Benefits of Home Schooling

By Ina Woolcott

* Children are taught by their parents who know them the best and love them more than anything in the world
* There is more time to spend together as a family
* More time to teach subjects that aren't taught at public schools
* There is more time for in-depth study and no strict deadlines
* Children are able to learn at their own pace and their own developmental stage
* As much time as needed can be spent on a given subject, all day if needed or until the child has grasped a new concept
* Concentration and focus are promoted as there are no disruptive classmates
* there is a lot more time to spend outdoors which is healthier than being in a classroom all day
* Children are more in touch with nature and everyday small and often overlooked miracles of nature
* A sense of responsibility and values is assumed as children help out with running the day to day household such as washing, drying up and cooking
* Life skills are learned in a natural way as more time is spent with adults
* Family bonds are strengthened
* There is more time for non-academic pursuits such as art or music
* Children will feel more responsible as they are able to help design their own education
* Rather than always ask their teacher for help children will be able to seek alternative assistance from various other sources
* More efficient methods can be used to suit a child's particular learning style
* Rather than working for external satisfaction (teachers) they can work for internal satisfaction. This helps build confidence and happiness
* Children learn to judge the quality of their work, rather than their teacher and are not just trying to satisfy the teacher
* As there is no risk of being embarrassed in front of fellow classmates or criticised by the teacher, children will be more outspoken and creative
* There will be less peer pressure to grow up quickly in terms of clothes, music, language and interest in the opposite gender
* Children will have friends based on common interests and choice rather than being placed in the same age groups
* There are more opportunities for field trips which are tied in with the child's own curriculum
* There are no other kids to distract and learning is quicker leaving more time for play
* There is more time for travelling at off peak times as time is loads more flexible
* There are no other kids to compete against
* There will be immediate and appropriate response to a child's work rather than waiting for a teacher to mark it and find out where they went 'wrong'
* There is no need for tests or grading
* What the children gain in knowledge and understanding is a reward of studying in a happy environment rather than constantly seeking a teachers approval
* The child's energy is channelled into what they want to learn rather than what they HAVE to learn
* Morality and love will be more valued than money and status
* Rather than waiting to grow up to explore their passions children can begin living their lives and dreams NOW
* Children are offered a more complete education
* Parents and children teach and learn what is important to and for them

It is obvious to see that all round home schooling is far more complementary to a child’s upbringing and education, especially as they are in familiar surroundings and aren’t sent to school at an early age where they are cut off most of the day from their parent(s) and siblings they love.