Homeschooling Your Child: A Growing Trend
by Yashika kapoor - July 12, 2011
Going by the present times, homeschooling has become very common in the U.S. today. Most parents prefer this option as they can provide best settings to suit the temperament of child and it also gives the child ample scope to learn a lot many other things that are lacking in a regular school.
Celebrities Who Homeschool Their Kids
1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Joile
2. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith
3. John Travolta and Kelly Preston
4. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
5. Andrea Arlington
According to Dr Brian Ray, President of the National Home Education Research Institute, “I think for the parent’s perspective, research shows us it’s a better ride, but it’s not an easy ride. You have to be intentional, thoughtful, humble, and talk to other people in your support group to get new ideas—it’s work, but it’s a different kind of work.”
The Med Guru brings to you some tips on homeschooling that should be taken care of while considering the option.
1. Interact With Your Kids
It is advisable to talk to children before deciding to go for homeschooling as they may not want to go for it or not understand the reason behind the move.
Take note of all concerns and questions that your child may have and try and not impose your decision. Remember, avoid homeschooling if the kid is strictly against it.
2. Study Local Education Laws
Before going for homeschooling, study in detail the education system in your local area as education laws keep changing from place to place. Also, try and find the best setting for your kid.
3. Have Internet Access and Library Membership
As homeschooling will mean that your kid will have little or no contact with other students of their age, you should have an internet access and a library card so that the kid does not get limited knowledge.
Many websites and online communities are there for homeschooling and these can be consulted from time to time.
4. Include Extra-curricular Activities
Homeschooling poses a problem as far as socialization is concerned, so group activities should be encouraged for the kid. Make your child join sports, martial arts, play groups and other extra curricular activities that encourage the kid to interact with peers.
Laura Brodie, a professor at Washington and Lee university and author of love in a time of homeschooling: a mother and daughter’s uncommon year, said, "Homeschooling is not supposed to just be a child alone at home–they’re supposed to be active in the community and with other homeschoolers.
5. Be Sensible And Explore Options
One needs to understand that homeschooling is not a very easy task and it requires a lot of hard work and patience. Explore all the curriculum available and prefer one that meets your requirement and will help the kids more in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.
In the end, remember that there pros and cons of homeschooling too, just like in any other education system.
“The problems in homeschooling come when parents aren’t keeping up with the child’s progress, both social and academic,” Dr Brian Ray concluded.
Last edited by Silky Chandvani on July 12, 2011 - 18:06 | Write to author: Yashika kapoor |
