In recent years, more parents have started to opt for alternative methods to educate their children. The world keeps evolving, and the education sector is also following suit. You’ll find some schools adding technological studies to their curriculum. Other schools are opting to add new methods like more playtime as a learning tool. Whatever the case, today’s generation cannot get taught using methods of old. As such, a growing population of parents sees Homeschooling as the go-to solution for their children.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling refers to the act of teaching children away from a school setting. It could occur either at the child’s home or a tutoring center. For those who learn at home, it could be their family members that teach them or a hired tutor. The parents would need to create a program for the child to follow. The schedule would mimic that of a school setting, deciding what happens when. Homeschooling parents would also need to select a curriculum to follow for their children.
Other criteria these families need to fulfill is the registration of their children as homeschoolers. The recording of homeschoolers, however, depends on whether your country considers the practice legal. Homeschoolers also need to get tests for their children to ascertain how their learning progresses.
Why choose to Homeschool?
Parents that choose this route do so for a variety of reasons. Perhaps their child cannot cope in a class setting as well as their peers. Another reason could be the parents wish to add extra-curricular activities to their child’s schedule. Every homeschooling household has their reasons for using this alternative method.
Some parents who homeschool do so to offer their children more attention. You’ll mostly notice this in households with special needs children. Such a measure isn’t to say there aren’t learning institutions for special needs individuals. There are simply those parents who prefer being more hands-on with how their children learn.
Another facet of Homeschooling is the need for more personalized education at a lower cost. Different countries run their education systems differently. However, for more individualized attention, those who can afford it choose private schools. Much as these tend to offer broader curriculums and activities, they cost more. As such, those who desire these perks but cannot afford it, choose the homeschooling route.
Challenges that Homeschoolers face
Homeschooling isn’t as easy as solely getting a curriculum and starting to teach. A lot of prepping goes into creating the ideal homeschool environment. Parents have to ensure that even though their children are at home, they have everything they need. Some of the commonly arising challenges for those who are homeschooling include:
- Curriculum selection – Homeschooling curriculums are numerous. Knowing which one would work well requires a lot of research into what each contains. There are online curriculums as well as published curriculums one can select.
- The legality of Homeschooling in your country – Some countries do not accept homeschooling. They view it as a denial of the child’s right to education.
- Schedule creation and follow-up – Since learning occurs in the home setting, some children may find it difficult to adjust. Busy parents may also compromise on lesson plans to maintain their home schedules.
- Less interaction with their peers – Since the children are not in a school setting, it may limit their social interactions.
Is Homeschooling for you?
Determining what would be suitable for your child is your choice as a parent. However, you shouldn’t make the decision lightly. Homeschooling may seem appealing, but it does have its hurdles. These are some questions to consider when deciding whether Homeschooling would work for you:
- Do you have the time and patience to teach?
- Can you afford a tutor for your child?
- Do you know what you’d like to achieve with the homeschooling option?
- Will you give your child adequate time to adjust to the new setup?
- Can you actively seek out activities that allow your child to socialize with their peers?
These questions will guide you towards knowing what’s best for your child and how to achieve it. You’ll also know whether homeschooling would be a plus or a minus for your child.
