Homeschooling

Advantages

* Educational freedom
* Physical freedom
* Emotional freedom
* Religious freedom
* Closer family relationships
* Well-Rested kids
* No Busywork


Disadvantages

* Time restraint
* Financial restraint
* Limited team sports
* Living outside the norm


Planning

* Prepare: Home schooling your child will take a great deal of work. You must be able to devote a larger portion of your time to your child’s education. Once you begin this journey you start to understand the tremendous responsibility you are putting on your shoulders. You will determine your child’s future.
* Determine the style and method of home schooling you will use.
* Plan the curriculum. The amount of material for home schooling is astounding. You must do your research and determine which method you will use.
* Find support: Chances are there are others in your community who are home schooling their children. There may be a support group available in your area. Joining such a group will give you support when you need it.
* Legality: Find out what is necessary in your state to make home schooling legal. Each state is different and it is important that you register correctly for your state.


Highest Rated Resources

The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts. Lee Binz Shares The Secrets Of Creating Great Homeschool Transcripts That Will Impress Colleges. No Matter How You Homeschool, Parents Are Capable Of Creating Effective Transcripts That Provide A Clear Picture Of Their Students Academic Record.

Knowledge Quest, Inc. & Homeschooling ABCs. Classes And Resources For Home Educators.

Homeschool Cash – Make A Full Time Income By Homeschooling. 6 Month Membership That Teaches You How To Make A Full Time Income Within 6 Months By Homeschooling Your Kids! Great For Home School Moms And Parents Looking For Extra Cash.


Research on childhood education

In earlier days, enlisted professional tutors were an option for elite group of people. Hence most of the children were educated by means of homeschooling. Compulsory education came in to existence in 17th century. Many researches were done on early childhood education and their effect on children physical and mental development. The research results were as follows:

Formal schooling before ages 8-12 was harmful to children. Earlier enrollment of students also caused nearsightedness, increase enrollment of students in special classes. The bond and emotional development of children developed long term with parents are cut short by earlier enrollment in schools. This can not be replaced by any institutional policies.


Methodology

Children in homeschooling are taught by various methods and materials. Some of the methods are “unschooling”, Montessori, school at home, Waldorf Education and others.

Unit studies: This approach integrates several subjects in to one topical theme

All-in-one-curricula: This is also called school in a box. This cover many subjects, usually an entire year’s worth of material. They contain all needed books and materials.

Student-paced learning: This is similar to all-in-one-curricula. This method allows students to progress at their own speed.

Online education: This method improves the quality of homeschooling. Parents can be with their children during online learning. Also, online tutoring helps disabled students or students who cannot travel to learn.

Natural learning: Also called “unschooling”. This helps students to pursue subjects of their interest. The term “unschooling” was coined by John Holt. This method recommends that you “educate children by doing”.


International status

Countries with most prevalent home education are Austria, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some also have regulated home education as an extension of the compulsory education such as Germany and Brazil.


Famous home schooled individuals

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of United States taught himself how to read, write and do arithmetic.

George Washington, 1st United States president.

Che Guevara, Guerilla leader in Cuba, Africa and Bolivia.

Elizabeth II, the queen of the United Kingdom received early education at home.

Thomas Edison, an inventor and businessman received most of his education by reading on his own.


Summary

Home schooling is a great way to stay close to your children. At the same time you can help them become well rounded adults. It gives parents the opportunity to help shape their child’s future. Parents are more able to inject their lifestyle and beliefs into their children’s educational experience.

Home schooling is also much safer that attending public school. Parents have much more flexibility to individualize their child’s education. Home schooling is not as easy as it sounds. It is more difficult than most parents are ready for.

Parents have to brush up on their own education in order to home school. Many parents are unprepared for the curriculum their children need in home schooling. If you are thinking about home schooling your child you should do some research first. You need to make sure that you can understand the curriculum necessary to teach your child.

A few of the steps to home schooling your children are:

Many parents are not prepared for the challenge of teaching their children. It is hard for many parents to separate teaching from parenting. But by using some of the resources available, it can be a rewarding experience for parent and child alike.