Key Considerations for Homeschooling Students

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Key Considerations for Homeschooling Students

In-Person vs. Online Tutoring

Since the rise of the modern homeschool movement, many people developed misconceptions about homeschool learning. These stereotypes, like students being anti-social or not learning enough compared to a public-school setting, usually manifest when parents aren’t familiar with the concept of homeschooling. Local communities used to oversee institutions and school systems until the 1970s when other bureaucratic powers took over.

This, in turn, gave parents a smaller role in their children’s education. Thus, these parents decided to take charge of their children’s education and choose the best path for their children. Today, homeschooling parents work hard to provide their children with an education that differs from the public-school curriculum.

Is Homeschooling Free?

Homeschooling isn’t always free, but parents may opt for a free homeschooling experience. By logging onto the Internet, parents can find curriculums through digital resources like Homeschool Buyers Co-Op, Khan Academy, YouTube, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool, and Ambleside Online. These popular at-home learning tools can provide education for students in grades K-12. YouTube, for instance, provides excellent educational videos for older students, and the popular Crash Course channel (which covers almost all school subjects) now has a second channel called Crash Course Kids.

These online tools are easily accessible and have fun activities to inspire students to master difficult material. Other educational sites include CK12 Foundation, which administers free courses for students in grades K-12, and CNN Student News. CNN Student News is a free current news resource, which can give these students early exposure to understanding global events and form opinions based on what they’ve read.

Are Homeschoolers Socially Awkward?

The stereotype that homeschooled students are socially awkward no longer rings true as they now have more opportunities to meet new friends thanks to social media and homeschooling support groups. Social media platforms and practicing mindful learning have helped most homeschoolers to become mature and naturally curious. For example, when students have access to great resources like CNN Student News and museums, they form their own opinions through observation and discuss these ideas and events with an adult. Talking and learning with an adult in a one-on-one forum can prove beneficial to a student’s growth.

Extracurricular activities may encourage students to become more social with other children. These activities may take place at a nearby public school. This is quite possible since some states require homeschool students to join clubs and sports through public schools. Alternatively, parents can contact the school district directly for permission to join during activities. Other possible activities located in each community include the local library (where they hold activities throughout the day for younger students), a local YMCA to aid in a child’s physical exercise, or religious communities involved with various charities.

Should I Send My Teenager to Public School After Homeschooling?

While there is no clear-cut straightforward answer, your child should be able to return to a traditional public school setting without too much hassle in most cases. There are many instances where teenagers attend public school after homeschooling. In some cases, children breaking away from their personalized learning methods respond better when allowed to attend public school. Some homeschooled children, even when they like their home environment, wonder what it’s like to go to school. Instances of watching TV, reading books, and playing with their neighbors can influence children’s curiosity to try out public schooling.

But when parents force their children to transition into different teachings, children are more likely to underperform in both educational and social environments. Rather than rushing to enroll in public school, students will transition easier when he or she feels ready. After transitioning to public school, students can join clubs and sports that they have interests in and befriend like-minded peers.

Learn More about Homeschool Education

Public schools put their best foot forward to separate students of different learning capabilities, but this can result in more peer pressure, bullying, and negative stereotypes. Homeschooling is about the on-hand and personalized approach, which many parents and students prefer over the learning models in public school districts.

Alternatively, parents and students with a strong religious background want to guide their children’s education. Whatever the case may be, there should be a lot of thought and research given to this decision to give a student the best care and quality education.