Many parents dream of living somewhere that their children can grow close to their grandparents. If you’re in this situation and you homeschool your kids, you may have thought about getting their grandparents involved in homeschooling. Seniors can offer unique perspectives on learning and will cherish the extra time they get to spend with their grandbabies. Here are a few ways grandparents can help with homeschooling.
Guest Speaker on Career Day
Children start thinking about their future careers at a young age. A grandparent talking about their career, whether it be past or present, can peak a child’s interest and teach them something new. This can be a short presentation or a lengthy Q&A session.
Substitute Teacher
Have a grandparent who’s willing or wanting to take over as a substitute for the day? This can be a great way for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren while giving you a much-needed break. Give them a simple lesson to follow so the task isn’t too difficult, or just let them go with the flow for the day. They could even take the kids on a field trip for the day.
Bus Driver
If you’re having trouble finding enough time to shuttle kids to extracurricular activities. A grandparent could serve as a “bus driver” to help with transportation needs. You could use this time to catch up on grading, lesson planning, or other tasks. These car rides will also offer a perfect setup for grandparents and grandchildren to bond over music, audiobooks, and discussion.
Home Economics Teacher
Grandparents seem to have a wide variety of homemaking skills. Have grandma teach how to make her famous chicken noodle soup or how to crochet hats. If grandpa was handy with automobiles, have him teach a class on how to change a tire or check for low oil. Life skills like these can be an invaluable asset to a homeschool child.