Going to school is a crucial part of any child’s life, as it provides them with the essential education and socialization skills required for them to develop into responsible adults. However, some parents have opted to homeschool their children instead of sending them to traditional schools.
While there are some benefits to homeschooling, there are a lot more advantages to sending children to school instead.
1. Social Interaction
One of the main advantages to sending children to school is the vast variety of social interaction opportunities that it provides. Traditional schools offer kids the chance to make friends with other people their own age or older, as well as to create relationships with teachers and staff that can help shape their future.
This is incredibly important, as it helps children learn how to interact with others in a manner that is appropriate and beneficial. Moreover, it provides them with the chance to understand different cultures and backgrounds, which they may not otherwise be exposed to. On the other hand, homeschooled children are typically limited to only the company and friends of their family, which may not be enough to help them develop the necessary social skills that they need.
Although homeschooled children may engage in activities outside of home, the likelihood of them being able to form meaningful friendships is still limited due to the fact that homeschooling does not provide them with enough contact with other people their own age.
2. Structure
Sending children to school also has the advantage of providing them with structure and discipline that is essential for learning. Traditional schools provide children with regular class schedules, which can help ensure that their education is structured and on track. Moreover, it also gives kids a sense of responsibility, as they learn to take control of the time they have and plan accordingly.
This structured environment can also benefit children, as it helps keep them from getting distracted or getting disturbed during class. On the other hand, homeschooled children may not be able to receive the same level of discipline or attention that traditional schools can provide.
Although parents may attempt to provide similar structure, homeschooled children may lack the accountability and drive that schools can give.
3. Professional Guidance
When children attend school, they get the opportunity to be taught by qualified and experienced teachers or professors. Not only do these individuals provide students with education, but they also offer invaluable guidance and advice on their studies or other aspects of life. Teachers are trained professionals and can provide valuable insight on various topics, which can help children get a deeper understanding of their field of study.
Furthermore, these teachers can also help children develop more clarity and focus in their studies, which could prove beneficial in the long run. In contrast, home schooling does not have the benefit of having these professionals available.
Although it is possible for homeschooled children to hire tutors, the cost associated with this can be quite high, making it a prohibitive choice for many families.
4. Educational Environment
School settings also give children an excellent education environment that is conducive to learning. This is because traditional schools provide children with resources and technology that are not commonly available to homeschoolers.
For example, schools are typically equipped with computers, like laptops and tablets that can be used by students to help them with their studies. Furthermore, schools also have libraries with a wide range of books and materials that can be easily accessed by students, which can provide invaluable assistance to their learning. Unfortunately, a homeschooled environment does not have these resources readily available, as parents may not have the same financial ability to purchase the necessary materials.
Furthermore, most homeschooling parents may not have the necessary knowledge or qualifications to teach their child the same topics that school teachers would.
5. Cost-Effective
Another advantage to sending children to school is that it is typically more cost-effective than homeschooling. This is because there are no additional costs associated with traditional schools, such as the expenses associated with hiring tutors or buying books and materials. Furthermore, sending children to school also eliminates the expense of having to pay for teachers or other personnel associated with homeschooling.
With homeschooling, parents may need to spend money on materials or pay for tutors, which can significantly add to the costs of homeschooling. Additionally, parents may also need to factor in their own time, which can cost a lot if they need to take time off from work to look after their children.
6. Social and Emotional Support
Schools also provide a wealth of social and emotional support to children. This could be through talking and bonding with teachers, as well as participating in activities with other children their own age. This type of support is essential for children as it helps them develop confidence and a stronger sense of self-identity.
Children who attend traditional schools also have the opportunity to join clubs or societies that can help strengthen their personal identity and build interpersonal relationships. On the contrary, homeschooled children lack this kind of support, as the limited number of people that they’re exposed to may not be able to provide the same level of emotional and social support.
Additionally, homeschooled children may not have the same opportunity to join clubs or participate in extra-curricular activities, which are essential for building their self-esteem and developing their personalities.
7. Supportive Educators
Attending school also allows children to access a much more supportive type of educator. School teachers are required to have the necessary qualifications and are expected to be good role models for the children that they teach. Furthermore, it is their job to ensure that children are receiving the best possible education.
Schools typically also have the necessary resources and staff that can provide children with personalized attention, support and guidance, which can be beneficial for their learning. Whereas, homeschooling parents may not have the same knowledge or qualifications as trained teachers, which could mean that the quality of education children receive at home isn’t up to the same standard as in schools.
Moreover, homeschooling parents may not have the same resources or staff available to them, which could hinder the children’s learning experience.
8. Safety and Supervision
Schools also provide children with a safe and secure environment where they can attend classes without feeling threatened or in danger. Schools typically have security personnel that can provide protection and monitoring to ensure the safety and security of the students. Furthermore, schools also have the necessary educational and medical staff that can help children should they need it.
In contrast, homeschooled children may not have the same level of protection or supervision available to them. Although parents may be able to provide their children with a safe and secure environment, they may not be able to offer the same resources and protection that schools are able to.
9. Testing and Evaluation
Attending school also provides children with the opportunity to take tests and be evaluated by trained professionals. Schools typically have regular exams and tests that can help measure a student’s progress.
These tests can help both the student and the teacher gauge the student’s level of understanding, which can be very beneficial for the student in terms of improving themselves. On the other hand, homeschooled children may not have the same opportunity to take tests or be evaluated by experienced professionals. Although parents may attempt to do so, the lack of objectivity and expertise could mean that their children’s education and progress are not accurately measured.
10. Sports and Extracurriculars
Another advantage to attending traditional schools is the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities. Schools typically have a variety of clubs and societies that can allow children to explore different topics or activities of their interest. This could range from drama and sports to academic clubs like the math and science teams.
Joining these activities can not only help children learn about various subjects, but can also help them develop essential social and interpersonal skills. Homeschooled children, on the other hand, may have limited options when it comes to activities and extracurriculars.
This is because homeschooled children are usually limited to activities within their family or immediate circle of friends, which may not be enough to access the same type of activities or experiences that school-goers receive.
11. Lessons Beyond Academics
Attending traditional schools also has the advantage of exposing children to lessons that go beyond academics. Schools typically have different activities that can help children learn about essential life skills such as teamwork, organization, problem-solving, communication and time management.
Additionally, it provides children with the opportunity to make educated decisions, which English, mathematics and science classes may not cover. Unfortunately, this is something that homeschooled children may not have access to. While parents may be able to provide their children with life skills lessons, these parents may not have the qualifications necessary to give accurate advice on certain topics.
Moreover, homeschooled children may not have the same opportunities to practice or apply these skills in a productive setting, which can limit their development.
12. Group Setting
Schools also provide children with a much more comfortable and natural learning environment, as it provides them with the opportunity to learn in a group setting. Studying in a group can improve children’s skills in terms of problem-solving or empathy, as they can learn how to work together and communicate better.
Furthermore, this can also help children develop their ability to focus, as they can learn to focus on their studies and be less distracted by the environment around them. This is something that homeschooled children may not have the same opportunity to experience. Since homeschooling is done primarily in the home, children may be more easily distracted and may not be able to benefit as much from group learning.
Moreover, parents may not have the same level of expertise needed to efficiently teach their children in a group setting.
13. Life Skills and Mentoring
Schools also offer a great opportunity for children to learn essential life skills that can help them become independent. As mentioned earlier, schools have the necessary resources and staff to help children, as they can provide mentoring, guidance and advice.
This can be invaluable, as it can help children learn how to make better decisions, as well as how to develop self-control and responsibility. Homeschooled children may not benefit from this kind of support as much, as they may not receive the same level of attention from their parents. Furthermore, homeschooled children may lack the social skills needed to develop their interpersonal relationships, as well as their ability to communicate effectively with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, attending school is the best and most beneficial option for children, as it provides them with the necessary educational and social opportunities that they need to become responsible adults. Not only is traditional schooling more cost-effective than homeschooling, but it also provides a safe and secure environment as well as professional teachers that can help children develop their skills and knowledge.
On top of this, schools also provide a wealth of activities, clubs, and extracurriculars that can help children build their self-esteem and confidence.