It seems that sometimes, homeschooling gets a bad rap. But, why? Most often, arguments against homeschooling center around social factors and quality of education. However, if you take the time to research the subject and seriously consider the meaning and results of homeschooling, you might just find that homeschooling could be the best route for your children. Here are five reasons to consider homeschooling.
Different learning styles. Different people learn in different ways: some learn by sight, some by sound, and others by movement. Public education is a one size fits all institution, which just doesn’t cater to children who don’t learn best using the methods prescribed by the public school system.
Time matters. Studies show that students only spend an average of ten to thirty minutes a day (out of six hours) in active application of the material they are being taught. What’s more is their instruction time is being shared with twenty to thirty other children. It’s not unusual for homeschooled children to spend only three hours a day in “schooling,” and to still be advanced in comparison to students in the public school system. Just think what your children could do with all those extra hours during the day that would otherwise be wasted in school: outside activities, piano lessons, dance, games with friends and family . . . the possibilities are only limited by your imagination, and how YOU want to spend your time.
Socialization. One of the biggest arguments parents have against homeschooling is that they feel homeschooled children are somehow not socialized. But that’s just not true. Homeschooled children are socialized – just not by their peers in the public school system. When you think about it, what are children in public schools being socialized to? Drinking, bullying, drugs, sex, materialism? No thanks.
Flexibility. Homeschooling allows for complete flexibility when it comes to setting your school schedule. If you travel a lot and want to take your children along with you, then homeschooling allows you to keep your family intact no matter what the circumstances.
Limited resources. Let’s face it: schools always seem to be struggling to meet budget needs, and it seems the government is always struggling to fill those needs – sometimes inefficiently. By homeschooling, you are able to provide resources that a public school may not be able to provide; you set the budget and call the shots.
Homeschooling may have a questionable reputation in some circles, but generally speaking, that is only due to a lack of understanding of the true nature of homeschooling. Homeschooling can be a valuable tool for you and your family – and can greatly improve your quality of life – if you approach it as a true learning experience.
About the Author: Enoch Tallarico is a huge advocate of catering the educational system to the needs of children. He also enjoys writing about higher education, grants for college, and alternative education practices.