Imagine a school without conventional norms. No four wall classrooms, No need to leave your parents behind to reach school, no strict timings and no tight schedules. Does it sound like a dream? Fortunately, in this era, it is not a dream but a reality. Though the idea of homeschooling is not new in foreign countries, it is still gaining momentum in India.

What Is Homeschooling?

As the name suggests, homeschooling is when parents take the initiative to educate their children at home, instead of sending them to any educational institution.

The idea of homeschooling is somewhat controversial, especially in India. Some argue that it fosters the holistic development of a child, both emotionally and physically, while others believe that the conventional method of teaching is better, as it instills discipline and enhances social skills. Both sides have their own reasons for agreement and disagreement. Let’s explore the definition as well as advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling and the tips to solve the challenges associated with it.

The Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling benefits include customised education, adaptable routines, better family bonds and a personalised syllabus to meet unique needs of a child. The benefits are many, let’s discuss each of them separately.

1. Mental Freedom

Studying in an environment surrounded by family is obviously much more mentally relaxing than studying in a restricted environment where teachers are always standing next to you.

Additionally, there is no peer pressure, no dressing up in a formal manner and no assemblies to stand and be presentable all the time. Hence, homeschooling puts very less unnecessary stress on a child and gives them a more carefree environment to develop them physically and emotionally.

2. Better Scores

A study on homeschoolers taking the Classic Learning Test (CLT), a standardized college entrance exam, found they outperformed peers in other educational settings. The CLT, which has its roots in the liberal arts tradition, uses classic texts rather than more recent readings like the SAT and ACT to highlight intellectual ability. According to the study conducted by Lisa Treleaven of Houston Christian University, homeschoolers had an average score of 78, which was higher than the mean scores of children attending private (75), charter (73), and public schools (66).

3. Less Chances of psychological disorders

Kids become emotionally vulnerable when they are ignored, especially at a very tender age. However, in the case of homeschooled children, the chances of being ignored is almost nil. Not to forget, kids can discuss all their fears and insecurities with their parents whenever they want. Hence, homeschooled children are more secure and emotionally stable. This is why there are very less chances of developing psychological disorders in such kids

4. Self Paced Learning

No need to submit your homework on Monday morning sharp. Schools are usually very strict when it comes to homework, ignoring the fact that a child might fall ill or have some problem at home because of which he or she couldn’t complete the work. However, this possibility gets erased completely in homeschooling. Not to forget, parents understand the ability of their child and hence avoid putting unnecessary pressure on their kids.

5. Spending maximum time with parents

All of us who went to a private school must remember how traumatizing it was to leave our parents behind at the school gate and go to our classroom. Homeschooling protects the little ones from this traumatising experience. On the contrary, you can keep your kids by your side and teach them according to their pace and not the way a class should proceed.

6. Customised Education

Unlike schools, you can make a personalized education plan for your kid that stresses more on the weak subjects. Make creative lesson plans that encourage learning while your kids play instead of a very strict environment which is not only boring but also mentally burdensome.

7. Adaptable Routines

What happens when your kid doesn't go to school for a day? You feel panic that your child skipped the lesson to be taught in school? Well, this fear does not exist in homeschooling. If your kid was not feeling well in the morning, plan classes for her or him in the evening. Hence, there is no loss when either you or your kids’ time don’t allow them to study.

Unsure if homeschooling is the right choice for your child?

---

Connect with career counsellors and get the clarity you need!

Get Clarity Now

Challenges & Tips for Homeschooling

Everything has its negative and positive sides. Hence here we will discuss the challenges of homeschooling and some tips associated with each one of them.

1. Lack of formal teaching skills- You might want to teach your kid but you don’t have formal teaching skills like subject expertise, classroom management, lesson planning or explicit instruction.

Tips

• Utilize Online Resources: Make use of homeschooling courses, educational portals, and video tutorials.

• Adhere to a Structured Curriculum: Select an effective homeschooling program to direct your instruction.

• Join Homeschooling Communities: Get support and guidance from other parents who are homeschooling.

• Employ tutors or join cooperatives to get assistance from professionals in difficult subjects.

• Promote Self-Learning: Use books, projects, and online courses to promote self-directed learning.

• Employ Interactive Learning Techniques: Include practical exercises, field visits, and instructive games

2. Lack of formal environment- Most of the school kids become attentive the moment the teacher arrives. However, kids due to informal relations with their parents often refuse to oblige them. This leads to inattentiveness and lack of a learning environment.

Tips

• Create a Daily Routine: Just like in a traditional school, have a regular start time.

• Establish a Learning Space: Set aside a specific, clutter-free space for studying in order to indicate that it is "school time."

• Establish a dress code for homeschooling since it can help youngsters get psychologically ready for learning.

• Reduce Distractions: During study time, keep electronics, toys, and extraneous noise out of the way.

• Employ a Reward System: Provide modest rewards, like more playtime or a treat, to help focus.

• Be a teacher by establishing clear expectations and maintaining authority while remaining personable.

• Adhere to a Structured Curriculum: Learning gains credibility when it is supported by a syllabus and lesson plans.

3. Balancing household chores & homeschooling- Both balancing household chores and homeschooling require significant time, energy, and attention. Parents must juggle teaching, planning lessons, and assessing progress while managing cooking, cleaning, and other household responsibilities. The constant multitasking can lead to burnout, stress, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Additionally, an unpredictable routine, lack of personal time, and children needing constant supervision make it harder to maintain a structured and efficient workflow.

Tips

• Make a Daily Schedule: To keep things organized, schedule lessons and duties at certain times.

• Engage Children in Chores: Transform domestic duties into opportunities for education and cooperation.

• Prioritize your tasks by concentrating on the most important ones and letting go of perfection.

• Utilize Meal Prepping: To save time, plan and prepare meals ahead of time.

• Establish Independent Learning Time: Let children work on some projects by themselves while you take care of household chores.

4. Prepare for 10th Board Exams- Things will go comparatively easy in junior classes however teaching can become slightly overwhelming in higher classes. For example: Class 10 syllabus might be more advanced than your expertise level. What will you do in such situations? Fret Not. There are a number of ways to handle such situations.

Tips

• Understand the Exam Requirements: Find out if homeschoolers in your nation are eligible to take board exams (such as the GED in the US or the NIOS in India).

• Select the Correct Curriculum: Adhere to a well-organized curriculum that corresponds with the format of the board's exams.

• Make a Study Plan: Establish a reasonable schedule that covers every subject and is updated frequently.

• Utilize previous papers and practice exams. Solve past years' exam questions to gain an understanding of the structure and time management.

• Seek Outside Assistance: For direction, sign up for study groups, hire tutors, or enroll in online courses.

• Remain organized by remembering study materials, due dates, and test dates.

• Practice time management for students by using timed tests to mimic actual exam conditions.

Conclusion

Indeed, like other methods of teaching home schooling has its own advantages and disadvantages. People might criticise you for choosing home schooling for your kids, however, you have to stay firm on your decision. Remember, homeschooling is not a new concept. The method has already been proven beneficial in foreign countries and many people in India are also introducing this in their life.

However, if you are still confused and need further guidance on this subject, you can always opt for career counselling.