Making the switch from public to homeschooling is a big decision that affects the entire family. It’s a decision that should not be taken lightly and needs to be thought through thoroughly before any decisions are made.
With that being said, it’s also important to keep in mind that homeschooling has become increasingly more popular over recent years as parents come to understand its many benefits. Before making any decisions, make sure to ask yourself questions and learn as much as you can.
1: What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is when a child forgoes attending a public or private school in favor of being educated primarily or entirely at home. This means that parents are responsible for providing an education for their child, either through a combination of self-teach methods and/or through an accredited homeschool program or charter school.
How does homeschooling work?
Homeschooling works by parents taking control over their child’s education. Consequently, parents are ultimately responsible for all curriculum decisions, scheduling, and teaching, although it is possible to outsource certain components like documentation or courses if desired.
The curriculum can include anything from a combination of different approaches such as unschooling, classical education, and life learning, to more traditional textbooks approaches.
What are the types of homeschooling?
The most common types of homeschooling are classical, Charlotte Mason, and unschooling. Classical homeschooling focuses heavily on the arts, sciences, literature, and history through a combination of rote memorization and exploration of big questions.
Charlotte Mason homeschooling focuses on providing a holistic education that incorporates literature, mathematics, history, the arts, and nature study and emphasizes the idea that kids learn best when their education is made meaningful to them. Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that is based on self-directed, interest-led learning. This means that the child will determine what they want to learn and when.
2: How Do You Decide If Homeschooling Is Right for Your Child?
When deciding whether or not homeschooling is right for your child, the most important thing to consider is the lifestyle, values, and beliefs of you and your family. Ultimately, only you know what is best for your child so it is important to understand if it fits into what you want their life to look like. There are many factors to consider when deciding if homeschooling is right for your family, but the following questions can help you narrow down your decision:
What are my family’s educational values?
It’s important to take a step back and think about how you want to education your children. Are you looking for a more traditional, structured curriculum or something more relaxed?
Do you prioritize arts, sciences, or something else? Answering these questions can help narrow down your decision and guide you in the right direction.
What resources do I have available to me?
Homeschooling may require a significant amount of time, energy, and money to accomplish. If you are considering homeschooling, make sure to research what resources are available in your area and talk to other homeschool families to get an understanding of what materials, resources, and curriculum might be necessary for your family.
What kind of learning environment do I want to create?
You are the primary teacher of your homeschooled child so it is important to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Do you want a traditional school experience or something more open-ended? Once you have an understanding of the type of learning environment that would be best for your family, you can research different materials and tools that will help your family achieve it.
3: How Do You Choose a Homeschool Curriculum?
Choosing a curriculum is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The type of curriculum you choose will depend on your family’s goals and educational philosophy, so it is important to take some time to conduct research and talk to other homeschoolers about what has and hasn’t worked for them. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are considering homeschool curriculum:
Do I want a Christian-based curriculum?
If your family follows a Christian faith, then you may want to look into a Christian-based curriculum that includes faith-based activities and lessons. Keep in mind that Christian-based curriculums tend to be more structured and can be more expensive than other homeschool programs.
What type of material do I need for each subject?
Depending on the type of homeschool program you use, different materials may be needed for each subject. When researching curriculum for your child, make sure to look into what type of materials are needed for each subject and what is included in the curriculum package.
What is my budget?
Homeschool curriculums vary in price so you should start by determining what your budget is. Additionally, you should also consider if there are any additional materials that may need to be purchased that are not included in the curriculum package.
Conclusion
Making the decision to homeschool can be a life-changing experience for your entire family. It’s important to take the time to answer questions and thoroughly research the different curriculum options available before deciding if homeschooling is the best choice for your family. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your child.