If you are considering homeschooling then you are certainly looking for the benefit of it. So what are the shining points of home education?
Specialized education- The parent who has control over their child's education has the authority to make the choices in regards to methods and curriculum. Large schools like in the public system lack the ability to determine each child's specific needs and meet them. Home education is about determining what my family needs to do for the best education for my children.
Share life with your children- One of the best parts of home education is the ability to live and learn with your children. Homeschooling is not just something we do, it's a life experience that we share.
Be an influence in your child's life- I have heard many times that the problem with homeschooling is that the child inherits the parents' belief system or points of view. I fail to see why this is a problem. Every child becomes influenced by those around them. Every book we read may make an impact, every movie may expose us to something we were not already aware of, every person we speak to may leave a mark on us. Why not be our own children's mentor into a meaningful life beyond the borders of home and childhood?
Nurture specific studies- This is another topic I have seen used as a negative point to home education. Yes, many parents do pick and choose when it comes to selecting subjects of study. Every school does this as well. Public schools in Louisiana have a course in Louisiana history with some focus on local holidays and culture through the year but I am sure students in New York are more focused on their own histories and important events. We certainly can make the choice to bring in our own culture's flavor, teach our cultural languages, teach more of histories that relate to our ancestors or personal life choices (for example, a study on Naval history for a family whose head of house is active duty or a veteran of the Navy) or even choosing studies that will benefit the children due to job availabilities in our own areas or to help them with chosen career paths and intended college courses.
Take education outside the classroom- I am a believer in structured education. We conduct most of our studies at the kitchen table but there is a world outside of our study area that begs to be discovered. We take advantage of the opportunities that offers. Science class in the garden, reading on the porch, hands on experiences on field trips, other activities or learning about life, people and the world by being involved in it.
These are just some of the main benefits to home education. Others have found various factors or reasons that make homeschooling the right choice for them.
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If you have found homeschooling to be beneficial to your family or want to read about what others have gotten from it, join us for a discussion in The Dollar Stretcher community.
Want to read more about the reasons to homeschool or the beneficial factors? Check out these sites:
The Benefits (and disadvantages) of Homeschooling
Unexpected Benefits of Homeschooling
Benefits to Homeschooling: A Growing List from our Family to Yours
