Many parents do not feel called to homeschool, but still want to be involved in their child's education. Afterschooling is a great option.
Afterschooling - a growing trend in education. Afterschooling occurs when a child attends a public or private school full or part-time. Parents commit to further strengthening the education of their children at home. Afterschooling shares many things with homeschooling - a commitment from a parent to consciously educate, time, creativity, enthusiasm, and love. What is different is that afterschoolers work with or at the same time as a 3rd party educator.
Afterschooling means many things to many people. It may be simply a supplement to an otherwise good education. It may be providing learning in areas that the school may not be able to give (like many extra-curricular activities, or special needs). It may be a deeper exploration of a subject the child in currently learning in the classroom. It might be reviewing the work done during the day, and being there to assist with homework when needed. It may be driving to baseball practice or ballet two times a week.
Thinking about afterschooling and not sure what to do? Think about these things:
- Decide what you want to emphasize - Do you want to use the subjects your child is learning in school as a platform for expansion? Or would you rather create your own units? Will you choose traditional subjects like math and reading, or will you use afterschooling time for music, art, and dance?
- Gauge your time - Try to estimate how much time per day or per week your family will devote to afterschooling. You may be working around school schedules, bus schedules, PTA meetings, and other activities. Your child needs enough "free" time to relax and unwind and enough time to complete their given schoolwork. Like anything, give the family time to adjust to a new schedule and routine.
- Find your sources - Like anyone who is schooling their child in any way, your own philosophy will play a large role in carrying out afterschooling. You may prefer to use supplemental workbooks or curriculum. Or you may go the unschooling route, and take life and public/private school as the menu from which you afterschool.
Afterschooling is the opportunity to make learning a family affair. Always remember to be flexible. Any schooling at the harm of our family undermines what afterschooling and homeschooling are all about - strengthening our families through learning and life.
Most of all, have fun!
