Homeschooling has become a popular option amongst parents who want to customize their children’s schooling and who, for whatever reason, don’t want to consider traditional, public or private schooling. But when it comes to homeschooling, many parents have questions about how much time is actually necessary to homeschool.
How much time is needed to cover a full education? How much extra time is needed to support the home-learning environment? How do external sources like tutoring, classes, and extracurricular activities factor in?
All these questions and more will be explored in this article, to demystify the time commitment needed when take on the homeschooling route.
1. How much time does homeschooling take?
The amount of time it takes to homeschool depends on several factors, such as the age and level of the student, the curriculum chosen, the teacher’s availability, the number of kids being homeschooled, and so forth. Generally speaking, most parents report spending between 4-6 hours per day on homeschooling their children, which includes the overall instruction, subject-specific instruction, and necessary additional activities, such as research and writing. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some who homeschool as little as 1- 2 hours per day, depending on their chosen approach and the curriculum.
It ultimately comes down to tailoring a homeschooling schedule that works for the parents and students’ lifestyle. For preschool and kindergarten students, learning tends to be more hands-on and play-based, so the amount of time spent on activities can be anywhere from 2- 3 hours per day.
As the child progresses from grade to grade, the amount of time can increase up to 8 hours per day as they begin to take on core courses and additional electives. Many parents also opt to give their children breaks throughout the day, which can increase the overall duration of their learning day.
2. How much time is necessary per day to cover a full education?
When discussing traditional schooling and homeschooling, it’s important to understand that the amount of “seat time” a student is required to spend in class is often much longer than the amount of actual instructional time they receive. It’s not uncommon for students to have lengthy lectures, long periods of self-study, or extended lunch of recess times.
Homeschooling parents have full control over the structure and schedule of their child’s day, which means that the amount of time that is needed to cover a full education varies from family to family. Generally speaking, experts recommend 4-6 hours of instruction, depending on the grade level, with the rest of their day being made up of physical activities, independent study and research, or additional activities to support their core study.
3. How Can Homeschooling Help Avoid Time-Wasting Activities Commonly Found In Traditional Schools?
Many homeschooling parents opt to eliminate activities that often end up wasting time in a traditional school setting. These activities can include long wait times in between classes, having to learn material that won’t be tested, going to “busy work” activities, and so forth.
As mentioned earlier, homeschooling parents customize the structure and learning environment of their curriculum, which helps avoid common time-wasting activities. This focus on teaching only material that is relevant to their stage of development helps them to finish curriculums faster, while also having more time to engage in additional activities that are important to their learning process. Ultimately, homeschooling helps eliminate unnecessary and/or undue activities and allows students to focus on the material that will support their growth and success.
4. How Much Time Is Needed For Setup and Curriculum Customization?
Before beginning homeschooling, many parents spend time curating the perfect curriculum for their child’s individual needs. This can involve researching appropriate materials and supplies, creating a timeline of activities, determining which activities need to be covered, and creating lessons plans. All this can take up to several weeks.
Additionally, some parents may also want to consider extra resources such as books, videos, and tutoring when setting up their homeschooling environment. For example, if parents want to use a video-based curriculum, they may spend a significant amount of time researching the best program and selecting appropriate materials.
Once the setup is complete, the curriculum and schedule can be tweaked in order to find the perfect balance that works for the student and family.
5. How can parents maintain the motivation needed to homeschool?
Homeschooling can be a long and demanding process for parents, especially if they have multiple children to homeschool or if they are new to homeschooling. Consistency is key to succeeding with homeschooling, as is finding ways to motivate themselves and their children to stay engaged in the process. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to create a routine that works for everyone and then stick to it.
This can include creating break times and structuring days where the time for instruction is balanced with time for play. Additionally, using rewards for accomplishments, such as celebrating the completion of a specific task or a subject, can provide an added boost of motivation.
Additionally, parents should also make sure to incorporate activities that their children will be interested in and that fit their own educational goals.
6. Are there any additional activities that parents should consider to further support home-learning?
In addition to the standard curriculum, there are a number of activities that parents can consider to further support their child’s home-learning environment. Making use of online resources and online classes to supplement a student’s curriculum can give them additional material to work with.
Additionally, finding local classes or activities that align with your child’s interests and educational goals is also a great way to further engage their schooling. Finally, creating educational opportunities through trips to museums, cultural centers, nature sites, and the like can help bring lessons to life and give them experiential context.
7. How do external sources like tutoring, classes, and extracurricular activities factor in?
External sources like tutoring, classes, and extracurricular activities can be great additions to a homeschooling program. These activities can help enrich the home learning experience and provide an opportunity for more focused learning.
Parents looking for tutoring should research their options first and determine what type of instruction their child needs. This can include finding a tutor who focuses on specific subject or one who can take a more comprehensive approach to teaching. Additionally, parents should look for teachers or tutors who can customize the experience for their child and who have experience in homeschooling.
Classes, on the other hand, are a great way for homeschoolers to connect with others in their community and to get exposed to different learning methods. Depending on their interests, parents can find classes that offer additional instruction in the core subject, activities such as music and art, hands-on labs and experiments, or group discussion sessions.
Lastly, extracurricular activities are also important when it comes to homeschooling, as they help give students a break and spark their creativity. Extracurricular activities can range from sports and clubs to theatrical and literary projects. These activities also give students the opportunity to explore different interests and create a more balanced and enriching learning experience.
8. How can support services help homeschooling families?
Support services like tutoring, classes, and extracurricular activities can be incredibly helpful for homeschooling families, particularly those who are new to homeschooling or who have multiple students. In general, these services can provide students with additional instruction, materials, and guidance to ensure that their educational needs are met. They can provide additional and enhanced learning opportunities for students who may need more support or for students who have specialized interests.
Additionally, these services can help relieve the burden of homeschooling for many parents, as they can take on some of the teaching and management duties, depending on the type of service.
9. How much does homeschooling cost?
The cost of homeschooling generally depends on the curriculum that the parents choose and the methods they want to employ. Generally speaking, homeschooling doesn’t need to be expensive, and there are plenty of options to save money.
Many parents opt to make use of free or nearly free materials and activities to supplement their curriculum and keep costs low. Additionally, there are a number of funding options available for parents who want to invest in a higher quality curriculum or additional instruction. Finally, many homeschooling support services and activities also provide financial aid to help reduce the cost of homeschooling.
10. What Are Some Benefits of Homeschooling Over Traditional Education?
There are many benefits of homeschooling over traditional education, including flexibility in the schedule and curriculum, increased bonding time between the parents and their child, and the ability to customize the learning environment to best suit the child’s individual needs. One of the biggest benefits that comes with homeschooling is that parents can adjust their schedules to better fit their family and lifestyle. Additionally, because homeschooling allows for more personal attention and guidance, it’s often seen as a better option for children who need more individualized instruction.
Finally, homeschooling allows parents to avoid the traditional school environment and atmosphere, which can be overly pressured or toxic at times.
11. Are there any Downsides To Homeschooling?
While there are plenty of benefits that come with homeschooling, there are some downsides that parents should take into consideration. Homeschooling can be a full-time job for parents, and like anything, it can be hard work and challenging. It can also be hard to stay motivated and to find the resources and support needed when taking on the homeschooling route.
Additionally, finding activities in the community where homeschoolers can connect with others can be a challenge, which can make it harder for children to make and maintain friendships.
12. What Is an Appropriate Setting for Homeschooling?
The setting for homeschooling can vary depending on the family’s needs and preferences. Many parents choose to create a dedicated workspace in the home, while others may choose to use a nearby library or park. In general, the setting should be one where the student can focus and study without feeling overwhelmed or distracted.
13. How Can Homeschooling Support A Student’s Development?
Homeschooling can be an incredibly beneficial experience for children, as it can help them develop both academically and personally. Because homeschooling allows for more personalized instruction and individualized learning, students can get the exact level of instruction and additional activities that best suits their needs. Additionally, homeschooling offers students the opportunity to be more responsible for their own learning progress and to have full agency over their education.
This level of control can be incredibly liberating and can help students gain invaluable confidence that can ultimately be beneficial in other areas of their life.
14. What Are Some Strategies For Transitioning Into Homeschooling?
Transitioning into homeschooling can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and successful process. One of the best ways to ease the transition is to create a detailed plan. This plan should include different milestones to track the student’s progress, goals to keep them motivated, and a clear timeline and structure of the curriculum.
Additionally, providing the student with a variety of resources can also help them to stay engaged and excited about learning.
15. How Can Parents Find The Right Support For Their Homeschooling Program?
It’s essential for homeschooling parents to have a support system in order to ensure success. This support can come in a variety of forms, including online discussion groups, homeschooling co-ops, support services, and so forth.
To find the right type of support for their homeschooling program, parents should start by researching their options and getting in touch with their local homeschooling communities. Additionally, parents can attend workshops, seminars, and events that are catered to homeschooling, as this can help them gain an understanding of the different approaches and gain insight on the support services that are available in their area.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important for parents to understand the amount of time, preparation, and support that is needed in order to be successful. With an appropriate setup, the right external sources, and a good support system, homeschooling can be an incredibly enriching experience for both the student and the parents.