Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular among parents. It’s estimated that up to
7 million children in the US were being homeschooled in 201 Many parents opt to homeschool their children due to school choice, religious or moral convictions, or educational concerns. Whatever the reason, homeschooling your child requires significant adjustments and considerations.
One of the most important aspects of homeschooling is determining how many hours of school homeschool should you do with your child. As parents contemplate how many hours of school homeschool to do with their child, several questions come up.
Does the parent have the capacity to homeschool their child for an entire school year? How many hours should a child spend doing school? Do different grade levels have different requirements?
Will state guidelines provide an indication of the number of hours? Answering these questions can help parents make an informed decision about the best homeschooling hours for their family.
How Many Hours Should a Parent Homeschool Their Child?
This is an individualized decision. The amount of time a parent homeschools their child depends on their experience, the child’s learning needs, and the type of curriculum chosen. Some parents may only run a school day from 9am to 3pm while others may marathon the entire school day from 8am to 4pm or even longer.
All of these strategies are completely legitimate, depending on the family’s needs. However, it is important to remember that staying on track with the curriculum can be difficult if the parent does not have the available time or resources to do so.
Does The Parent Have the Capacity To Homeschool their Child For an Entire School Year?
While many parents decide to school year round, there is no expectation to do so. Many parents opt to homeschool their child a few days a week while also attending traditional school. It is possible to take breaks during the school year, such as long weekends or vacations, to allow the family extra time together.
It is also important to remember that state regulations may limit the amount of homeschooling hours allowed per week, so be sure to read up on those laws before making any commitments.
How Many Hours Should A Child Spend Doing School?
Generally speaking, homeschooling should be viewed as Continuous Progress Model (CPM). This means that the child is learning each day and making progress as opposed to completing assignments and tests as a means of tracking progress.
As a result, the number of hours a child should homeschool per day may not be as important as the amount of progress they make. A typical homeschool day might include 2-4 hours of actual school time with additional times for activities like field trips, hobby pursuits, library visits and more. Therefore, the amount of actual school time may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, but it should be provided in a consistent and organized way.
Do Different Grade Levels Have Different Requirements?
Yes, different grades have different homeschool intensity. For example, Kindergarten requires more hands-on activities and reading-oriented lessons while older children need more assistance with grammar and math.
Setting up an environment and routine tailored to the child’s learning needs is essential to helping them reach their academic goals. Keep in mind that homeschool intensity may vary depending on the child’s individual needs, learning style, and extra curricular activities. Parents should consult the state-required curriculum and seek the advice of certified teachers when developing lesson plans.
Will State Guidelines Provide an Indication of the Number of Hours?
Most states provide minimum requirements for the amount of time a homeschooler should school, but it is important to remember that these requirements are subject to change. Parents should regularly read up on their state’s homeschool laws to stay informed of any changes.
In summary, it can be difficult to decide how many hours of school homeschool you should do with your child. The exact number of hours will depend on the parent’s capacity, the type of curriculum chosen, and the individual learning needs of the child. It’s important to remember that homeschooling is a continuous process and that the amount of actual school time may vary.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide your child with an enriching education experience without sacrificing their physical or mental health.
Conclusion
Deciding how many hours of school homeschool to do with your child can be challenging. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the right answer will depend on the family’s needs and resources. Depending on the state, there may be minimum requirements for the amount of hours spent in homeschool each week.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide the child with an enriching educational experience tailored to their individual needs. By doing so, parents can ensure that their child is getting the best possible education.