Homeschooling - How to Motivate a Reluctant Learner

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bond]Jennifer Bond
The number of people homeschooling their children is growing as more people decide to leave mainstream schooling and elect to educate their children at home. In an ideal world, no child would be reluctant to learn; however, this is sometimes the case. Often, it is simply a stage and with a little more maturity the problem disappears. Other children may have had negative experiences that have clouded any learning experiences. Whatever the reason, children can waste an inordinate amount of time with delaying tactics and generally putting off getting on with work and this is frustrating for everyone concerned.
These methods are guaranteed to inject some structure into the school day for the reluctant learner.
Make a set of school rules.
This is a great activity for the whole family as everyone has a chance to put forward their views. All people involved in the activity should have a voice and their opinion given weight. How the rules progress will largely depend on the values of the family but framing statements as a positive is the best way to go. For example, one of the rules may be 'Ask if you want to borrow someone's belongings' rather than, 'Don't take other people belongings'.
Then as a school activity make a chart outlining the rules and decorate. The reluctant learner is far more likely to respect the rules when they have had a part in developing the rules.
What's next?
Reluctant learners often see the school day as stretching on and on with no end in sight. With a timetable clearly visible everyone knows what is coming up next. Just be sure to let everyone know that the timetable is flexible to take into account those on the spot learning opportunities.
Time for a break
Have lots of short breaks in the day. Reluctant learners may have poor concentration so a short break every 10 minutes or as required can be the start that is needed. A short break may be simply going to get a drink of water and walking around the garden to drink it, and then back to work. Use a cell phone alarm to signify longer break times for mid morning or lunch breaks.
Bravo! Job well done.
Always reward a job well done. It is nice to receive recognition for a job well done and doesn't hurt to have a range of rewards for special occasions. Some examples might be, choosing what to have for dinner, staying up an extra half hour, half an hour of free time at school to read or do an activity of choice, going for a walk and talk with a parent (one on one time).
Do the hard stuff
Get right in and do the most difficult subject first. It's then over and done with.
Bit by bit
Do everything associated with the task in a bit by bit approach, gradually getting bits done. This reduces the size of the overall task and makes it seem less daunting.
By employing some of these strategies and with a good dose of patience you will have success with a reluctant learner. Often the stumbling block can be chipped away with patience and a positive outlook instilling a sense of purpose and achievement in the reluctant learner that really makes a difference.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschooling---How-to-Motivate-a-Reluctant-Learner&id=6636626] Homeschooling - How to Motivate a Reluctant Learner