The Happy Homeschooler Podcast

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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When you’re homeschooling your kids, it’s helpful to understand as much about them and their learning style as you can so that you can best meet their needs. On this episode of Beyond Transcripts we’re joined by Holly Urbach who has homeschooled for many years and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to homeschooling and learning styles.
4 Learning Types
We’re talking about Wiggly Willys, Perfect Paulas, Competent Carls, and Social Sues. By learning about this framework of learning styles, and typical characteristics, you’ll be able to apply this information immediately in your homeschooling.  We discuss some classic characteristics of these different learning styles: both the strengths and some of the challenges. Chances are, as you listen, you’ll be nodding your head as you start to see your kids (and yourself) within the descriptions of these learning styles.
Understanding these learning styles will help you choose curriculum that will best meet your child’s needs. For example, Holly had used one particular reading curriculum for reading for several of her children but found that another was very resistant. After considering his learning style and looking at the options, she found a curriculum that would likely better meet his needs. When she introduced it to him, he was excited about- it was a game-changer. Even if you can’t change the curriculum, you can make adjustments of the assignments and the way you teach so that your students are best able to learn.
When your kids are younger, you probably won’t be able to determine their learning style but as they get older, you’ll notice their tendencies. As they continue to develop, you can also help them understand that while they do have tendencies and preferences, when they enter higher education, instructors may not be as accommodating or teach to all styles, so it’s also important to be flexible.
Holly has a few suggestions for books and resources, if you’d like to learn more about these different learning styles. When you homeschool your children, you have the ability to make adjustments, so using their learning styles to improve the way you homeschool can improve the experience for everyone.
Resources Mentioned:
The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias
Making the Most of Your Child’s Learning Style by Cynthia Tobias
Get support as you start homeschooling with Smoothing the Way
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