Homeschooling is a considered a growing trend by many people including the government, which says that 1.5 million students were homeschooled in 2007. This is a 36% increase since the last study they conducted in 2003. Those who see it as something new will be surprised to know that before formal schooling was set up, all children were essentially taught at home by their parents aka home schooled. Here we look at some benefits and detractions of homeschooling.
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Benefits of Homeschooling
Homeschooling allows you educational freedom. You get to teach your children what you would like them to learn rather than being restricted by a school syllabus or curriculum. While you may have to meet basic legal requirements per grade in your state, you will have the independence of teaching your child more than the basics if you like.
Homeschooling brings you closer as a family. Considering the amount of time you spend together in gainful activities your children are likely to be well bonded with you. Homeschooling allows you to foster loving ties between the family members.
Enough time to do everything. Since the child does not waste time traveling to and from a school location physically there is more time to spend in the actual learning tasks. Personal attention allows the child to accomplish more in an hour than he would in regular school. The children are also more likely to get longer sleep durations and be well rested.
Detractions of Homeschooling
There is no “me” time. When you homeschool your children there is no special time set aside for you. The children are your responsibility 24/7 without a break, unless you have an accommodating spouse who will allow you to recharge your batteries away from the family for an hour or so each day.
Finances can become tight. If one parent opts to stay at home and teach the children the full financial burden of providing for the family falls on the remaining spouse. This can cause a bit of a struggle when you try to balance the budget each month.
Come under scrutiny of the neighbors. If you are living in an area where the majority of the children go to regular school, your family may be considered as the odd one out. Neighbors who do not understand why you are homeschooling the children may become a problem to deal with.
Article Inspiration: About Homeschooling
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