10 useful gadgets for parents teaching their children at home

Home schooling is less common in the Philippines, but has been on the rise since the global health crisis. The Department of Education (DepEd) also supports it as an alternative delivery mode (ADM).

Parents choose to homeschool their children for a variety of reasons, and it is becoming more and more normal these days.

And since homeschooling does not have the typical 40-student-to-teacher ratio (40:1) of regular schools, it requires a different and fresh approach; One way is to use technology.

Here are ten (10) useful gadgets and devices for parents planning to homeschool their children.

1. Computer/laptop

The most essential item for home learning is a laptop or computer. Depending on your child’s age, you will need to decide whether you will allow your children to use it and for how long.

However, even if you don’t like the idea of ​​letting your kids out in front of screens at a young age, laptops and computers are still crucial because they can be used to download recommended study materials, homeschool curriculum, and other related resources.

In the case of older children, it is also important to teach them how to use the computer and the Internet properly. As today’s children are increasingly digital natives, it is important to learn about technology. Just remember to monitor them and protect them from cyber threats.

2. Tablet

There are many educational apps you can download for iPads and Android tablets that can train your kids in a variety of skills, as well as use them as a reader (if you don’t have an e-book reader).

These tablets can also be used to watch educational videos on screens that are relatively larger than phones.

Some tablets and iPads come with styluses that you and your kids can use to practice writing while saving paper.

3. Printer

From time to time, you will need to print documents such as flashcards, stickers, tests, and other related learning resources.

So, with a good laser or inkjet printer at home, you will no longer have to look for computer stores where you can print. You can also use the printer for other personal purposes, which is convenient.

4. Projector or widescreen TV

A projector or wide-screen TV will be helpful when watching educational programs and movies instead of the small screens on phones and tablets because it puts more strain on the eyes. On your days off, you and your family can also use it to watch movies and shows for a night of entertainment.

5. Activity tracker/Smartwatch

Because homeschooled children do not experience the same physical activity compared to children attending regular schools, it is important to track their movements, activity levels and step counts. This is where an activity tracker for kids comes in handy.

Some studies show that children need to take more than 10,000 steps a day. This may seem more difficult to achieve since your children are not on school grounds, but promoting an active lifestyle for them is still important, even if they are at home.

You can also use your activity tracker while swimming, running and hiking.

6. Electronic calculator

Calculators are not needed for children in lower grades, e.g. grades 1-3. However, they will be necessary before they start studying STEM fields such as mathematics and physics.

The graphing function in calculators will soon be useful to help them visualize math problems.

While you can still use the old-fashioned paper-writing strategy, an electronic calculator will be standard by the time they enter high school or earn a STEM degree in college.

7. Electronic clock

Homeschooled children won’t hear alarm bells telling them it’s time for the next subject or lunch. So having an electronic timer is a good way to avoid focusing too much on one topic and neglecting the rest.

You can also use an electronic timer for tests and other related activities. There are many electronic timers that cost less than Php 200, which is enough for your needs.

8. Headphones

Each house has a different number of people and noise levels vary, which can be distracting to students. In such situations, a decent headset will come in handy.

It is important for students attending online classes to hear clearly what the teacher is saying while blocking out the noise. It would also be good to have comfortable headphones so that your ears don’t hurt.

9. E-book reader

Physical books tend to be heavy, bulky, and expensive, so if you don’t have enough space in your home for books for your homeschooled children, an e-book reader such as a Kindle may come in handy.

While physical books are still best for younger children, e-readers are now creating devices that make them “look and feel” like books while being less distracting than iPads or tablets as book substitutes.

Having an e-book reader will also allow you to take as many books with you wherever you go, as long as they are downloaded to the reader.

10. Smartphone

Finally, a smartphone is still one of the most important gadgets you need to have as a homeschool parent because you need documentation of your child’s progress.

Using your smartphone, you can take photos of your children’s physical education classes, scan their documents and results, and contact other homeschooling parents to arrange play dates.

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Homeschooling is now part of the education system and will be even more in demand as many schools struggle to provide quality education while charging for poor teaching. So the ten gadgets listed above will come in handy if you ever decide to homeschool your children.

What can you say about homeschooling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.