How to Integrate the Internet into Homeschooling

Using the Internet for schoolwork is standard practice. But for the homeschooler, it's a rich resource. From providing access to quality information to connecting with kids around the world, the Internet offers opportunities to make learning fun. Consider carefully how you'll integrate it into your homeschooling environment. Read on to learn how to use this resource wisely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Integrate the Internet into your homeschooling environment by giving your children assignments to research online. Bookmark reputable resources and teach your kids to access them first. Ann Ziese has created a comprehensive site of useful links for homeschoolers (see Resources for link).
2. Use games to make subjects like math, science, spelling and grammar fun. Supervise your kids so they don't spend the entire math hour on Internet games. Ziese's site has games categorized by subject and grade level.
3. Introduce your kids to other cultures through the Internet. They'll experience what life is like in Africa, New Zealand and China through sights and sounds. Pick webpages from museums, cultural centers and countries that have special activities for kids.
4. Explore homeschooling support on the Internet. Connect with other kids and parents for advice, resource suggestions and team activities. Chat, message boards, blogs and feedback forms are an easy way to teach your kids to communicate in writing.
5. Find discussion groups where your children can send essays and written reports for feedback. There's no telling what they can learn from the opinions of other people that you never thought of.
6. Scan the Internet for online materials to enhance your homeschooling curriculum. Worksheets, coloring pages and descriptions of activities make learning interactive and fun for your child.
7. Help your child create a webpage. This is a great creative learning experience. It's also training for the future because employers like people who are savvy in creating and maintaining an Internet presence.

Tips & Warnings

• Make at least a weekly trip to the library so your kids learn about other research tools apart from the Internet.
• Limit your child's screen time. The Internet should be a homeschooling tool, not a teacher.
• Educate your kids about things to watch for online like sexual predators and manipulative marketing techniques.