Homeschoolers often choose to educate their children at home due to the benefits inherent in homeschooling. For those considering homeschooling as an option, you might be wondering just what these benefits are. Studies have shown all sorts of benefits to homeschooling; here are some of them.
Family Time
Many families are concerned about the lack of family time in our modern world. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, many parents and children find it difficult to find time to spend together. Homeschooling requires that the teacher (parent) spend time with the child or children, and you learn a great deal about each other in the process.
Love of Learning
Homeschooling is often geared toward making learning fun and engaging, setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning. This love of learning is something that may get lost in a public school setting, where a child may be at a level different than the class’s teachings or may associate learning with boredom.
Readiness
Homeschooling allows teaching your child in whatever capacity and at whatever level he or she is. Some children, for instance, may be highly skilled in reading at an early age but find handwriting a challenge. Others may write beautifully but struggle with reading. There are a great many variations across the learning spectrum, and homeschooling allows parents to work with these strengths and weaknesses.
Social readiness is another benefit of homeschooling – that is, being able to socialize your child at his or her own pace in settings he or she finds comfortable.
And finally, homeschoolers need not worry that their child is being exposed to teaching or issue that they find objectionable, or for which their child is not ready.
Customized Education
Homeschooling gives parents insight into their child’s learning style as well as his or her strengths and weaknesses. This allows the parent to customize a curriculum and find the teaching style that best fits the child.
Real-Life Experience
It’s been said that “socialization” occurs when homeschoolers are out experiencing interpersonal reactions with a wide range of people, while public school kids are sitting at desks forbidden to talk to each other! Homeschooled kids get exposed to the post-academic world – the world outside of school – at an early age, which may better prepare them for the future.
Freedom from Bullying
Bullying is a major concern in today’s schools. Freedom from bullying is a significant benefit of homeschooling. Children learn in a safe environment and can concentrate on their schoolwork rather than being worried about the next encounter with the bully.
