Why you should use online classes for homeschool electives
How adding online electives to your homeschooling plan ads fun breaks, encourages independent learning, and can take some work off your plate.
Including elective classes in your homeschool curriculum is a great way to break up the day and provide variety in your learning structure. Many elective classes give your child a chance to express themselves creatively and explore their interests.
Better still, implementing an elective into your schedule doesn’t have to be labor-intensive. Choosing an online elective class can help you outsource top-notch content without the challenging task of planning to teach an additional course. Offering online classes to supplement your curriculum can even give you a much-needed break during your teaching day.
Let’s explore what elective classes are, and how you can effortlessly implement them into your curriculum.
Why offer elective classes in your homeschooling?
As the name implies, elective classes are optional courses added to your core curriculum and a great way to empower your learner with choice as you select elective topics together. Consider your child’s interests and strengths when providing options to keep them motivated, and let your child have a say in the selection to boost engagement even more.
Elective courses provide a great opportunity to implement art and technology education into the curriculum, as well. And if you select a group class, an elective can provide great socialization opportunities.
Electives can add variety and enrichment to your homeschool curriculum, and online classes allow you to seamlessly add them into your day. Online classes allow you to learn from experts in their field from the convenience of your own home.
For example, you can invite your child to explore their interests and develop new skills with an online elective class. Maybe they’ve always wanted to learn dance, take music lessons, draw Anime, or learn how to build a robot. Start with a one-time class and see how they like it.
Benefits of online electives for kids
Online classes give your child ownership over their learning and build on their interests. Let’s explore the many benefits of online elective classes.
Convenience
Online classes can’t be beat in convenience and efficiency. A virtual class where your child can log in and learn anywhere capitalizes on the freedom homeschool families know and love. Busy families will appreciate a quality educational supplement that doesn’t require any traveling or in-person requirements.
As an added bonus, an online elective class can give homeschool parents a break to catch up on other tasks during the day’s lessons.
Variety
Most homeschool curriculum suites offer only a few elective choices. But options like Outschool give you access to thousands of classes on Outschool, so your kids can learn and study anything that sparks their interest. From coding to crafts and everything in between, your family is sure to find a fun topic to boost engagement and creativity.
Your child can explore new hobbies and find their passion by trying out different elective classes.
Expertise
When selecting an online class, consider the instructor’s experience. All Outschool teachers get to choose what topics to teach, and many are pros in their field and teach what they know and love.
For example, your kids can learn cartwheels with a retired Olympian, or get a crash course in cooking with a professionally trained chef. With Outschool’s transparent parent ratings and teacher bios, you can find a highly-rated, expert-taught class in no time.
Socialization
Most homeschool families agree that socialization is important to prioritize. Online group classes are a great way to offer connection with peers. Since learners participate all over the world, your child will engage with new perspectives outside your community.
You can even find social clubs designed to create a safe space for your child to interact and connect with their peers for increased self-esteem and communication skills.
Affordability
Online elective classes are an affordable way to supplement your homeschool curriculum. Most classes cost less than in-person extracurricular activities, such as sports, and can add value and motivation to your child’s learning day.
Online elective class ideas
The element of choice is the true beauty of elective classes. Outschool offers a variety of unique online classes to add enriching electives to your child’s learning. 5-star rated class options include:
Arts and crafts classes
Have an artsy learner? Play into their artistic side with online arts & crafts classes. Class topics include:
Technology classes
There’s no denying that STEM-based lessons contribute to a well-rounded education. Engage your child’s tech-savvy spirit with a technology-based elective. A few unique online technology classes include:
Life skills classes
Online life skills classes are a great way to teach your child practical life skills in a fun way. Here are a few great ideas to help your child grow:
Games
Introducing play-based learning and games into the school schedule boosts learning. Additionally, researchers demonstrated increased productivity and reduced stress when students participate in brain breaks throughout the learning day.
Insert some fun into your child’s weekly schedule with online games and activities like these unique classes:
Why Outschool?
You can find all of these great class ideas and much more on Outschool. Children are innately curious. Ignite that curiosity while exploring a new topic with an online elective class.
With affordable and convenient class options and transparent parent reviews, you can feel confident as you select a fun and engaging online elective class to supplement your homeschool curriculum. Find a top-rated class on Outschool today.
