It’s an ongoing debate - are children positively or negatively affected by being homeschooled? We discuss the pros and cons of educating your child at home, as opposed to a traditional educational institution below!
It Can Be, If You Have Supplementary Help!
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with deciding you would rather have your kids study at home. You may have certain beliefs, a particular family situation or unique goals in mind for them! However, it isn’t necessarily true that you can do a good job completely devoid of professional help.
“Supplementing subjects from homeschoolers is a growing part of our business” says Bronwyn Covill from needatutor.com.au. “As we are a peer-to-peer tutoring site it is easy to search the subject required and select the appropriate tutor based on the individual’s needs. Many of our tutors are current or ex-teachers and the online component makes it ideal for the homeschoolers as they can fit this around their own schedule.”
Getting help from institutions like Need A Tutor, can most definitely help you in your mission to homeschool your kid! Check them out on Facebook!
Another thing to consider, is whether you have everything you need at home in order to be able to sufficiently replicate a school environment. Find high quality baby and kids products online, and make your home the perfect learning environment for your little one! For example, just as many schools have a playground it’s important that you have an area for your kids to go during their designated play time (and it better not be to be plopped down in front of a screen)! Outdoor playsets are extremely beneficial, as they get your child exercising and help them return with greater focus on their work!
There Are Multiple Pros And Cons To Consider
Making this decision is definitely not straightforward as there are certain positive characteristics that homeschooling is bound to bring out in a child, but also potential negative sides to this choice. Before making your decision, have a read of a couple of the “good” and “bad” outcomes of each side of the argument, from Clare Crew, founder of Thriving Children:
“The Good
Child led learning, the perfect match for each individual. While we try to replicate this in the classroom, the 1:many nature of a teacher’s role makes this near impossible.
Plenty of time to move, connect and play
No rush or business. Time becomes irrelevant.
The Bad
Being written off by others for making a choice that’s left of centre.
Poor self care. My solid eating, exercise and well-being rituals didn’t last the distance. I gained 6 kilos and returned to a higher state of stress than I’ve had for awhile - whoops!
Amplified isolation, unless you proactively build a stronger community around you.”
For more information from Clare, check out her website’s Facebook page!
Homeschooling Should Not Mean Lack Of Routine
Even if you do opt for homeschooling, it is imperative that you establish a routine with your little ones! This allows them to optimize learning, and makes up for the lack of strict timetable that they would have in an official learning institute. Louise Plant shares a couple of her conclusions after having home schooled her children:
- Children benefit from routine. It helps them to feel secure. So I would aim for a Monday to Friday structure or something similar.
- Mornings are always the best times where we are most alert and intellectually tuned in, do what has to be done and then the rest of the day is free.
- Explore how your want to home school, do they have free reign or is there going to be learning of some description.
- If you plan to homeschool, set the boundaries and ground rules before.
- Allowing kids to just watch TV or play computer games does not allow the imagination to flourish
All in all i would have carried on with homeschooling. I did set up a retail business once we relocated and I had them involved in the business. I believe teaching children practical life skills is priceless. It is all very well having the grades and good marks, though the children knowing how to support themselves, deal with difficult situations, adapt to changes, apply themselves when needed and to know what their interests are is priceless.”
To learn more from Louise’s experiences, check out her website, Louise Plant, and find her on Facebook!
Whether you’re moving house often with your family, want to spend more one-on-one time with your children, or simply feel it will suit their learning style better - there are many reasons to consider homeschooling. Simply remember to be aware of the challenges this choice presents, and how to combat the potential difficulties. You may find it results in a child with extraordinary maturity and skills beyond most others of their age range .
