If you’re like most homeschool moms (or dads) you don’t have much time during the day to get on social media. But, what if I told you that I could teach you how to homeschool with Instagram.
Instagram is one of my favorite social media outlets. I love scrolling through and looking at all the photos which are posted…from teaching post to photography. Using the same idea, you can also bring some creativity into your homeschool by using Instagram. Just follow hashtags associated with homeschooling and you’ll be well on your way to Homeschooling with Instagram.
What is a Hashtag and How is it used?
A hashtag is the pound symbol or number sign. For the purposes of social media, it is used to promote a topic or organize a topic. In the instance of Instagram and homeschooling, someone would search a hashtag(#)with the word they are wanting to browse. For example, if you are working on lesson plans for a science unit, simply type in #science. A plethora of options will come up for you.
Very User-Friendly
It’s also smartphone-friendly, and I don’t know about you, but I always have my phone on me for the most part. In the middle of a lesson and need to look up something as a lesson extension, pull out your phone and search the # and the topic.
You can also tag people who are your “friends” or followers on Instagram by using the @ symbol. For example, if you wanted me to see something you posted you would type @heritage_homeschool_academy and it would tag me in your post.
Follow Other Homeschoolers
Search and follow other homeschoolers on Instagram and make connections with them. You can do this by liking and or commenting on their photos and post. You will be surprised how many ideas you can get for your own homeschool by seeing what others are doing.
Also, if you see a photo or post about a particular curriculum or project don’t be afraid to ask about it. Homeschoolers are very friendly and will gladly offer help or suggestions.
Follow Subjects
What exactly does this mean? Well, when you go into Instagram you can search for topics to follow. By doing this, you are setting yourself up for success. This helps give you inspiration for activities to do with your child. It may show a different curriculum that you have not heard of or you may see a video of a teaching style that would really help your child. Don’t forget Instagram is NOT just photos anymore. Here are some of my favorite subjects to follow as a homeschool teacher.
- #homeschoolmath
- #homeschoolhistory
- #homeschoolscience
- #homeschoolcurriculum
In addition to following course subjects, you can also follow your kid’s favorite author. Many authors have Instagram pages and update them regularly with current book information. Check out the following:
- #childrensauthorsofinstagram
- #childrensauthors
Try Looking For Fun Projects
Projects are a great way to break the monotony of everyday book work. Instagram is a wonderful way to find inspiration for fun project ideas. Homeschoolers all over are doing projects and posting photos just waiting for you to look at them. What are you waiting for?
Create Your Homeschool Portfolio Using Instagram
First things first, please check your state’s guidelines to make sure that you are doing things legally. In my state, we have pretty lenient rules on portfolios so this is a fabulous idea!
Now that we have that out of the way, get that camera out ( or your phone) and snap away. Take a photo of all the fun things your children are doing throughout their school day. Post some pics of that awesome field trip or co-op event.
Make it a goal to post at least one photo a day with a good description. Going back through these pics will be great fun!
Do You Need Some Ideas in the Kitchen?
While you’re perusing Instagram getting curriculum and project ideas, don’t miss out on the ample opportunities to help yourself out in the kitchen. We all know that most homeschool moms spend the majority of their day in the kitchen or at least preparing meals. Use Instagram and get some new ideas for recipes. Follow quick and easy recipes or if you really like to cook ( unlike myself) you can find gourmet meals to fit your style.
Discover Ideas for Writing
Browse Instagram for really cool and funky photos and use them as writing prompts for your kids. This can be done at any age group. Search for age/grade appropriate photos and now you have some writing assignments waiting to happen.
Keep about 10 of these in your “collection” on Instagram to have when you are ready to use it. To save to your collection, click the banner icon on the bottom right of the photo. This will allow you to create folders.
Instagram to Broaden Horizons
Instagram can help broaden cultural knowledge for your children. There are many organizations to follow that will show how other cultures live. One of the organizations that I personally follow is Compassion International. I happen to sponsor a young girl from Tanzania and it keeps me in contact with what the company is doing on a regular basis. Another good organization is Samaritans Purse, this is the company that does the shoeboxes for Christmas. My class has done these and loved tracking them.
Parents and also follow humanitarians as well as photojournalists so that their children get a view of the world from the lens.
Homeschool Hashtags
The homeschool community is growing every year and is very well represented on all platforms of social media. Take some time to explore Instagram and follow some hashtags that will fit with your family’s style.
One of my favorite homeschool hashtags is #homeschoolorganization. I get so many great ideas from this page. I could literally spend hours just scrolling and scrolling. Give me a soft blanket on the sofa and Instagram…who needs Hallmark! Ha!
Here are a few that I personally follow in order to get inspiration from:
- #homeschoolingideas
- #homeschooldyslexia
- #homeschoolmiddleschool
- #homeschoolmoms
- #homeschooling
- #homeschoolorganization
Word of Warning
As with anything, but especially social media I would strongly advise parents to preview all of the hashtags and photos without children looking over your shoulders. Although most of the homeschool hashtags are pretty family-oriented, it is always better to veer on the side of caution.
Unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions. Beware!
Social media has changed the way we all interact with each other. Today, with a few keystrokes you can interact with people from all over the world who homeschool. Take the opportunity and use it to your advantage, even teacher website giant, www.weareteachers.com has articles on how to use Instagram in your classroom and get your Insta-fix!! Make your own family hashtag and start sharing. Follow me @ #thathomeschoolteacher.
Check out my other post about homeschooling with Youtube and homeschooling with a Kindle.