbour who’s obsessed with the Tudors and can shout some facts over the fence.
Neighbour:
He had six marriages and he had two of his wives’ heads cut off!
Romesh Ranganathan:
Although, you know, make sure you tell them to stop when the home schooling’s over.
Ideally, we could all teach our kids to learn independently, so we can stop doing these tedious lessons as soon as possible.
And the great news is: only another thirteen years until they’re all independent enough to leave home.
This video was recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope the advice will remain relevant and helpful to parents educating their children at home.
Home education hacks: What to do when you haven't got a clue
- Study up on the subjects or topics if you can, but be fair to yourself - it's okay not to know everything. You're not stupid or inept just because your times tables are a little rusty.
- Be positive. Try not to think or act negatively about lessons you're finding tricky, as this could affect your child's motivation.
- Remain calm! Give it a go and talk the problem through slowly.
- Find some help. There are resources all over the internet, from BBC Bitesize to specialist museums, and if you're still struggling, bug your brainy friends, family or neighbours for a quick chat!
Where can I find more support for home education and parenting?
The BBC Bitesize home education collection is designed to support you and your child’s learning at home with free resources for early years and foundation stage (EYFS), primary and secondary-age students.
Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit is the go-to place for the whole parenting community to find stories, expert advice and fun activities.
If your child has special educational needs and / or disabilities, be sure to check out the Parents’ Toolkit SEND collection.
For more information about home education, these BBC News articles cover the rise in families deciding to educate their children at home and, from 2021, the impact of Covid on home education.