Homeschooling is an educational approach that’s becoming increasingly popular for parents and their children. Homeschoolers don’t attend a traditional school, instead pursuing their educational goals from their own homes. But what do homeschoolers do all day?
This article outlines the day-to-day activities of homeschoolers and examines the benefits of this alternative form of education.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents choose to educate their children at home instead of traditional schools. This could mean a combination of traditional teaching methods (such as those used in school) combined with educational trips and activities such as music, art and drama.
Parents of homeschoolers often choose to do this for multiple reasons, whether out of religious preference or simply because they cannot find a school that meets the standards they are looking for. Homeschoolers cover the same content as traditional schools and they will typically follow the national education system, but they also add extra activities along the way.
Benefits of Homeschooling
One of the main benefits of homeschooling is its personal touch. Parents can really get to know their children’s learning styles and tailor the educational plan to match their individual needs.
As each child is different, this enables them to grow and develop in their own unique way. Homeschooling is also proven to be excellent for developing important study habits, from developing time management skills, to being able to plan and manage their own programs of study. This can be very beneficial for those looking for a career in independent fields as it gives them the independence and self-discipline needed for success.
Another big advantage of homeschooling is that parents can slow down the teaching process to suit the pace at which their child learns. This is great for those who are struggling to keep up with the traditional school system.
Homeschoolers also have the benefit of being able to study in a comfortable environment, either alone or with other homeschoolers. This can be helpful for those who struggle with traditional school socialisation, as it gives them a more relaxed setting to work in.
Day-to-Day Homeschooling Activities
Homeschooling activities vary depending on the goals, resources and expectations of the family, but there are a few key activities to bear in mind. Homeschoolers will typically start the day with a lesson plan, covering all the necessary subjects laid out by the national education system and any additional activities chosen by the family. The day might involve taking a walk around a park and exploring nature, or working through math problems using different techniques.
When engaging in lesson plans, it’s important for parents to give their children time for self-directed learning and exploration, whether that’s time for recreational activities, creative pursuits, or individual projects. This is an important part of homeschooling that helps to develop a sense of independence and individuality in the homeschoolers.
Homeschoolers also get the opportunity to spend time with other homeschoolers, either meeting up for group activities such as sports or film sessions, or attending social activities.
Organising Homeschooling Activities
For parents of homeschoolers, it can be beneficial to get organised. There are a range of tools available to help organise the day-to-day activities of homeschooling.
For example, websites such as Time4Learning provide various interactive activities and lessons that can be used to teach children of varying ages. There are resource libraries such as Khan Academy, which offer a range of interactive maths and science lessons, as well as tutorials for coding. When lessons are complete, parents should take the time to check over their children’s work, and offer any guidance or feedback.
Parents should also look into the resources that are available to them in their local area, as well as online. These could include things such as local libraries, museums, sports centres or public events that offer educational opportunities for homeschoolers. This will not only make the educational experience more fun, but will also provide homeschoolers with the opportunity to mix with their peers outside of the home environment.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, homeschooling can provide a personalised and tailored education experience for children. It can cover a range of activities and lessons that are important to the individual, while at the same time adapting to their learning style.
There are also a range of resources online and offline that can provide educational opportunities for homeschoolers, from interactive websites to local classes and activities. Ultimately, homeschooling is an excellent option for parents who want to provide a unique education for their children.