For some children, traditional brick-and-mirror schools are not ideal. They may have specialized learning or emotional needs, and being in a classic public, charter, or private school doesn’t suit them. If that’s the case, homeschooling may be an ideal alternative for your child.
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a parent-driven educational option where children typically learn at home rather than at a school setting. This allows parents to create custom-tailored learning plans for their child that are flexible and individualized to their child’s needs. Parents often act as teachers, but in many cases, other teachers or tutors provide a great deal of the academic instruction. Homeschooling can also be provided at other locations outside the home, such as learning centers.
Is homeschooling right for my child?
Choosing how to educate your child is an important decision. Parents usually know their child best; if your child has specialized learning needs or you don’t think they will thrive in a traditional school environment, then homeschooling may be the right choice for them.
What are some benefits of homeschooling?
Individualized Instruction
Homeschooling allows you as the parent to come up with an individualized curriculum with specific teaching methods and a pace that is best for your child. If your child has a learning disability like dyslexia, for instance, they may benefit from Orton Gillingham instruction integrated into the homeschool curriculum for teaching reading. With this systematic, research-based, multi-sensory approach, students can excel at learning how to read and spell words accurately. If a parent can’t provide Orton Gillingham instruction, they can bring in an Orton Gillingham tutor or a teacher who specializes in this method to help educate their child. A child with dysgraphia or dyscalculia may benefit from research-based methods that are catered to their specific writing or math needs. With homeschooling, parents can integrate a curriculum and specialized instructors to provide this type of teaching to their child. Children with ADHD, autism, emotional challenges, behavioral difficulties, speech and language challenges, or other disabilities may also benefit tremendously from homeschooling.
Flexibility
Some students don’t thrive with a typical six or seven hour school day. They may need a more flexible schedule, with breaks, learning games, and other activities integrated. Homeschooling allows a parent to create a flexible schedule with activities and breaks integrated based on what they feel their child needs. This may also make the child more motivated and engaged in the material they are learning.
Improved Achievement
Research indicates that students who are homeschooled show higher academic performance as compared to their peers who receive traditional schooling. They do better on standardized tests and are more prepared for higher level education. While homeschooling may not be right for every child, many students thrive with this type of education - especially if they show stronger academic performance and are more prepared for their next level of education after being homeschooled.
Homeschooling can be a great option for many children, especially those with learning or emotional challenges, as well as those who just may not thrive in a traditional school setting. At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we provide homeschooling to children and create individualized learning plans catered to their unique needs. We also accept Step Up funding for our homeschooling program. Contact us anytime to discuss how we can help your child.
