The Happy Homeschooler Podcast

Your host Holly Williams Urbach offers advice and considerations through some of the challenges and joys of homeschooling a high schooler.

Motivation is a complex process, and as a parent, you might wonder what you can do help improve your homeschooled students’ motivation. In this episode of Beyond Transcripts we’re joined by Transcript Maker founder, Matt Bass, to talk all about student motivation and tips for enhancing motivation.
What is motivation?
Motivation can be defined as the direction and intensity of effort; it’s important to understand that your student’s interest and passions may change, that motivation can go up and down, and that there is a lot that can influence someone’s motivation. What motivates one of your children may do nothing for another, but don’t worry- there are many ways to help enhance someone’s motivation.
Keep in mind that there are two general sources of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is using internal sources for motivation, such as interest in something, the love of learning, or the excitement of improving. Extrinsic motivation is utilizing external factors for motivation, such as praise, awards, or money. We want to try to foster intrinsic motivation, but keep in mind that extrinsic motivation isn’t bad- these sources can be used appropriately to help build excitement and interest.
Tips for improving motivation
When it comes to helping motivate your homeschooler, we discuss a number of ideas including:
Understanding your student’s interests and learning styles
Giving your student choice (within reason), such as which subject they want to study first
Using incentives to create some excitement; remember that these don’t have to be big or over the top
Encouraging your student to set goals: as they work toward them, the progress helps to create motivation
Giving verbal feedback that praises their effort or hard work rather than the outcome of what your student does
Changing up your day: Try starting with a different subject or start later. When you homeschool, you can often adjust to meet the needs of your kids
Remember that there will be ups and downs with motivation and when you homeschool you have the flexibility to work with your child’s needs and that can be great for motivation.
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about student learning styles
Setting goals helps with motivation
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On this episode of Beyond Transcripts we’re joined by Holly Urbach, long-time homeschooler. Today we tackle an important topic: can you homeschool and work? Previously, families may have had a stay-at-home parent who took on the responsibility of homeschooling the kids. Today, however, many homeschooling families have two working parents.
How can you work and homeschool?
The reality is that many households need or want to have two incomes. They may also want to homeschool their kids and do it well. Though it may feel like more of a challenge to work and homeschool, it can be done. If your job is flexible, or has non-traditional work hours (for example, part-time, working on weekends, or shift-work of several longer shifts and then several days at home), then homeschooling and work is definitely doable. Even if you have a more traditional job, homeschooling can still be an option.
When Holly’s husband worked later in the day, she worked in the morning. This worked well for her teens who liked to sleep in and took their time in the morning getting ready and doing chores. When she was home from work, they could then start their homeschooling lessons and finish later than a typical school day. When you’re homeschooling, as long as you’re hitting your state’s requirements, you can be flexible with when the homeschooling occurs. Working from home is another option for homeschooling- Holly has found this to be a good fit for her family now, as she is homeschooling her kindergarnter.
Other tips for working and homeschooling including getting organized at home and looking into enrichment programs where your child can be in an activity during the day and then you can work. There are many great options, from considering the type of work you pursue, looking at how you schedule your day, and using community support to help you be successful at working and homeschooling.
Resources Mentioned:
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