The homeschool awakening continues to rise, with more and more families taking advantage of this individually tailored, flexible, family-time-redeeming, values-aligned educational avenue.
The Homeschool Awakening
Actor Kirk Cameron explores this movement in his new film, “Homeschool Awakening.” This movie showcases the journeys of fourteen homeschool families across the country.
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an education option where children learn outside of the traditional classroom setting under the direct supervision of their parents. This education takes place in the home or in other locations, such as museums, parks, historical sites, and other areas of interest to the family.
Many homeschool families are focused on providing their children with a well-rounded, educational experience that is built around the family’s lifestyle and home life. They may also put socialization as a priority and find ways to make sure that their kids have opportunities to interact with other people of different ages and backgrounds.
There is a wide range of reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children, from concerns about their local public schools to their desire to educate their children in accordance with their religious beliefs. There are also some who believe that homeschooling is an effective way to help their children overcome social and academic challenges.
One of the main benefits of homeschooling is that it offers a lot more flexibility than public schooling. For instance, if a parent gets sick and needs to stay home, the school can still provide instruction for the day if needed.
Another big benefit is that homeschooled students often have more social experiences than those who attend public school. This can mean that they are more confident in their social skills and will have more friends when they do go to public school.
While homeschooling can be an expensive choice, it is a valuable option for families who want to customize their child’s education. For example, parents who are committed to teaching their children from a biblical worldview can take advantage of homeschool curriculums to provide their children with a high-quality education that is designed to advance their academic abilities and challenge them to think critically about the Christian faith.
If you’re wondering what homeschooling is all about, there are many resources available that can give you more information on this topic and answer your questions. These include a free resource guide, homeschooling blogs and articles, and other information about homeschooling on the web.
Homeschool Awakening – Why do people homeschool?
Homeschooling has become a popular educational option for parents with children of all ages, but the reasons behind it vary widely. From a desire for individualized instruction to the fear of school violence, or to increase family time, there are countless reasons that parents opt for homeschooling.
One of the most common reasons people homeschool is because their child has a learning disability, such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder (ADD). In many public schools, teachers don’t have the resources to work with students with disabilities. This can make learning very difficult, and parents who homeschool are often able to give their children a more personalized education.
Studies have shown that homeschoolers score higher than their peers on standardized tests. However, there are some limitations to these studies. Those studies are only looking at a small group of homeschoolers and their academic performance, and they don’t take into account background factors like socioeconomic status or family composition.
Another important reason people homeschool is to provide their children with a religious education. The public school system does not offer religious instruction, so many parents choose to teach their children at home.
Unlike private schools, homeschoolers are free to teach their own religion and practice their faith in their own way. This allows them to internalize their own beliefs more strongly, according to research by the National Home Education Research Institute.
Parents can also control the curriculum and pacing of lessons to suit their child’s needs, so they are not rushed to complete the same material as the rest of the class. This can improve their progress and help them master material faster than they would in a classroom setting.
Some parents also homeschool their children because they prefer a more natural environment than the classroom setting. This can help children grow and develop their creativity in a non-judgmental way, which can lead to greater confidence.
Homeschoolers can also spend more time with their friends and family, as well as interact with people of all ages in their communities. They can even go to extra-curricular activities, such as sports, scouts and co-ops. This can benefit them in the long run, as they will be more socially adjusted than their peers in public school.
What are the benefits of homeschooling?
Homeschooling provides a number of benefits for students, their families and the educational community. Many parents believe that homeschooling is a positive, life-changing experience. However, there are a few things to consider before deciding to homeschool.
For starters, homeschooling allows you to teach your child in a way that is more efficient and effective than traditional school. The student-teacher ratio is much lower than in a classroom, so you can devote more time to individualized learning.
It also gives you more flexibility when scheduling lessons. You can fit learning around a doctor’s appointment, errands or other typical household routines. You can even skip a lesson to spend more time with your family.
Children with special needs can thrive at home, allowing them to receive specialized curriculum designed for their specific needs and learning style. This enables them to learn without feeling inhibited or distracted, to get better socialization and to develop self-esteem, confidence and a sense of independence.
Another benefit is that students have more freedom to go outside and experience the world in ways that aren’t possible in a classroom setting. This encourages them to make connections between the lessons they are learning and what they experience in their everyday lives.
A growing body of research has shown that homeschooled children are more successful in standardized tests than their public school peers. They have a higher GPA and are more likely to attend college.
They have a lower risk of obesity, drug use and other negative health outcomes than their peers. They are also less likely to become victims of bullying and violence in the schools.
You can learn about your child’s unique interests and hobbies more informally than at school. This allows you to share more of your own passions with your child. It can be a fun way to bond with them and strengthen your relationship.
For example, you can hike the Appalachian Trail, rediscover maps of the world, brush up on algebra, learn to code, visit museums and enjoy field trips together. You can also discuss politics and social issues with your kids, participate in community events, and help them develop their skills and passions.
How do I start homeschooling?
There are a lot of things to consider when you are ready to homeschool your children. But, the most important step is to decide that homeschooling is right for your family.
Once you decide that homeschooling is the right thing for your family, the next step is to start learning about all the options available to you. This includes reading, visiting the library, talking to other homeschoolers and contacting or joining your local homeschool organization.
It is also a good idea to read up on your state’s laws and requirements for homeschooling. For example, in New York, you need to submit a Letter of Intent to the school district within 14 days of beginning to teach your child. Afterward, you will receive and fill out an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP).
Another helpful tool for homeschoolers is the internet. There are lots of sites that provide free curriculum and lesson plans, as well as many books about different methods of teaching. There are also websites that allow you to join homeschool groups where you can meet other parents, discuss your teaching techniques and learn from others who are also homeschooling.
The most important thing to remember when you are starting out is to be patient and to trust your instincts. Everyone learns differently and you need to find the best way to help your child be successful at homeschooling.
You can do this by reading up on various homeschooling methods like Charlotte Mason homeschooling, Montessori homeschooling, unschooling, classical homeschooling and eclectic homeschooling. These methods are flexible and can be tailored to the learning needs of your child.
It is a good idea to make sure you and your spouse have the same vision for homeschooling. It will help you focus your efforts and give you a better understanding of what homeschooling is all about.
Once you have an established vision for homeschooling, it will be easier to find the resources and materials that you need. This will include the curriculum you will use, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.
