In the United States, homeschooling is becoming more and more popular with every passing year. As its popularity grows, so does the list of questions about it:
- How do you get started?
- When do you start (time of year and age of children)?
- What do you use for curriculum?
- What are the various methods?
- What are the laws about it?
- Is it for every family?
- What are the pros and cons?
- Can you homeschool children with special needs?
- What if both parents work?
The definition of homeschooling
Homeschooling happens when a child receives the bulk of his or her education at home and the community at large, rather than sitting in a classroom all day, every day. While there are homeschool co-ops that provide once-a-week group classes, such organizations serve mainly to supplement what the child is learning away from the group setting.
It may involve a formal curriculum, or it may not. It may cost a lot of money, or end up being a totally free education. It may occur during the traditional school year, on weekends only, or year-round. There are a variety of ways homeschooling can happen; what it all boils down to is the environment the child spends most of his or her waking hours.
Some advantages
- No bullies or bullets
- Freedom to use the toilet, drink or water, or eat when necessary
- Flexible schedule
- Easily tailored to the child’s needs
- Less time spent on academic tasks
- Freedom to explore personal interests
- No forced learning of values that contradict those which the parents are trying to teach
Who should homeschool, or be homeschooled
What kind of parents or caregivers should homeschool their children? Parents with a lot of money? Who are self-employed? Who are college educated or have a teaching degree themselves?
Really, it’s much simpler than that. As a caregiver of children, you are qualified to homeschool if:
- you love your children,
- you aren’t in prison,
- you are not insane, and
- you can read.
