Why in the World Home School?

Now, when there are perfectly good (and free) schools out there so why in the world would anyone want to keep those kids at home ALL day? The people that do choose to home school must be the ones that live far out and secluded in the country (or the woods!) with the really long hair and long dresses right? No normal modern day mothers would choose such a daunting task otherwise would they? Well let's see if we can shed some light on this very old-fashioned yet (once again) up-and-coming way of education.

You may be surprised to know all of the advantages that home schooling brings. The bond that the teaching parent and their children develop is probably the greatest advantage! More often than not a stronger bond is formed the more time that is spent together especially with the ones you love. The teaching parent is also the main role model instead of the child's peers. Consider the fact that children are in school approximately seven hours a day where the ratio is approximately 20 to 1 students to adults. Therefore, where would most of their influence come from? When the child is home schooled, they are in the company of parents and siblings for the majority of the day thus their character is developed by family as opposed to their peers. This is huge advantage for you and your children.

Another advantage to home schooling is the one-on-one teaching method. It is far easier for the children to understand their lessons when the teacher is right there and available at a moments notice. As the students get older and the subjects get harder and harder, tutoring is plentiful for the home school family. There are plenty of resources online and with other home school families such as co-ops. It is not as frightening as it may seem to home school a high school student with the multitude of help that is available these days.

The time factor is also a huge advantage to the home schooling family. What takes six hours in the classroom usually will only take two or three at home, again referring to the one-on-one factor. This allows for the children to have more time for play, sports, fieldtrips and other extra-curricular activities. Many parents choose to work a regular job after the schooling is over for the day. Also home schooling does not require 'homework' which frees up more family time in the evenings.

When you home school, you as the parent get to choose what your children learn. Textbooks are continually being modified and edited to remove pertinent information. You can choose the exact curriculum that works best for you and your child. If a particular curriculum does not work for you, it is usually fairly easy to sell. Curriculum comes in all prices. (Some websites even offer curriculum free of charge.) It is also quite normal to change numerous times for just the right fit!

If you are considering home schooling, good for you! Read as much as you can online and as many home schooling how-to books as possible. I also highly recommend attending any live classes that you can find. The more you research, the greater chance of succeeding! And please keep in mind to just take it one year at a time so you will not become overwhelmed. Good Luck!