Homeschooling is more than just an educational choice; it is a lifestyle that more families embrace yearly. But why homeschool? What makes this approach so appealing? Whether new to the idea or already on the path, this guide will walk you through my real-life perspective of a experienced homeschooling parent.
I had always planned to homeschool. I started doing educational events and practices early. Children develop in huge leaps and bounds within the first 5 years of life and are quite capable of being taught valuable lessons young. However, life had gotten in the way of that plan as for most it does. My children did attend a small school community when they were younger. As my life got more organized and settled we were making our way to the homeschool style when COVID struck finding out very quickly we weren’t happy with the old way. Please don’t misunderstand that I am against the public school system. This was a choice I made that I felt was best for our family.
Flexibility and Freedom in Learning
One of the reasons I fell in love with homeschooling is the unparalleled flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional schooling, where the curriculum and schedule are rigidly set, homeschooling allows you to tailor the learning experience to fit your family’s unique needs. My children were being tested and/or quizzed almost daily in one subject or another within 2 weeks of them being back in school. The level of homework was also exhausting. It left very little time for life. Homeschooling provides the freedom to design a schedule that works best for your family and your child’s natural rhythms. Homeschooling allows you to focus on their strengths and passions, providing a truly personalized education.
A Safe and Nurturing Environment
Another significant advantage of homeschooling is the safe and nurturing environment it provides. Many parents today are concerned about bullying, peer pressure, and safety in schools. I know I am, Homeschooling, removes these worries, offering a secure space where your child can learn and grow without the distractions or anxieties often found in traditional schools. This environment also allows for stronger bonds. There are conversations we’ve had that not only have given me a different perspective but a clearer understanding of the way they learn and process information. It’s a nurturing setting where children can thrive, both academically and emotionally.
Tailored Education for Child’s Needs
Every child is unique, and one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the ability to provide a personalized education that caters to their individual needs. In a traditional classroom, it’s challenging for a single teacher to reach approximately 20 or more students with any specific learning style. However, in a homeschool setting, you can adapt your teaching methods to fit your child’s way of learning. Does your child learn best through hands-on activities? You can incorporate more experiments, projects, and field trips into your curriculum. Or perhaps they’re a visual learner who benefits from videos and graphic organizers. Additionally, homeschooling allows you to progress at your child’s pace. So, If your children need more time to grasp a concept, you can slow it down or adjust how they learn it. Sometimes it makes all the difference. A great example for this is my own children. My daughter loves science however her spelling is not the best. She was ahead in a particular subject but behind in others. My son is more hands-on. He loves to make experiments, use visual aids, and construct things. He also preferred book learning as to the online education.
Control Over Curriculum and Values
This area was where we had one of the biggest reasons for the change. Homeschooling gives parents control over the curriculum and the values being taught. In traditional schools, parents have little say in what their children learn or how subjects are presented. Whether you want to incorporate religious studies, emphasize critical thinking, or teach life skills alongside academics, homeschooling gives you the freedom to design a curriculum that reflects your family’s priorities. We seen some skills weren’t taught anymore in school and others that needed to be taught. We have been able to add and adjust for those we desired to have the children learn and some they wanted to learn. Making it truly fun, interesting adventure.
Enhanced Socialization Opportunities
A common misconception about homeschooling is that it limits socialization. In reality, homeschooling can provide rich and diverse social experiences. Without being confined to a classroom with peers of the same age, homeschooled children interact with a broader range of people, including other homeschoolers, community members, and professionals. This was a big worry for us, however, it isn’t as closed off as people think.
There is a bunch of homeschooling families out there and often participate in co-ops, group classes, and extracurricular activities where children can make friends and develop social skills. We have also done these through sports teams, dance, gyms, online groups, or volunteering, homeschooled children have ample opportunities to socialize and build meaningful relationships.
Strong Academic Performance and College Readiness
All homeschooled families have the same concern about academic performance and college. Studies have shown that homeschooled students tend to score higher on standardized tests and are well-prepared for college. This success is largely due to the individualized attention and tailored education they receive at home. They learn to take responsibility for their education, developing strong study habits and time management skills that serve them well in college and beyond. Moreover, many colleges and universities actively seek out homeschooled students, recognizing the unique strengths they bring to higher education. With the right preparation, homeschooled students can seamlessly transition to college, equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Freedom to Explore Interests and Passions
Another great benefit of homeschooling is the freedom it gives your child to explore their interests and passions. Traditional schools often have a one-size-fits-all approach, with little room for students to dive deep into subjects they’re passionate about. Homeschooling, on the other hand, allows your child to pursue their interests with enthusiasm and dedication.
Is your child fascinated by robotics? You can build an entire unit around it, complete with projects, competitions, and field trips. Or maybe they have a love for literature. Homeschooling lets them explore classic and contemporary works, write their own stories, and even start a blog or book club. This was so much fun for the children. They feel so included and really have taken the time to gain interest in so many different things over the years. From mechanics, woodworking, medicine and dog training were just a few of my own children’s interest. Having this freedom has allowed them to explore, making learning more enjoyable but also helped students discover their strengths and potential career paths.
Strengthened Family Bonds
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s also about family. When you homeschool, you spend more time together as a family, learning, growing, and creating memories. This time together allows you as parents to play a more active role in their children’s education and upbringing. Additionally, homeschooling gives families the flexibility to travel, explore new places, and learn together outside the confines of a traditional school schedule. We do this frequently, it’s a road trip to visit historical sites or a family project that involves everyone. We’ve gone to museums, factories, historical sites. We strive to keep curious and learn things from different perspectives.
A Path to Lifelong Learning
Finally, one of the most profound reasons why more parents are choosing to homeschool is that it fosters a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Homeschooling encourages children to take ownership of their education, ask questions, seek out knowledge, and become self-directed learners. In a homeschool environment, learning isn’t confined to a classroom or a school day. We engage in education in all kinds of places and different times. Whether it’s through reading, a documentary, exploring nature, field trips, engaging in hobbies, or traveling, homeschooled children learn to see the world as their classroom and ask why or how. This mindset of lifelong learning is one of the greatest gifts homeschooling can give. It prepares students for academic success and a fulfilling, inquisitive, and engaged life. And isn’t that what education is truly about?
Its different but oh so fun,
Homeschooling has offered us a wealth of benefits that go far beyond academics. The flexibility and freedom it provides to the personalized education and strengthened family bonds, there are countless reasons why we love homeschool. Our homeschooling journey has been insightful, engaging, and rewarding. We don’t have a traditional classroom but monthly. We have a board we decorate together for the month for fun. We love buying supplies for our school year. Nothing like your child getting excited that their books arrived. Asking them what they would like to learn about and getting a genuine response. If you’re considering homeschooling, remember that it’s not just about schooling at home—it’s about creating an environment where your child can thrive, explore, and grow into the person they’re meant to be.
