Should I Homeschool My Child This Year?
This fall is fraught with many difficult choices for parents. Kids have been home since March without much structure or social contact. Without federal guidance, each state and district are on their own in what type of schooling to offer. While some schools may be going entirely virtual, others are offering hybrid or even full week in-person classes… with a strong possibility that everything may change without much notice.
The uncertainty of the upcoming school year has caused many parents to consider the possibility of opting out entirely from the school system. Many are looking into homeschooling as a way to provide kids with stability during times that feel anything but.
So how do you know if homeschooling is right for your family? Here are some things to consider.
Your available time
Of course, homeschooling is easiest if one parent is able to be home full time. But, that doesn’t mean that working parents can’t homeschool as well. One of the best things about homeschooling is that it allows for great flexibility in time and method.
"Parents have it in their head that they have to be doing this book stuff for eight hours a day or sitting in front of a screen and being productive," says J. Allen Weston, the founder of the National Homeschool Association. "But if they're playing games like Monopoly, where they can learn math, or cooking and learning fractions, those are the ways that kids learn, because they're experiences that they enjoy doing and they see the relevance."
Your commitment level
While unlimited time isn’t necessary for homeschooling, commitment is. It is important for parents to make an honest assessment of their willingness to dedicate their time and attention to ensuring their children have an enriching learning experience.
Homeschooling is not the same as the virtual learning many of us assisted our children with in the fall. True homeschooling requires a shift in mindset which often involves unlearning many of the ways we’ve viewed education previously.
"Parents are often tied into the schools' way of doing things, where it's a reward and punishment system, where you feel pride if you get a good grade and shame if you get a bad grade and it's all about the external rewards of doing your 'job' at school," Weston said. "Homeschooling is really about finding ways to make learning organic, to make it fun and interesting and not have to focus on the minutiae of all that kids are taught in schools." he added.
Success in homeschooling may look very different than in a more traditional learning environment. Parents who decide to homeschool must be fully committed to adjusting their mindset to make learning at home a positive, enriching experience.
Choosing the most fitting curriculum for your child
The beauty of homeschooling is that there is no “right” way to do it. Each child comes with their own strengths and homeschooling allows parents to find a learning path that best suits their child.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself before choosing a curriculum:
Would you prefer faith-based or secular curriculum?
Would you rather recreate a school environment or have a more free-flowing structure?
Would you want to work with other families or independently?
Would you prefer standard lessons or project-based learning?
Again, the beauty of homeschooling is that you are not locked down to any one choice. But, understanding your family’s educational needs and desires will help you form a foundation to build from.
The legality of homeschooling
Because each state has different laws about homeschooling regulation, it’s important to do the research before beginning. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offers a free map of state laws on its website.
The cost of homeschooling
The variety of homeschooling options means that there are no set costs. Families who opt to use primarily free online resources may spend very little, while those who purchase curriculum can spend as much as $1,500 for materials and access to online classes.
Perhaps the biggest financial consideration is the amount of income that would be lost if a parent decides to stay home to homeschool.
Whether or not you decide to homeschool, just thinking outside the box about your family’s needs will help you be more thoughtful in your educational decisions this year and beyond.