According to the National Center For Education Statistics, almost 1.1 million children underwent homeschooling in 2005 alone. That's a lot of children. Once upon a time, homeschooling used to be a radical statement - something like a declaration of independence. It was the conservative Christians who advocated homeschooling in the '80s and legalized it in every State. But the typical homeschooler of the day is not religiously motivated.
Recent surveys indicate that parents are actually quite fed up of the public school systems where much of the learning is superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about negative school environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer pressure. As a result, we have a surprising mix of people who form ]the homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious and regional borders. Their main aim is providing meaningful and productive learning through a method that strengthens the bond between the various members of the family.
All these families have one thing in common - a long enduring commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and rightly so, that homeschooling allows parents to bring up children in a more natural and nurturing environment. Public schools can make one nervous, diffident and downright mean. Children who get schooled at home are protected from these damaging negative influences till they reach an age where they can filter it.
Homeschooling draws the whole family into a cooperative relationship for the purpose of schooling. Everyone plays a role and participates in the work. The parents together form a bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into a learning opportunity. Homeschooling gives the parents an acute awareness of exactly what is going into their child's head. Parents also maintain control over the kind of religious and moral values that the child adheres to. Even watching a movie together can become a learning experience. Trips to the library and other places become educational as well as recreational.
A homeschooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one earning member, though many homeschooling families today find ways to work fromhome giving both parents equal access to the benefits of involvement.One income families may have to curtail extra spending and make sacrifices in order to make the most of their new venture as home educators. Budgeting and proper planning of expenditures is a must. Budgeting and saving in and of itself becomes a family lesson.
Homeschooling is an enriching and rewarding family affair.
Recent surveys indicate that parents are actually quite fed up of the public school systems where much of the learning is superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about negative school environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer pressure. As a result, we have a surprising mix of people who form ]the homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious and regional borders. Their main aim is providing meaningful and productive learning through a method that strengthens the bond between the various members of the family.
All these families have one thing in common - a long enduring commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and rightly so, that homeschooling allows parents to bring up children in a more natural and nurturing environment. Public schools can make one nervous, diffident and downright mean. Children who get schooled at home are protected from these damaging negative influences till they reach an age where they can filter it.
Homeschooling draws the whole family into a cooperative relationship for the purpose of schooling. Everyone plays a role and participates in the work. The parents together form a bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into a learning opportunity. Homeschooling gives the parents an acute awareness of exactly what is going into their child's head. Parents also maintain control over the kind of religious and moral values that the child adheres to. Even watching a movie together can become a learning experience. Trips to the library and other places become educational as well as recreational.
A homeschooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one earning member, though many homeschooling families today find ways to work fromhome giving both parents equal access to the benefits of involvement.One income families may have to curtail extra spending and make sacrifices in order to make the most of their new venture as home educators. Budgeting and proper planning of expenditures is a must. Budgeting and saving in and of itself becomes a family lesson.
Homeschooling is an enriching and rewarding family affair.
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