Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Homeschool dads need to get involved in their children’s education—but that can be hard, when mom stays home during the day and directs the homeschooling program. Mike, can you share some practical suggestions for how those dads can get involved?

Mike Donnelly:
Mike, I ask my children daily what they’re learning, and I stay connected during the day by calling home at least once. Sometimes I’m being called by my wife when there are issues I need to deal with. But this helps my children be focused and aware that I’m paying attention to what they’re doing, and this allows me to follow up later on at dinner to learn more about what they learned during the day.

Two to three times a week, I look at their work, and I try to correct it. And that helps me stay in touch with what they’re learning and catch problems my wife may have missed. I noticed recently that one of my sons was having problems with fractions, and so I was able to help put together a remedial program that got him back on track.

For history, I read G.A. Henty historical fiction novels to my sons every night at bedtime. This enriches their understanding of history and the important events that have helped shape the world. The books are exciting and give us opportunities to discuss important events and character lessons, because these characters in the stories are always off doing exciting things and rescuing their father who may have been captured by the bad guys or fighting in battle.

Mike Smith:
Mike, thank you for sharing your plan of action with other homeschool dads today. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.