Homeschooling Is Not...
Homeschooling has always been such an intriguing topic to me. Before we made the decision to homeschool, the topic of it had always captivated me after I began thinking about my own child’s education. Every time I saw a homeschool family, I wanted to pick their brain and learn more about their choice and their why.
But today I’m not going to share the WHY with you, instead I want to focus on other areas to break some of the ice on the topic of homeschooling. I think we so often get these ideas in our heads about topics, without actually knowing much about it, and quickly jump to conclusions. So today, let’s chat about homeschooling from a different perspective.
Homeschooling is not…
A standard eight hour day. This is one of the golden tickets here but also something that many can’t comprehend. Most homeschool families, especially those with elementary age children, can wrap up their day by lunch time. In our home most of our lessons are done by lunch time and we just do some literature, poetry and maybe some journaling in the afternoon. This is because our days consists of teaching only a few children instead of nearly 30 and we don’t have to schedule in the various things that traditional schooling does.
Going to deprive children of socialization. You’d really have to live like a hermit these days in order for your children to miss out on socialization skills. Most homeschool families are part of a co-op, hybrid, or play date organization that meets 1-2 times per week where children of ALL ages can come together and interact. Not to mention that the freedom of time with homeschooling provides more time for extra curricular team sports, church activities, and social skills while running with mom to the grocery store on a Wednesday morning. Most people will tell you that homeschool children are able to speak confidently to adults because they associate with people of various ages, instead of just a class with children of similar age.
The same for every family. Perhaps you met a family before that seemed a little too flighty for your likes and it gave you the impression that their academics weren’t rigorous enough. Or perhaps you do know some families that don’t often meet with other children for play dates or co-ops. Homeschooling looks different for each family and this is OKAY! Some families have an unschooling, less organized manner of tackling their day and other families have a strict schedule. Often times, most families choose to follow a general rhythm each day that ebbs and flows in a similar way, just without the rigid time lines.
Just from a computer or a workbook. There’s nothing wrong with homeschooling virtually or homeschooling straight from your workbook without much extras, but you’ll often find that this isn’t the case. Most families pull in extensive studies that take kids out into nature; immerses them into art and culture; develops their passion for classic literature; or includes traveling the country while learning geography through real, living lessons. Most mothers I see put in an extensive amount of time planning and preparing their beautiful lessons, activities, crafts and materials for their children. Education can truly come alive with homeschooling!
Pressuring grade levels or test scores. This may not be something that everyone wants to hear, but the truth is that homeschooling doesn’t have to keep track of rigid test scores or absolute grade levels. In other words, your child may be second grade age, but may be using a first grade level reading program and a third grade level math program. Homeschooling allows us to hone in on our children’s strengths and weaknesses, catering specifically to that child. Only once a child reaches the age of applying for college scholarships must rigid scores be tracked. State standardized testing can also be done for homeschoolers! However, much of this is also based on different state regulations.
Going to hinder their chances of getting into college. There are actually many college programs recruiting homeschool students because of their success rate in college. There are scholarships for homeschool families just as there are for traditional families. College success rates of homeschool children is often very high.
Isn’t set in stone. Many families are homeschooling for as long as the Lord calls them to or for as long as their children wish to be homeschooled. Often times, children enjoy the freedom of homeschooling so much that they simply lose the desire to attend traditional schooling. Many families take the task year by year, and pray for the Lord to lead them wherever he sees fit.
To shelter children. This is a hard one because in many ways, many families do use homeschooling as a way to “shelter” their children. However it’s important to note that we know our children will not always be protected and will have to make their own decisions out in the world. Homeschooling allows us a way to protect their innocence a bit longer while working on their foundation and morals to navigate the world (however something anyone can do, homeschooling or not).
Easier. My second grader tackles more subjects this year than she would have in public school. Homeschooling is not easier by any means, it just allows the student to work at a pace appropriate for their age and to progress on their own terms. It also allows a student to focus more on their passions and to dig deeper into the lessons that interest them.
Right for every family. What works for one family, doesn’t have to work for others. Homeschooling is a calling that families feel or may simply choose based on certain situations. It’s okay if homeschooling isn’t for you, but please don’t judge the families that choose this route.
Traditional school. Sometimes people who try to homeschool get caught up in trying to make homeschool just as structured and rigid as traditional schooling. If you’re moving from the traditional school setting, give yourself all the grace to make homeschool more free. It doesn’t require 8 hour days that are scheduled to the tee and if you don’t check the list off every day, then that’s okay too!
Always painted rainbows and unicorns. Just like any thing, homeschooling has its good days and bad days. We often need grace, lots of patience and new tomorrows to work out the kinks that we may have had today. There will ALWAYS be hard moments just like any part of parenting, but the beauty lies in what’s on the other side of those hard days!
I hope this helps you see a little of the beauty in homeschooling. There’s so much freedom, joy and growth in the journey as both the mother and the child. What is one thing you think about homeschooling or a preconceived idea that you had about homeschooling before you tried it?
PIN US BELOW
