The Benefits of Homeschool
I have coached parents who homeschool their children. Most parents for which I have consulted aim to homeschool responsibly. However, their are some whose responsiblity-aim falls short of their target. This articles describes common benefits of responsible homeschooling as well as 10 tips in which a parent who decides to homeschool should aim.
Parents report that the benefits of responsible homeschool surpasses all educational experiences. In this day and time, a great benefit to homeschool is a parent’s ability to protect their children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home. With the rise of violence in urban schools these days, this benefit probably surpasses all others. Parents want their children safe. Homeschool parents report that the transfer of their own familial values and belief to their children is the most beneficial of their experiences. Parents report that the ability to address their children’s questions regarding common and everyday challenges and joys of life is a plus.
Another benefit is the time taken to address various other subjects and building intimate and meaningful relationships with their children. Most parents appreciate the ability to control what is learned and how is. Many children find school boring, children who are responsibly homeschooled are usually inept to the idea of boredom. They are better able to entertain themselves with a good book, they usually watch movies more critically, and they usually have no problem creating activities which combat boredom.
Homeschooling affords parents the opportuntiy to tailor teaching and learning to suit their child’s particular learning styles. Research shows that teaching one-on-one is the most effective means of imparting knowledge from teacher to student. It allows parents the ability to provide their children with in-depth and personal attention which is beneficial when faced with subjects and concepts for which they struggle. Thus, children usually excel in these areas faster than if they were taught in a classroom setting. Alleviating the typical constraints of a traditional classroom during teaching and learning has been beneficial to may students entering post-secondary program. From my experience at coaching families who conduct responsible homeschool programs, these are the areas of content that are usually lacking.
10 Tips for a Successful Homeschool Experience
1 Create an expected schedule with age appropriate academics; yet, an expected flexibility and a healthy balance between
the two.
2 Have no fear nor constraints when it comes to seeking outside counsel for challenges they face with subject areas or
homeschool in general.
3 Allow free and imaginative play.
4 Seek out opportunities for socialization embedded in structured play, clubs, baseball, basketball, dance class, martial arts,
instructional swim, etc.
5 Provide a variety of interesting books on various topics.
6 Create an atmosphere that teaches an appreciation for the beauty in the arts, still art, music.
7 Provide ideas to ponder, think about critically, and discuss.
8 Include nature experiences,develop an appreciation for God’s creation.
9 Consistenly provide age appropriate academics as well as age appropriate Life Skills.
10 Include prayer, praise, spirituality, and bible study in your daily routine.
Leave your comments.
Tell us why you homeschool your children?
If you homeschool adolescent children, how do they honestly feel about it? What do you do to ensure their comfort?
How do you ensure their academic and social success?
