Ways to Foster Independent Learning

Encouraging independence in your children will be one of the most beneficial things you could do for them – and YOU. Finding ways to foster independent learning is a great way to start.

Many times we fall into the rabbit hole, even when your children are very little, of entertaining our kids. I know that many families do this because I hear kids say they are “bored” a lot.

As we gradually help foster independent learning in our children, they learn to think for themselves, solving issues like being bored.

Here are a few ways to foster independent learning and an environment that builds confidence in kids:

Organization.

The truth is that being organized can establish the foundation for your students to be organized as well. You can first start with schedule charts and to-do lists.

For little ones, you can download a free picture chart. So routine and schedules can be taught with charts and lists even for your little kids.

Encouraging order and organization will get your students into and used to a routine that gradually develops the habit of independent responsibility.

Here are some tools that can help your kids get organized:

8 Ways to Train Your Kids to Keep an Organized Homeschool

FREE Printable Planners for Kids

FREE Printable Routine Cards for Kids

Homeschool Planners and Binder Printables

Develop a morning routine.

When I worked as an early learning teacher, my whole first week was focused mostly on setting routines and going over rules. By the second week of school students knew what they needed to do because of the morning routine I had set out and expected.

Even as tiny humans they automatically knew things like going to centers before circle time when getting to class. My students knew when circle time was and they went there on their own (for the most part).

Morning baskets are perfect for fostering independent learning. Have a morning basket that students know to go to every morning. Change it up periodically.

FREE Morning Basket Resources

What’s a Morning Basket & Why You Need One

Bringing Multiple Age Siblings Together with a Morning Basket

FREE Kindergarten Morning Binder Pack

Books, books, books.

Foster an environment that embraces a love of reading. Start getting kids to read and read as often as possible. Always ask questions, and gradually move towards, assigning reports, essay questions, and critical-thinking questions, etc.

Daily Bible Reading Plan For Kids + FREE Printable | Wildly Anchored

Vary your teaching methods for varying learning styles.

Some kids are visual learners and some need hands-on learning activities. Most of our kids do well with a mixture of all different resources and tools to make a lasting learning experience.

Use these helpful resources to encourage independence in learning for your homeschoolers:

Independent, Open & Go Curriculum that Doesn’t Need a Teacher’s Guide

GIANT List of Easy and Independent Crafts for Kids

Practical Strategies for Independent Learning

Homeschool Planner to Encourage Independent Learning

Encouraging Independent Math Learning

Virtual School for Families: Independent Learning Activities for Children 3-8 | Journeys Through Teaching

Teach Students How to Watch Instructional Videos | Reading and Writing Haven

Stop Entertaining Your Toddler (13 Genius Tricks to Boost Independent Play) | Deb Takes Her Life Back

FREE Editable Choice Boards for Learning at Home or Distance Learning | Alleah Maree

Fresh Independent Activities for Toddlers on The Budget | Craft, Learn, & Play

Best Educational YouTube Channels for Homeschooling | Where Did My Sanity Go?

FREE Learning Websites for Kids | Teachable Moments

Top 100 FREE Education Sites | Help Teaching

Independent Station Work in Kindergarten | Mrs Wills Kindergarten

100 Best Learning Apps by Subject | Teach Beside Me

Independent Learning Activities for Children | Homeschool with Love

How to Do Independent Projects with Your Middle School Child | Adventures in Mommydom

How to Teach Your Homeschooler to Work Independently (FREE Printable To-Do Lists) | Only Passionate Curiosity

Grab a few more of our resources to learn about encouraging independence in your students:

How to Raise Independent Children

Naturally, we have walked our kids through homeschooling every step of the way. So, when it’s time to motivate them in more autonomous tasks it can get pretty challenging.

As life keeps gets busier or we have more children, we understand the need for us to encourage our kids in this skill more intentionally. The best part of developing independence in our children is that it also prepares them for adulthood.

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Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!