Homeschooling is a great way for students to get their education in a way that works best for them and their families. With the world of technology at our fingertips, it has become even easier for parents and students to build a customised curriculum and schedule to fit their needs.
But how much time is necessary for homeschooling? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much time it takes to homeschool, what parents and students can expect from the process, and how to determine if it is the right fit for your family.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is simply assigning education to a student’s parent or guardian, instead of sending them off to school. This can involve having the student attend standard classes with a school or enrolling into virtual courses, or simply providing the educational curriculum and guidance at home.
Homeschooling allows a student to receive an education tailored to their individual interests and needs, learning at their own pace and incorporating family values and experiences.
How Much Time Is Needed To Homeschool?
Homeschoolers will be able to adjust their schedule to best meet their student’s needs. Generally, most homeschool parents spend four-to-six hours a day on instruction.
This is determined by the curriculum, the student’s age and grade, and how well the student is absorbing the material. With superior planning and organization, some parents have been successful in homeschooling with less time. Some retailers offer curriculum packages that are set up with the suggested times a day and days a week to follow.
Though these are often marked as minimum guidelines, they can give parents an idea of how they may need to plan their schedule. These curriculum packages usually vary from two-to-six hours of instruction per day, five days a week.
What Is The Curriculum?
Once parents decide to homeschool their student(s), the next step is to pick a curriculum. This will depend on the grade level and student’s interests, the homeschool state requirements, and how committed parents are in customizing the student’s education. Parents can purchase online or physical curriculum from local and online stores.
They can also build a customized curriculum to make sure their student is learning the lessons and skills necessary for their age and grade. The curriculum will determine the amount of structure and planning parents will need to put into the homeschooling schedule.
A more traditional route with a structured curriculum may require more planning time, while a homeschooling journey purposely crafted by the parent may take less.
Are There Additional Hours Of Work Involved In Homeschooling?
In addition to the instruction hours, there may be several extra hours of work needed to adequately homeschool a student. This will be determined by the curriculum, the student’s grade level, desired outcomes, and private lessons (if any).
Depending on the parents’ homeschooling model and the student’s preferences and interests, this may include extra research, trips to the library and/or museum, projects, and field trips.
Are Flexible Schedules Possible?
Yes! Flexible homeschooling schedules are very possible and encouraged. With a flexible schedule, parents and students can choose their daily and weekly routine with ease and precision.
This allows for parents to use their time more efficiently and students to focus on their individual interests and goals. With a balanced and well-rounded schedule, parents and students can still enjoy the academic journey and engage in leisure activities and family time.
Are There Support Groups?
Yes! There are plenty of local and online support groups, homeschooling conventions and seminars, and workshops that teach the art of homeschool instruction. Parents have the opportunity to learn and discuss curriculum content, methods, and the homeschooling lifestyle with other parents.
These support groups provide wonderful resources such as professional mentors and encouraging peers, while helping parents build a strong community and learn more about the homeschooling lifestyle.
What Are The Benefits Of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a great way for parents to give their student or children the education they need to succeed in life. Many families take advantage of the one-on-one learning and tailored education the homeschooling model provides.
It also gives parents control over their student’s education that may be unavailable at standard schools. Benefits of homeschooling include: * Personalised attention and individualised instruction * Flexibility of learning according to the student’s needs * More control over the curriculum * The ability to incorporate family values and experiences into each lesson * Access to community programs and activities * Ability to focus on extracurricular activities if desired * More time for family outings, vacations, and leisurely activities
What Are The Challenges Of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is not necessarily a piece of cake. Though it can be very rewarding, it also presents challenges that parents need to be aware of.
These challenges can be very manageable with the right attitude, resource, and planning. Below are some common challenges of homeschooling: * Keeping up with the planning and organization * Managing the socialization of the student * Time management for instruction and extra activities * Keeping the student engaged and on task * Staying in compliance with state guidelines * Making sure the student is learning and mastering each subject
What Are The Pros And Cons?
The pros of homeschooling obviously outweigh the cons, but it is important to consider both the positive and negative aspects for a balanced and informed decision-making. Here are the pros and cons of homeschooling: Pros * Customize the curriculum and schedule * Independence in learning and exploration * Deepened parent-child bond * Flexible schedule and learning material Cons * Add more responsibilities to parents * Restricts social exposure * Keeping up with current curriculums * Overbearing academic pressure
How Can Parents Decide If Homeschooling Is The Right Fit?
Every household is different, and it is important for parents to take into consideration if homeschooling is the right fit for their family. A great resource for parents is to speak with other homeschoolers who can provide observations, advice, and insight on their experience.
Parents should also be honest when assessing their own skills and the commitment they are willing to make. Are they able to dedicate the needed time and energy to properly homeschool their student? Are they prepared to follow lesson plans and keep up with state requirements?
Do they have the financial stability to take on this journey? Are they confident in their skills to teach the content?
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an amazing journey for students and families. It challenges parents, students, and their relationship in ways no other education can.
While there are many challenges and responsibilities to consider, the rewards and benefits that come from homeschooling far outweigh any drawbacks. With the proper guidance, dedication, and planning, parents can create a curriculum and schedule that best fits their student’s needs, allowing for a well-rounded and enriched education.