Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

What are the Advantages And Disadvantages of homeschooling? Looking at the both side some type helps to see a balanced picture and here it is a balance view of pros and cons of homeschooling.

People new to the idea and concept of homeschooling often have a thousand of questions to raise.  Here is some helpful information to guide you in weighing things out:

Some homeschooling advantages:

1.    Allow quality time, providing individualized attention and instruction.  Homeschooling parents can better understand their children; observe how kids progress, what areas they find difficult and help them out.

2.    Children learn in their own pace.  At homeschool, children can advance at any time, not waiting on others or if the kid is a slow learner or having difficulties in a certain subject area, she/he can remain to focus on that area without pressure that others are already moving on.

3.    Parents pattern their teaching style and curriculum in accordance with the child’s learning style, allowing him/her to successfully understand the subject matter, thus better results are achieved.

4.    No peer pressure.  At a homeschool, age classification is not a factor, therefore children not only associate with children their same age level, but with children of different ages and adults as well, so they can decide on their own without the influence of peers.

5.    “Hands on learning”.  Activities which are outside the context of books are very much essential to the child’s learning process.  Trips to the park, the museum, the zoo, going fishing with mom and dad can be a great time to spend an afternoon educating your child.

Some homeschooling disadvantages:

1.    For the homeschool parent, much time and effort is required for preparation of teaching materials, lessons and managing the child’s opportunities in order to cultivate friendships and expand on the child’s interests.

2.    Parents who homeschool do not have enough time to spend for themselves when kids are constantly at home.  This frequent time of being together can be at times suffocating and, therefore, can not work in certain families.

3.    Homeschooled children do not have a lot of opportunities to bond and develop friendships with peers.  For many families, this really is not a problem and is supplemented by taking the kids out to play in the park, attend lessons in ballet, jazz, etc.  However it takes a lot of effort on the part of parents to insure that their kids have these opportunities.

Whether to homeschool or not, it all depends on you, as a parent, on how much are you willing to give your child.  On top of all the learning materials, the field trips, home schooling entails a lot of love, patience and encouragement.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas.

Guide: Teacher's Guide to Homeschooling

Guide: Teacher's Guide to Effectively Administer Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a rapidly spreading alternative form of education. It practically requires nothing too stringent that even parents without a high school diploma can handle it. However, there is still the need to optimize the quality of learning. Given below are some guidelines which parents must consider before administering homeschooling.

Planning for Homeschool

Planning is essential for homeschooling to make the flow of things smoother. Plan first the location. An extra room around the house can be perfect; however, if none is available, the dining room or the living room will do fine. Just try to be sensitive to the things which can act as a distraction to the children.

Having troubles where to put all your instructional materials? Try using durable plastic bins as storage for the books, supplies, equipment and other stuff as well.

The beginning of the school year in homeschool may be quite rough in terms of the schedule. Observe which time of the day do both the pupils and the teacher work most productively, then try to create a schedule which can optimize the energy of the teacher and the attention and eagerness of the children. Also include in the schedule the amount of time allotted for each subject.

Looking Up Resources and Instructional Materials

One does not need to put too much strain on the family budget just to afford materials for homeschool instruction. There are websites which one can check out or nearby curriculum fairs which sell used books that can be used for instruction.

For science subjects which require hands-on laboratory experiments, choose only those which are deemed very necessary. One can find on the net a wealth of experiments which can be done at home using only household finds or cheap and easily available stuff.

If no curriculum is being followed, try to schedule enough topics and projects to last the whole school year. It is also important to strategically plan the sequence of the lessons. One can get tips online on which lessons to include plus the scope and the proper sequencing of lessons.

Finding the Right Curriculum

There is a wide roster of curriculum which can adapt to the needs and capabilities of the kids and the specifications of the parents. If the parents are trying to adapt one for their child, it is important to determine by which means the child learns best, by first-hand experience, listening, reading or the like.

Homeschooling is supposed to be a great educational experience for both parents and children. They should not be burdened much by the costs demanded by the program. It is for the parents to be resourceful and creative to maximize the resources and the learning of their children.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas. 

Homeschooling Myths

There are lot of myths about homeschooling already that people must have before homeschooling. Homey Enough? : Know if your home is conducive enough for homeschooling and shatters these myths.

Homeschooling is one great option when it comes to educating your kids. It is actually beneficial in some parts, and if pulled off, remarkably, it can even educate a child more than a regular school can.

The thing is, the house or environment must be conducive enough for homeschooling to take place. How can a parent be sure that his house is adaptable enough for homeschooling? Here are some tips and reminders:

1. Parents must have teaching credentials.

This is probably the most important aspect to  contribute to the conduciveness of a home. When none of the parents has any idea on how to "properly" teach, then that is already a major pitfall.

2. The house must have its own "study room".

The study room must of course be different from what is normally coined as "classroom", else how would it be any different from regular schooling? Make sure the room is spacious and comfy enough that it allows maximum absorption of knowledge. Keep the unnecessary toys away. Of course, should you need any educational toys for a certain lesson, then make sure they are all at an arm's length.

3. Make sure the house is packed with books.

Of course, your house is the "school", therefore you must have this room that could pass up as the library where your kids would amass a lot of added information.

4. Playground, anyone?

Yes, a playground would be nice, if only to keep the boredom at bay. Set your own break time where the kids could joyfully play with the seesaws, slides and swings.

5. Safety comes first.

Your kid, being homeschooled, will naturally spend all of the time in your house. This means your house must have all the safety measures to prevent any unfortunate accident.

6. Let the kids "breathe".

And with that, I mean never build a stifling atmosphere. Let your kids be. Never be too strict. Not because you are already the parent and the teacher should you impose on them. Allow them to play. Let them explore. Make your house the ideal school that it has to be.

A parent should always remember that the conduciveness of a home largely depends on the family that resides in it. If your family is naturally a loving bunch, then it already follows that it is conducive enough for things such as homeschooling. If not, then better send your kid off to a regular school.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas. 

Can you Be a Homeschool Teacher?

As an adult I took up engineering degree, and not teaching degree, so I often thought how can I teach a child without teaching credentials? If you ever thought like I did, fret not. As a parent, we make a best teacher as we know our child the best. Think about when your child was infant till preschool age, where you might have taught her how to tell colors, shapes, recognize people and their emotions. Child has learned how to talk, walk and chew just watching you.

The teacher is the key to the success of homeschooling. In most
cases, the teacher is a parent or a close relative. In some cases,
parents may divide the subjects between them. Rarely, if both
parents are busy, they may hire a homeschool teacher. Whatever the
case, children need time with their parents. Parents, as a rule,
make very good teachers.

Teaching does not involve a clinical presentation of facts.
Learning has to be integrated lovingly into daily life for it to
interest the child. That is where parents come in. Grandparents
also make great teachers, especially since they have an abundance
of patience.

If you feel anxious about your skill or knowledge, relax. There
are countless homeschooling resources that are aimed at helping
you. Professional curriculum packages, support groups, online help
desks, virtual schools and library resources are all available.
When you start out, you may want to make use of the commercial
curriculum packages. Readymade software also allows you to record
and log important achievements.

Local support groups are an excellent source of help, ideas and
material. This is where you get to meet experienced homeschoolers,
who will be more than happy to offer their insight and advice.
Once you settle into the homeschooling routine, you will find
yourself tailoring the curriculum to suit your own needs.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas.

How You Can Get Started with Home Schooling Your Child

Many parents who think about homeschooling as an option, always ask or think about how to get started. The same question bothered me when I first started teaching my kids and since then I know thing or two about it which I want to share here.

Education is a very important aspect in a human being’s existence. He needs education to nurture his craft, hone his talents, and provide him with all the possible answers to all of the wonders in this world.

Parents know this fact, that’s why they would always want the best for their children. In this manner, when the concept of home schooling was introduced into the society, they have been astonished with the fact that there are still other ways in educating their children.

At first, opting for home schooling is such an overwhelming matter. Most parents thought that it is impossible to teach a child through home schooling method.

On its basic concept, home schooling refers to the alternative way of educating children. It differs from the usual type of schooling because the learning process is done at home and the teachers are usually the parents themselves. They only use a particular type of teaching method that can be obtained in different institutions that provide home schooling programs.

Home schooling had provided many advantages and benefits to both parents and children. That’s why many parents have opted for home schooling in providing their child the indispensable education that their children need.

However, some parents find home schooling a daunting task. So, for parents who find home schooling a bit of an overwhelming task, here is a list of some tips on how to get you started in home schooling your child:

1. Arrive at a decision

The problem that most parents encounter when opting for home schooling is the fact that they find it hard to finally decide whether to home school their child or not. This is because deciding on this kind of thing is relatively important especially because the future of the child is dependent on it.

However, the choice should be based on the capacity of the parents to conform to the requirements in home schooling their child. They should be able to wholly participate with whatever items that were entailed in the program in order to provide the best education for their children.

2. Keep in mind that home schooling is a process

Since home schooling is a process, parents who want to home school their children should take things one at a time. For instance, if they have a pre-school child, they should focus more on what pre-school students should learn. They should not delve more on how to teach higher levels of education that are fit for students in higher levels.

3. Know your state laws regarding home schooling

In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding home schooling. Hence, it is best to know what your state asserts about home schooling so that you can provide the best education for your children in conformity with the law.

4. Look for a “support group”

Home schooling should not be the sole responsibility of the parents. That is why it is important for the parents to find a local “support group” wherein they can mingle with other homeschoolers who can provide them with additional pointers regarding the process.

Each member in the “support group” can help each other regarding the best technique in teaching their children.

5. Do your homework

Nothing can get you started on the right track than doing your homework first. In this way, you will be able to know the important details you need to be familiar with in order to provide the best education for your children.

Knowing what you have to do will give you the best guidance in home schooling.

6. Identify your child’s learning manner

It is best to assess your child’s learning manner first before you choose on a particular home schooling method. Conforming to your child’s learning manner will provide the best way on how to home school your child.

There are many choices available when teaching your child through a home school program. Though it is still best to always pattern the program that you will choose on your child’s learning style.

7. Organize the things needed in home schooling

Just like a typical school, home schooling your children would also need different materials and a proper place where they can easily and comfortable learn new things each day.

Hence, it’s best to organize the place first by providing them with an adequate space for their learning. Most children would respond to the process easily if they were comfortable with the place where their classes are held.

8. Have a budget for home schooling

Some parents tend to over indulge with the materials needed in home schooling. It does not necessarily mean that because you have lowered your expenses because you have opted to home school, as compared to sending your children into a typical public or private school, you can spend more.

It is still a must that you have to set a budget for home schooling. There are many books and other materials that can be found on the Internet which are definitely priced cheaper.

Indeed, home schooling is not just a process but also a lifestyle. It’s something that parents should be best acquainted with in order to give their children with the best education they need.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas.

Online Homeschooling

There are so many ways to learn and educate your child in school or at home. One of the growing trend is to teach and learn through online classes. There are online streaming videos that teach kids and teens about various subjects, you can do math online, you can do memory, puzzles, write an essay and learn music online as well. There are quite many vendors and classes available for those who are interested. Some can be free to fee based. You can learn from DVD educational learning, language learning through online education and teach your children various topics from the world.

If Johnny is fascinated by the blinking cursor and struggles to
master the movements of the mouse, you may want to look into some
of the recent developments in homeschooling techniques. Gone are
the days when parents had to buy material from vendors and then
pass it on to their children with explanations. Today, you get the
full course details, material and test papers online.

Children love to sit with the computer. In addition to making them
feel like an adult, the computer also makes use of the visual and
sound medium to make learning fun and easy. Streaming video and
audio show various scientific processes in great detail. The
colorful pictures and the various techniques used help to
effectively bind the data to the child's memory.

Many online resources have a fun testing center that aims to
measure the knowledge and skill level of your child. Complicated
math and science problems are dealt with deftly and elegantly.
A visit to an e-library can also be fun, especially when there
is an audio clip that reads out the passage to you.

E-learning has just begun to revolutionize the world of studies.
If harnessed properly, a child can assimilate an astonishing
amount of information from that great resource sitting right there
at your table - your P.C.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas.

Types Of Homeschooling Methods

For many people, homeschooling may call to mind the picture of two
or three children sitting at a table and writing feverishly in
their workbooks, while mom or dad stands nearby. This is the not
entirely true. Given below are some of the most influential
and popular homeschooling methods.

The Charlotte Mason method:
Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of the homeschooling
movement. A homeschooler herself, she was passionate in her zeal
to lay out the foundations for an effective a complete
homeschooling program that is fun and educational at the same
time. This method focuses on all the core subjects with emphasis
placed on classical literature, poetry, fine arts, classical music
and craft. Mason used a variety of books from classical
literature, which she called 'Living Books'. Since this method
encourages a passionate awareness of literature, the child is read
to daily from the 'Living Books'. After this, the child is asked
to narrate what she has heard. This process begins at the age of
six, and by ten the child is expected to write her narrations in
her book. Mason also advocated the use of 'Nature Diaries'. After
each short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go to
Nature and draw observations from Nature. Thus the child also
gains a sense of respect for her environment. Mason believed that
development of good character and behavior was essential to the
complete development of the child's personality.

The Eclectic Homeschooling:
This is a mixture of various homeschooling techniques. Here, the
innovative parents trust their own judgment and pick out the
topics that make the best curriculum for their child. Such parents
continuously look out for the best products that will meet the
needs of their homeschoolers. Most Eclectic homeschooling
curriculums are improvised. This means that the basic curriculum
is ready-made. The parents then make changes in the curriculum to
accommodate the individual needs and interests of their children.
The child's gifts, temperament, learning style and interests
dictate the curriculum. Eclectic programs include visits to the
museum, libraries and factories.

Unschooling:
A Boston public educator name John Holt laid the beginnings of the
unschooling method. He believed that children learned best when
they are free to learn at their own pace and when they are guided
by their own interests. His message was to 'unschool' the child.
This method is a hands-on approach to learning, where the parent
takes definite cues from the children. There is no definite
curriculum, schedules or materials. This method is the most
unstructured of the various homeschooling techniques.


The Montessori Method:
This method began in Italy, when it was observed that children
have acute sensitive periods, during which they undergo periods of
intense concentration. During such phases, a child will repeat an
activity till he gains a measure of self-satisfaction. The
Montessori method depends on a prepared environment to facilitate
learning. All the materials used in this method are designed to
satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child.
The materials used progress from simple to complex, and are rather
expensive.

These are just a few of the methods of homeschooling. Whatever the
method, the underlying factor is flexibility and a keen interest
in the desires of the child. The secret is to use the child's
desire for knowledge to further his education.

You can check out homeschooling tips and how to start homeschooling and homeschooling curriculum ideas.