AT A GLANCE

An increasing number of American families are turning to Homeschools Key things to consider when opting for Homeschooling

 

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Have you been considering Homeschooling for your kids?
The pandemic has prompted an increasing number of American families to switch as they believe Homeschooling is a viable and sustainable long-term solution for their kids' educational needs. Across the United States, the number of families adopting the homeschooling way has shot up considerably ever since the unprecedented corona era began. According to NHERI, over 5 million American families have their kids schooling at home, and with experts backing the method, this number is steadily rising.

It makes perfect sense also as Homeschooling is a much more flexible method where kids have a bigger say in what they want to learn and how they want to learn. It is significantly more affordable than public or private schools. Additionally, early results have shown that homeschooled kids are sharper and perform better than private or public school kids on standardized tests.

However, shouldering the responsibility for your kids' education and changing the family's lifestyle accordingly to turn your home into a school could be a daunting task. The experts at Cuemath, a Google for Education partner, list things to consider when doing online Homeschooling.

 

The beginning could be overwhelming
The transition to Homeschooling could prove to be a formidable challenge if you let it be. Remember, most of the important things in life look scary at first. Do you recall the day your first kid was born? It's nerve-wracking for most parents, but they ask fellow parents for advice, research on the internet, read a lot of books, and turn to experts for additional help. The same goes for Homeschooling. Instead of being baffled by the change, scouring the internet, reading relevant books, and taking expert advice will help. Once you know more about Homeschooling, it becomes easier to develop a plan to implement it.

 

Homeschooling is Hard Work
Deciding on subjects and finding the right resources that work best for your child require hard work. Parents need to put in the hours, especially at the beginning, to plan a curriculum that suits their child's needs. Record keeping and correcting work require parents to be fully involved. Not all children are the same, and the curriculum that works for your neighbor's kid may not appeal at all to yours. However, if you are committed to providing the best education for your child, you can make it happen. You can also seek help from experts. Cuemath, the world's top online math platform, has expert tutors who curate 1:1 personalized learning plans for kids to realize their maximum potential.

 

Freedom
A fascinating thing about the homeschooling system is the freedom that it offers. You, along with your kids, decide what to study and how. If your children, like my six-year-old nephew, are obsessed with dinosaurs, they have the option to study dinosaurs. You can get creative and involve math problems in a Tyranusauryus story. You decide the schedule. You can homeschool in the evenings, at night, on weekends, and take days off whenever convenient for the family. 

 

Check local laws
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the USA, but laws slightly vary from state to state. Therefore, it is advised to check compliance with local laws before starting. Cuemath's curriculum is entirely compliant with the US Common Core plus accredited by STEM.org.

 

Trust your children
Many parents are skeptical if their children would be as committed to studies at home as they are at school under the supervision of teachers. Your children learned to walk, talk, ride a bicycle, dress themselves, etc., under your care. Trust yourself and your children and believe that they will continue to grow through Homeschooling as well.

 

Watch out for Common Homeschooling issues
Experts claim there are three main issues that trouble Homeschooling beginners:

Feeling of Isolation: Some parents fear their child will become a social misfit. Instead, ensure that kids get enough opportunities to socialize. Joining a support group is an excellent step in that direction. Not just kids, parents too should connect with like-minded adults.

Early commitment to curriculum: Some parents purchase an expensive curriculum at the very start without fully understanding their child's individual learning style. Experiment a little in the beginning with different methods of homeschooling before you plunk down the cash. Alternatively, seek advice from industry experts like Cuemath, where 10,000+ expert tutors develop a learning plan specifically for your child.

Inability to learn and adapt: The freedom and flexibility of Homeschooling come with a challenge and has their ups and downs. There are multiple ways to go about it and you, as parents, need to learn as you go. You have to define and constantly redefine your approach to make this a fulfilling experience.

Other minor but significant things
Daily meals: Otherwise taken care of by the school, homeschooling parents need to ensure that kids eat healthy and timely 
Noise levels in the area: Parents should take all the steps to provide an environment silent enough for their kids to concentrate 
Separate study room: A dedicated study area always helps kids focus better
Access to parks: Ensure enough recreational activities so that your child is not entirely homebound.

 

Family is the topmost priority, and because of the amount of time spent together, Homeschooling family members are known to be closer to each other. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your kids grow and achieve milestones right in front of your eyes. It is essential to approach Homeschooling with a positive mindset and put your best foot forward so that your children are well prepared to shine in school, college and life.

 

Now that you have a slightly better understanding of Homeschooling, it is time to take positive steps towards your kids' education. Cuemath offers Live Online Math classes for kids from KG to 12th grade, and their curriculum is entirely compliant with the US Common Core plus accredited by STEM.org. Book a Free online demo with them to kickstart this journey by experiencing their adaptive Math-Tech approach.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

The beginning can be overwhelming so get a plan ready. Check local homeschooling laws and enjoy the freedom of choices in this medium. Watch out for common pitfalls like the feeling of isolation and inability to adapt.

 

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-By Abhishek Deswal    

Abhishek is an engineer with a math-focus outlook on life. Through his writing at Cuemath, he puts forward his belief that life makes more sense when seen through numbers. A former analytics professional, he enjoys theatre, football, and long runs.