Parents have the right to choose whether they want to homeschool the child independently or to enrol their child in a traditional school system. Over the last few years, homeschooling has gained traction amidst parents who, rightly or wrongly, feel that it is the best way to educate their children.
The phenomenon, while popular in many countries, seems to have become a norm in India. In this article, we will look at why parents are increasingly opting to homeschool their children, the pros and cons of the same, and how suitable the system is for all children, irrespective of their learning style.
Why are Parents Turning To Homeschooling
Many parents who opt to homeschool their children do so for various reasons, ranging from seeking a better education than what is offered in the traditional system to maintaining their lifestyle post having a child. There are several advantages to homeschooling that attract parents, such as the ability to customize the curriculum and course structure, the flexibility of schedule, and the ability to modify education according to their child’s individual needs. Moreover, parents have the benefit of being able to determine their child’s curriculum, whereas school often have standardized curriculums.
That said, the biggest reason why many parents look to homeschool their children is that they can provide their children with an ethical, moral and religious education that fits their values and beliefs. The ability to bring up their kids with certain beliefs and impart certain values, while avoiding the distraction of peers and society, is one of the main reasons why some parents opt to homeschool instead of enrolling their child in a traditional school system.
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
There are numerous pros to homeschooling. Notably, by homeschooling, parents get to customize the educational approach for their children. That said, homeschooled children are reported to do better on academic tests than those going to private or public schools, since the teaching approach is tailored to the unique needs of a particular student and can be changed whenever necessary.
Additionally, homeschooling gives children the opportunity to gain a supportive understanding and appreciation of their family, as well as a strong religious education. On the other hand, while there are some clear upsides to homeschooling, it also has its fair share of drawbacks and hurdles.
For instance, teaching at home requires a lot of dedication and often more than one adult teaching the child, which could be difficult to achieve in some households. Moreover, it is important to note that, while homeschooling offers parents and children the benefit of flexible scheduling and curriculum, it may be more challenging to keep children motivated and engaged without the same level of social interaction that comes with a traditional school setting.
Is Homeschooling Suitable For Every Child?
Homeschooling is suitable for every child if it is approached with a holistic attitude, keeping in mind the unique needs of the student. It is important for parents to understand that, even with its many advantages, the decision to homeschool is a personal one and will affect the entire family. Parents need to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons before making a decision to homeschool, as the approach is not suitable for all children.
This is especially true for children with special needs, as the lack of an individualized learning environment or a peer group could make it difficult for them to learn and grow at their own pace. Overall, it is important to understand that homeschooling can be beneficial to some children but, in the end, it is up to the parents to decide if it is the right approach for their child and whether they have the resources and dedication to make it work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling is something that has become increasingly popular over recent years due to its ability to provide a tailor-made educational experience to children. Parents who choose to homeschool their children may do so for several reasons, such as seeking better education, the ability to customize curriculums, or for religious purposes.
While there are numerous benefits associated with homeschooling, it is not suitable for all children and should be approached in a holistic way to ensure the best educational experience. In the end, it is up to the parents to decide if homeschooling is the right path for their child and to make sure they have the resources and dedication in place to make homeschooling a success.