Homeschooling – advantages and disadvantages
After homeschooling our eldest child we have run into some advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling.
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling, also known as home education, is an approach to education where parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. It involves providing a comprehensive education that can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the child.
Homeschooling can be conducted in various ways. Some families follow a structured curriculum with specific lesson plans, textbooks, and assignments, while others adopt a more flexible and child-led approach, allowing the child’s interests and learning style to guide the educational process.
Advantages
Advantage of homeschooling: Flexibility
There is the flexibility to adapt to your Childs needs, something that is much harder to get in a traditional classroom.
Parents are able to tailor their child’s learning experience according to individual interests and skill levels, as well as customize their curriculum and lesson plans in order to meet their needs. This type of customizability allows parents the opportunity to explore different subjects, styles of teaching, and educational approaches that may not otherwise be available.
Homeschooling also provides the freedom to explore topics in greater depth and more quickly move past materials that are already understood or mastered, allowing for a more efficient learning experience. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to take breaks on days when needed and allows parents to provide their children with an education that is tailored to their individual goals. The flexibility of homeschooling is unmatched and offers parents and students an opportunity to truly shape their educational experience.
In addition to the above advantages, homeschool flexibility also allows for greater involvement from both parents and children in the learning process. Parents have the unique ability to actively participate in their child’s education, creating a more authentic and engaged learning environment. Children can take a more active role in their own learning, as parents can set up self-directed projects and tasks tailored to each student’s interests. This type of involvement helps children develop the skills necessary to become independent learners, while also providing them with an opportunity to explore topics that are meaningful and relevant to them.
There is also schedule flexibility you get from homeschooling is defiantly something we have enjoyed. When we want to go on a vacation, it can be as long as whenever it suits us. When we feel like a trip to the zoo or going to the park and enjoying the beautiful day, we can. We can avoid busy times on the weekend or during school holidays. This was an extra perk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advantage of homeschooling: Individualized Learning
Traditional schools can leave a child feeling frustrated if they are left behind or bored if they find what is being taught easy. Tailoring the educational experience to your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests, providing personalized instruction and support.
This can also mean relating tops to an interest. For example, my eldest son LOVES dinosaurs, so whenever we can we can relate the task to dinosaurs (count the dinosaur eggs, how many dinosaurs are red… etc). This is such a great way to learn and to teach!
Homeschooling gives the opportunity for one-on-one instruction, enabling parents to focus on their child’s specific learning needs and provide immediate feedback.
Another advantage of homeschooling is the freedom for parents to make decisions regarding key aspects of education. This includes the ability to select personalized curricula and resources, enabling their child to learn various subjects or explore different perspectives.
Rather than adhering to a rigid grade level, parents can support their child’s learning at a pace that aligns with their readiness. For instance, a child might excel in reading at one level while tackling math at a different level. Homeschooling also allows for the creation of a customized schedule that suits the child’s and family’s needs.
In many states, parents can even establish their own graduation requirements, empowering teenagers to prepare for their desired path, whether it be the workforce, a creative pursuit, or college, with a high school experience tailored to their individual needs. Moreover, there are even advantages to initiating homeschooling during the high school years.
Advantage of homeschooling: No homework
I find it extremely sad the amount of homework given to children. They spend so much time at school and then have to come home and do more! They should be playing and enjoying their childhood. This was defiantly a big reason for our family to home-school.
Advantage of homeschooling: Health
Make moving a priority. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities, such as playing outdoors, participating in dance and sports, connecting with nature, incorporating movement into academic learning, and dedicating time for skill development, which can boost their confidence.
Prioritize mental health. When a child is facing challenges related to anxiety, social anxiety, depression, or cognitive well-being, homeschooling offers the advantage of placing emphasis on their mental and emotional wellness. Parents can prioritize therapy, coping strategies, and medical care, which in turn can facilitate the desired academic progress in their child.
Escape an unfavorable situation. Occasionally, mental health concerns can be linked to adverse experiences in traditional schools. Homeschooling offers the advantage of removing a child from such circumstances. This can provide safety from bullying, alleviate stress caused by the school environment, offer a fresh perspective on school refusal, and foster enhanced self-acceptance and self-connection. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the ability to opt for it temporarily in order to create a more favorable situation for your child.
Give sleep the importance it deserves. Ensure that both your child and yourself get sufficient sleep and allow them to wake up naturally. Plan sleep schedules around their activities and be flexible with teenagers’ changing sleep patterns as they tend to stay up later and sleep in.
Handle illness effectively. Support your child’s recovery from illness by setting reasonable expectations, avoiding unnecessary tasks, and reducing stress related to falling behind. Remember that healing, recovery, and coping should take precedence during this time.
Disadvantages
Disadvantage of homeschooling: Time commitment
Homeschooling requires a significant investment of time and effort from parents or guardians who must take on the responsibilities of planning, teaching, and assessing their child’s education.
Disadvantage of homeschooling: Getting a break
Parents are with their children a lot more than they would be if they were sent to school. This can sometimes mean feeling like you need a break, away from your children. This can be helped by drop-off classes.
FAQ
How do I get started homeschooling?
In most cases, the process of homeschooling begins by informing the relevant local school district about the decision to educate children at home. Similar to public schooling, homeschooling is subject to state regulations, so parents should be aware of the specific requirements in their state if any exist.
To gather information about local regulations and explore the range of opportunities such as activities, classes, and events in the vicinity, it is advisable to establish connections with other homeschooling families within the local community. Interacting with local homeschoolers is an excellent means to gain insights into the specific requirements and discover the various resources available nearby.
How do you start homeschooling for beginners?
Your Child’s education is not something you just jump into without extensive research.
A recommended guide can be found here
What is the biggest problem with homeschooling?
The hardest thing we have found is the separation of the role of parent and teacher.
How many subjects a day for homeschooling should be done?
The parent gets to choose. This will depend on the age of the child and how long it takes to finish lessons.
It’s worth noting that homeschooling is a personal choice, and families should carefully consider their unique circumstances, resources, and educational goals before deciding whether it is the right option for their children.
