Implementing the One Thing Principle in your homeschool can be a powerful way to simplify your routine and create a more focused and engaging learning environment. Here are some strategies to help you apply the One Thing Principle effectively in your homeschool:
Looking for more information about homeschooling? Check out these articles: Ease Into the Homeschool Year: Why Starting Slowly Benefits Both Parents and Children and Relaxed Homeschooling: What It Is and Why You Want To Do It
What is the One Thing Principle?
The One Thing Principle is an approach to homeschooling embraced by Julie Bogart, founder of Brave Writer, that emphasizes the value of focusing on one task at a time. This means setting aside distractions and dedicating your attention to the task at hand.
This approach allows homeschoolers to prioritize their learning objectives more effectively and progress more quickly through their coursework.
Additionally, by concentrating on one thing at a time, students can become better problem solvers and thinkers since they will be able to practice breaking down complex tasks into smaller, easier-to-manage components.
Ultimately, the One Thing Principle encourages homeschoolers to limit the scope of their work so that they can focus their efforts on fewer tasks and make more meaningful progress in their studies.
Plus, homeschooling is much easier for us parents when we can focus on doing one thing well with our kids.
Benefits of the One Thing Principle
By concentrating on one subject or activity daily, parents and children can achieve the following benefits:
Enhanced focus
Focusing on a single task allows parents and children to fully immerse themselves in the subject matter, free from distractions and the need to rush through multiple activities. This enhanced focus leads to a richer understanding and appreciation of the material.
Deeper learning
The One Thing Principle encourages children to delve deeper into subjects, exploring concepts and ideas more thoroughly. This depth of learning fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
Reduced stress and burnout
By narrowing the focus to one activity or goal per day, parents and children can avoid the stress and burnout that often result from juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. This approach promotes a more relaxed and enjoyable homeschooling experience for the whole family.
Greater retention
Children can absorb and retain information more effectively by dedicating time and energy to a single task. The One Thing Principle allows for repetition and reinforcement of concepts crucial for long-term memory and understanding.
Tailored learning experiences
Focusing on one activity per day enables parents to customize the learning experience based on their child’s interests, abilities, and learning styles. This personalized approach helps children to engage more deeply with the material, leading to greater satisfaction and success in their learning.
Increased creativity and exploration
The One Thing Principle allows children to explore their interests in greater depth, sparking creativity and a passion for learning. By allowing time for open-ended exploration, children can make connections between subjects, develop new ideas, and cultivate their unique talents and passions.
Applying the One Thing Principle in Your Homeschool
Implementing the One Thing Principle in your homeschool can be a powerful way to simplify your routine and create a more focused and engaging learning environment.
Here are some strategies to help you apply the One Thing Principle effectively in your homeschool:
Prioritize subjects or activities
Begin by identifying the subjects or activities that are most important for your child’s learning and development. Make a list of these priorities and use it to guide your planning.
Create a flexible schedule
Design a weekly or monthly schedule focusing on one subject or activity daily. This schedule should be flexible and adaptable, allowing for necessary changes and adjustments. Be sure to allocate time for breaks, free play, and extracurricular activities.
Set daily goals
For each day, establish a specific goal or learning objective related to the chosen subject or activity. This could be mastering a new math concept, completing a writing assignment, or exploring a new topic in history or science. Make sure the goals are realistic and achievable within the time frame.
Dedicate focused time
Allocate a specific time each day for your child to work on the chosen subject or activity. During this time, eliminate distractions and provide a supportive environment where your child can fully engage with the material.
Engage in deep learning
Encourage your child to delve deeper into the subject matter by asking open-ended questions, encouraging critical thinking, and providing resources for further exploration. Facilitate hands-on learning, discussion, and creative expression to help your child develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.
Reflect on progress
At the end of each day, take time to reflect on your child’s progress and accomplishments. Discuss any challenges or successes and adjust your goals and schedule as needed.
Rotate subjects or activities
To ensure a well-rounded education, rotate through different subjects or activities throughout the week or month. This will expose your child to a variety of topics and experiences while still maintaining the focused approach of the One Thing Principle.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the One Thing Principle can transform the homeschool experience, creating a more relaxed, focused, and effective learning environment for both parents and children. By prioritizing depth and focus over multitasking and rigid schedules, families can foster a love of learning, encourage curiosity, and achieve greater success in their homeschooling journey.
Do you need more help leaning into a relaxed homeschool mindset? I’m here to help you – let’s chat!
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and Holistic Homeschool Mindset Coach. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
