Maybe you have never heard what is home schooling, or maybe you want to start homeschooling your child but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Every year, more and more families are opting to homeschool their children for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re not happy with your local school district. Maybe you want to provide a more religious or secular education than what’s available at public schools. Or maybe you simply want to have more control over what your child learns and how they learn it. Whatever your reasons, homeschooling can be a great option for some families who are willing to put in the time and effort.
But homeschooling is not without its challenges. It can be expensive, it can be isolating, and it can be a lot of work. Before you make the decision to homeschool, it’s important to do your research and make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the basics of homeschooling so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your family.
Characteristics of Homeschooling Families
1. More Family Time
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that families have more time together. With both parents working and children in school, it can be difficult for families to find time to spend together. Homeschooling allows parents to spend more time with their children and get to know them on a deeper level.
2. Stronger Parent-Child Bond
Since homeschooled children spend more time with their parents, they often have a stronger bond than those who attend traditional schools. This bond can be beneficial as it can lead to a greater sense of trust and communication between parent and child.
3. Customized Education
Homeschooled students have the benefit of a customized education that is tailored to their individual needs and interests. Parents can choose the curriculum and materials that they feel will best suit their child’s needs and learning style. This customization is not possible in a traditional school setting where all students are required to learn the same material in the same way.
4. More One-on-One Attention
Another advantage of homeschooling is that students receive more one-on-one attention from their parents than they would in a traditional school setting. In a classroom of 30 students, it is difficult for a teacher to give each student the individual attention they need. However, homeschooled students typically receive much more personalized instruction from their parents.
5. Increased Flexibility
Homeschooling also offers increased flexibility when it comes to scheduling and pacing. Parents can tailor the homeschool day to fit their family’s needs and schedule. For example, if a family takes a trip during the school year, they can easily incorporate that into their homeschool curriculum rather than having to miss school or makeup work later on. Additionally, if a child is struggling with a particular concept, they can take extra time to master it without feeling pressure to keep up with the rest of the class.
6. Fewer Distractions
In a traditional school setting, there are many distractions that can interfere with learning such as noise from other students, social pressures, and peer pressure. Homeschooled students are less likely to be distracted by these things as they are typically learning in a quiet environment at their own pace. This can lead to improved focus and concentration, which can lead to better academic results.
7. More Opportunities for Socialization
Homeschooled students often have more opportunities for socialization than those who attend traditional schools. Homeschooled children typically participate in extracurricular activities and clubs outside of the home, which gives them the chance to interact with other children their age. Additionally, many homeschooling families connect with other homeschooling families in their area, which provides additional social opportunities for children
How to Begin Homeschooling
The article How to Start Homeschooling provides guidance on how to begin homeschooling your children. It advises seeking out local homeschooling communities for support and resources, researching homeschooling laws and requirements in your state or country, choosing a learning philosophy and method that align with your parenting style and your child’s needs, getting organized by creating a schedule, finding resources, and setting goals, and finding resources for curriculum and materials. The article also suggests setting up a dedicated homeschool space and finding activities and resources for socialization and extracurricular activities.
Different Homeschool Programs
There are many different programs and approaches that homeschool families can use when homeschooling their children. Some common options include:
Online Programs
There are a number of online programs for homeschooling that offer a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades K-12. These programs typically include all core subjects, such as math, science, English, and social studies. Many online homeschool programs also offer electives, such as art, music, and foreign language.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs combine online and offline learning. These programs typically include a mix of online and offline coursework, with the majority of the curriculum being delivered online. Students in hybrid homeschool programs typically have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs.
Virtual Schools
Virtual schools are public or private schools that deliver all of their instruction online. Homeschooled children enrolled in virtual schools have the same opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics as their peers in traditional schools. Additionally, many virtual schools offer dual enrollment options, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.
Homeschool Co-ops
Homeschooling co-ops, or cooperatives, are groups of homeschooling families who come together to share resources, support, and educational experiences. Co-ops may offer structured learning environment, field trips, and other educational opportunities for homeschooled children.
Homeschooling Philosophies
There are many different philosophies that underpin homeschooling, or the practice of educating children at home rather than sending them to a traditional school setting. It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the many different philosophies of homeschooling, and families may choose to follow a specific philosophy or a combination of philosophies in their homeschooling approach.
Traditional
Traditional programs are those in which the students are primarily educated at home by homeschool parents or tutor. These programs can be customized to meet the individual needs of the student and often allow for a great deal of flexibility in terms of scheduling and curriculum.
Unschooling
Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that does not follow a set curriculum or schedule. Instead, homeschooled children are free to pursue their own interests and learn at their own pace. Unschooling is often seen as a more relaxed approach to homeschooling, and it can be beneficial for students who learn best through exploration and hands-on learning.
Charlotte Mason
This philosophy emphasizes the importance of a child’s education being grounded in real-life experiences and the natural world. It emphasizes the use of living books (books written by experts in a particular field), hands-on learning, and the arts.
Montessori
This philosophy is based on the work of Maria Montessori and emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, hands-on materials, and a child-centered approach to education.
Classical
This philosophy of homeschooling is based on the traditional liberal arts education and emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education, including subjects such as literature, history, math, science, and the arts.
Eclectic
This approach to homeschooling involves a mix of different philosophies and approaches, tailored to the needs and interests of the individual child or family.
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
There are both pros and cons to homeschooling. It’s important to weigh both sides carefully before making a decision. For example, it allows for a flexible schedule and it creates a strong parent and child bond because of personalized attention. However, on the other hand, there are some potential downsides to consider as well. For example, homeschooling takes a significant amount of time and effort on the part of the parent or parents doing the teaching.
Tips for Homeschool Parents
During the homeschooling journey, try to stay organized, set a schedule, and try stick to it. But at the same time, it’s important to be flexible when home school your children, as there will inevitably be days when things don’t go according to plan. Keep learning fun and engaging for the whole family. Take some breaks and don’t let yourself be so frustrated. For more tips, check out our detailed list of tips for homeschooling that can help you.
Public or Private School: What to Choose
It’s difficult to say which is the “best” option between public or private school, as it really depends on the individual needs and circumstances of the student and their family. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between public and private school:
Cost: Private schools often have higher tuition fees than public schools, which may not be feasible for all families.
Curriculum and teaching methods: Public and private schools may have different approaches to curriculum and teaching methods. It’s important to research and understand the differences to determine which approach aligns more closely with your child’s learning style and goals.
Extracurricular activities: Both public and private schools may offer a variety of extracurricular activities, but the options may vary. Consider your child’s interests and consider if a particular school has the programs they are interested in.
Location and convenience: Public schools are generally required to serve students within a certain geographic area, so it’s important to consider the location and transportation options when deciding on a school. Private schools may have more flexibility in terms of location.
Ultimately, the “best” school for your child will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. It may be helpful to visit schools in person and speak with teachers, administrators, and other parents to get a better sense of the school’s culture and atmosphere.
Can you recommend some homeschool curriculum providers for beginners?
Looking for the best homeschool curriculum providers for beginners? Look no further! We have curated a list of reputable companies that offer top-notch materials and resources tailored to suit beginners in homeschooling. These providers prioritize comprehensive lesson plans, interactive activities, and engaging content to ensure a fulfilling educational journey for your child.
Conclusion – What is Home Schooling
Homeschooling is a big decision, but it can be a great option for families who are willing to put in the time and effort required. It’s important to do your research before making any decisions, but once you’ve decided that homeschooling is right for you there are plenty of resources available online—and offline—to help you get started!