Life is full of changes. But it seems like the world is changing even faster since the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Just about every aspect of our lives has had to change in some way. Everything from how to pay for goods and services to how and where our kids go to school.
When it comes to education, one of the biggest changes is the number of families choosing to homeschool. After in-person schools shut down, parents wanted to find a way to keep their kids safe physically without losing any learning time.
While COVID-19 has ushered in a large-scale shift toward homeschooling, some parents are still convinced they couldn’t be successful at that option. In reality that couldn’t be further from the truth. The job of parenting is the perfect preparation for homeschooling.
Another hurdle to the homeschooling journey is the myths and misconceptions. Some parents don’t realize how beneficial homeschooling really is. Not only can the educational aspects be personalized to the needs and interests of your student, but homeschooling can be a big benefit when it comes to applying for college.
Making the leap to homeschooling is definitely a learning process, but the benefits far outweigh the struggles and learning pains. Just like starting a Gerber Life College Plan can be the building blocks for your college fund, homeschooling can be the foundation for creating lifelong learners.
Benefits of Homeschooling
There are often stigmas surrounding the world of homeschooling. People often think homeschooled children are missing out on something – socialization, extracurricular activities, or even certain aspects of their curriculum.
The truth is that homeschooled students aren’t often missing out on anything. The nature of homeschooling usually means more opportunities, more experiences, and more benefits.
Level of Flexibility and Freedom
One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the level of flexibility and freedom it affords. Almost every aspect of homeschooling can be personalized to the needs of your family or child. Not only can you choose your schedule, but you can also choose how and what you learn.
That level of flexibility guarantees a high level of freedom. Homeschool families are able to visit local attractions during less busy times. These families can also take a trip or vacation at any time without worrying about missing school.
Development of Intrapersonal Skills
Homeschooling also helps children develop intrapersonal skills. Homeschool is often self-paced, much more than traditional classroom learning. Homeschool students are often required to have a great amount of responsibility at a younger age.
College Acceptance Rates and Preparation
We all want our kids to have the best college experience if that’s the path they choose, but it can be overwhelming at times. A lot of the focus for the college experience is on the selection process.
Parents and students alike are looking for the right class sizes, the right degree program, and the right school culture. Of course, these are all worthwhile factors to consider, but they aren’t the only ones.
A lot of preparation goes into creating the best college experience. The best college experience starts with the right preparation. Homeschool students may be better prepared for the transition to college because of their ability to explore more subjects or dig deeper into those subjects. Those intrapersonal skills also help prepare students to operate more autonomously.
These skills are also very attractive to college admissions counselors. In fact, homeschooled students are, at worst, accepted at the same rate as their traditional counterparts. But some studies show that homeschooled students are accepted at higher rates than traditional students.
Tips for Homeschooling Parents
Homeschooling is a lot more than it may seem. It offers great benefits to both students and parents. But how do you make the transition from a more traditional school setting to homeschooling?
Because homeschooling can be so personalized, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how to get started or plan out your homeschool journey.
The good news is there are a few tried and true tips to help homeschooling parents get started and be successful. And the best tips for homeschooling look similar to the ways to prepare for a new academic year, so the jump to homeschooling won’t feel completely new.
#1 – Set a Routine
The first step to a successful homeschool is to set a routine. Decide which days of the week you’ll be working and what hours of the day will be devoted to school work. Maybe your family wants to get schoolwork done first thing in the morning, but maybe afternoons are better.
Whatever the routine, make it work for your family and your students.
#2 – Be Flexible
Yes, a routine is important, but it’s important to remember to be flexible. Life happens, and even the best-laid plans don’t work out. It is possible to miss a day of school or not finish a math assignment.
Homeschool almost always presents opportunities for learning – evening life skills. Those changes in plans can help you teach your children how to handle everyday challenges.
#3 – Make a Homeschool Place
It’s also a good idea to set up a homeschool area or room. Depending on the space in our home, find a place that you can designate as your “homeschool room.” Not only will this help keep your supplies and books organized, but it will also help get everyone into the “learning mood.”
The homeschool area doesn’t have to be large or overly decorated. It just needs to be a place where your children can focus and work, a place where they know it’s time to get down to learning.
#4 – Get Outside
Don’t forget to get out of the house. Yes, “home” is in the name, but it’s not the only place you can go. Consider taking your books outside on a nice day, or take a trip to the trampoline park to explore math and physics.
Not only are you getting in some fresh air and a little exercise, but you’re also showing your student that learning doesn’t happen in only one spot or during one time of the day.
#5 – Embrace the Struggles
Learning at home comes with inherent challenges. There’s no way around that, but it’s still worth it. That’s why it’s so important to embrace the struggles of being at home all day with your family.
Remember that challenges will come, but it doesn’t outweigh the hundreds of benefits that also come.
#6 – Learn Together
Homeschooling isn’t just about teaching a child things. It’s also about learning alongside your student. Make sure you get engaged and explore subjects and ideas that you find interesting.
You’ll be able to see how your child is progressing, but you’ll also be encouraging your child to be a lifelong learner.
Homeschooling can get a bad rap, but the recent increase in families taking the plunge shows just how possible it is. If you choose to homeschool your child, there are plenty of options out there. More than that, you are capable. It’s just about making it work for you and your children.
