The start of the new year means many of us are beinning to make plans for 2007. A new year means new decisions. Many people are already thinking of schooling for the next year. If you are contemplating homeschooling, this is a great time to learn more.
Homeschooling is a big committment for the family. Whether you homeschool one child or multiple children, there will be changes to the family schedule.
Let's look at a few things:
Who should consider homeschooling?
The short answer is anyone can consider it. People choose to homeschool for so many reasons. There is no one right reason. Common reasons to consider homeschooling are:
- overcrowded classrooms in local schools
- concerns over educational emphasis/learning objectives in schools (ie. emphasis on state testing vs. learning to learn)
- parents of children with learning disabilities often consider homeschooling as a viable alternative, as they can give their child more of the help and time needed
- religious reasons
- concern about pressure of the peer school culture
These are just a few of the possible reasons to look at homeschooling. All are valid.
What child makes a good homeschooler?
Any child. Homeschooling can benefit children of all ages and learning abilities. Some children fit the homeschool lifestyle more naturally, like
- children who have an active learning style. This is often discouraged in a typical classroom, espcially for boys.
- children with learning disabilities whose needs are not being met at school. This can take research and training on the part of the parent.
- gifted children - Gifted and Talented programs often leave gifted children unsatisfied.
- the self-motivated learner - a child who is very self-motivated often feels "held back" by the busy work in classrooms.
Deciding to homeschool takes a lot of careful consideration, research, and somtimes persuasion. Look for upcoming articles in this series, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, gathering support for your decision, and researching and beginning the journey.
