Homeschooling Myth-Busters
If you'd rather listen to the podcast than read the blog, click here for The Parents' Solution. The podcast drops December 27, 2022! As tensions rise over curriculums in public school institutions, you might find yourself considering homeschooling as an alternative for your child’s education. Homeschooling is a viable option for teaching your child.
Not only is it viable, homeschooling can be a better option than public school. Studies show that homeschoolers score better on standardized tests. In the book A Sense of Self: Listening to Homeschooled Adolescent Girls by Susannah Sheffer, she discovered that homeschooled girls did not experience low self-esteem and generally became happier, more emotionally mature adults than girls in public schools.
Homeschooled children receive the uncontested better experience of one-on-one learning from an adult who truly has their best interest at heart (you). The individualized experience means that the curriculum is designed for the child’s success and the time spent learning strengthens the bond between parent/caregiver and child.
All that being said, there still tends to be some popular (often self-imposed) myths that hang around concerning homeschooling. I’m here to bust them for you. Keep on reading.
1. I can’t teach my children; I’m not a teacher
Whether you know it or not, you have been teaching your child since they were born (or placed in your care). They learn something from you every day, whether it be a certain vocal inflection, a facial expression, a new word, or a new life skill. There is nothing to say that you cannot channel what may be sometimes unintentional learning experiences into purposeful, planned lessons.
Now to be fair: if the above paragraph had you rolling your eyes (I know there’s no university degree for facial expressions), I do realize that there will be subjects where you will need some outside help. This is where building a community of like-minded people comes in. The support, advice, and resources you will find in that community will help you acquire the information you need so that your child will be taught correctly when it comes to those more difficult academic subjects.
Don’t forget to do your research! Read the books and articles, ask the questions, do the digging that is required for you to make a strong action plan for how you are going to educate the children in your care.
Need some professional guidance? That’s what Star Students is here for. Feel free to chat with us. We’d love to help!
2. I don’t have time
Homeschooling does not have to be a 6–7 hour school day. Homeschooling can be focused to a 2 or 3 days per week, or a full 5 day work week. The following is a general guideline to the average amount of focused school time needed for each grade level, if you are following the traditional school curriculum:
· Typically, 30 minutes per day is enough for children up to grade 1
· Grade 1-2 requires 1 hour of focused study daily
· Grade 3-4 requires 1.5 hours of focused study daily
· Grade 5-6 requires 2 hours of focused study daily
· Grade 7 and up requires a maximum of 2.5 hours of focused study daily
Makes you wonder why the days are dragged out to such an extent in traditional schools, doesn’t it?
3. My kids will fall behind academically
This myth comes from comparing homeschooling schedules to the full-day routine of traditional school systems. The fact is that children do not learn for 6 hours straight in school.
If you find that there is a real concern with your child regarding the lack of academic knowledge, enlist some professional help. A tutor or teacher will be able to support your goals and bring your child up to speed if they are behind.
Remember that not all learning is linear; children develop at different states. Don’t stress about them performing to a certain level. Continue to be patient and intentional in your teaching; your child will learn when they are ready.
4. I don’t know what to teach
If the idea of a free-flowing curriculum makes you nervous, there are plenty of other curriculums that have been designed to mimic the traditional education system. And as mentioned before, professional guidance is always available.
You don’t have to be alone in this endeavor. If you need motivation, new ideas or creative methods, try going on to YouTube and searching “A Day in the Life” for homeschooling parents. There is a ton of content out there that will help reinforce the fact that there are many, many parents and caregivers who are choosing homeschooling as a way to give their children a meaningful education.
1. “10 Benefits of Homeschooling You Need To Know”, accessed November 28, 2022, https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-homeschooling-you-need-k now.html #english #homeschool #learningisfun #language #montessori #growing #studying #knowledge #study #homeschoolmom #learning #education #homeschoollife #learn #teaching #students #preschool #teacher #school #iteachtoo #classroom #textbooks #iteachfirst #schoollife #homeschooling #montessoriathome #prek #parentsofinsta #simplehomeschool #tutoringservice #unschoollife #tutorsofinstagram #interactivelearning #teachyourkids #privatetutoring #parenttips #studentengagement #funlearningathome #learningexperience #instaparents #teachingkids #learninganddevelopment #homeschoolfun #parentsupport #parentslife #childledlearning #qualityeducation #learnandplay #homeeducator #homeschoolmama #parentinggoals #educationiskey #educationispower #parentsofinstagram #educators #handsonlearning #parents