The number of people interested in homeschooling has been growing steadily since the 1970s. After the pandemic, interest for the concept has skyrocketed, as has the number of students enrolled in online education.
During the past year, many families have been able to try out homeschooling, allowing them to keep their freedom of choice when it comes to their child’s education.
Getting started with homeschooling can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t been able to study the various aspects of the program thoroughly. This article will help you navigate the various steps necessary to get started. Here are some interesting facts about homeschooling you should know before making the transition for your child.
Homeschooling Comes in Various Shapes
A homeschooling family chooses to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. This method usually involves a parent, a home teacher, or a reputed online homeschool.
Although it is hard to define homeschooling comprehensively, it is generally a method that allows parents to choose the curriculum they want their children to follow. You don’t have to follow a set schedule or curriculum to start a successful program.
Many students face the issue of not being able to find a capable teacher for the subjects of their preference.
Take A Level Music, for example; while it opens the door for students to pursue their passion, students in developing countries may find it difficult to find one that can help them sit their exams as the focus is primarily on STEM subjects.
Unlike traditional schools, homeschooling allows parents to help their children study a globally-recognised curriculum. Cambridge Home School, for instance, allows students from around the world to study quality British education that is accepted in over a thousand higher education institutions.
There are several different ways to start homeschooling. Parents are encouraged to try them all to see which suits their child’s needs best.
You’re not stuck with a decision, and if it doesn’t work, try something else. Having a child as your guide will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your program.
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1. The Classical Technique
The Classical Technique has been around for centuries as the go-to method to help students learn and retain information taught in classrooms. It features a variety of components, such as grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
The classical technique aims to help students develop their learning process. It involves both hands-on and video instruction, which is significantly different from other styles.
Students benefit greatly from having audio-visual guides to help them understand what’s taught in class from a real-world perspective. Cambridge Home School provides access to students looking to go the extra mile with audio-visual resources to help them secure top grades and make their answers stand out.
2. Montessori Technique
Maria Montessori is known for saying that play is the child’s work. This idea has gained popularity among parents of young children. This method also benefits parents looking for a more independent way to educate their kids.
The Montessori technique aims to prepare the environment for your child’s success. It allows kids to have opportunities to develop their skills and confidence by giving them choices that are within their limits.
Parents looking for an effective transition to online homeschooling must look for a homeschool that encourages school-life balance.
3. Unit Studies
Your child may have been getting excited about a particular topic for months. Instead of trying to pull them away from this passion, embrace it with Unit Studies. This method allows kids to develop their interests in a variety of topics.
During a unit study, your child will be provided various materials and activities to help them develop their knowledge about a particular topic. For instance, space can be used to teach history and science.
Many traditional schools fail to realise the potential of making studies engaging for their students. If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids engaged and motivated, online Unit Studies is the method for you. It allows your child to find new activities and lessons to meet their interests and integrate them into the theories and fundamentals taught in class.
Not only will it allow them to develop their skills, but it also allows you to explore what they love.
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4. Waldorf Education
Unlike Montessori, Waldorf focuses on the development of imagination and creativity. While academic subjects are important in this style, they are not rolled out as quickly as in other methods.
In addition to academics, Waldorf also emphasises the development of oral storytelling, music, and art. It also puts technology aside until the high school years. The goal of this style is to encourage children to think independently, feel connected to the world, and take action to make change happen.
If you’re looking for a method appropriate for your child’s development, look no further than the Steiner-Waldorf Curriculum.
5. Eclectic Education
There are no rules when it comes to choosing a homeschooling style. Instead, you can mix and match the various styles available to you. Having a choice allows you to create a personalised approach for your child.
Depending on the day, your child may play all day and then work on math materials in the afternoon. Other days, they may go to the zoo and go outside. These activities are integral to the effective growth of your child’s social and psychological cues and should never be taken for granted.
The goal of this style is to provide a relaxed environment where everyone can reach their goals. This allows your child to break out of the curriculum and learn effectively without feeling overwhelmed or overworked.
6. Wildschooling
Getting kids outside is also beneficial for their bodies and minds. It allows them to develop their physical and mental health.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids engaged and motivated, Wildschooling is the style for you. This type of uk schooling system is ideal if you believe there’s no bad weather, just bad gear.
According to many parents and teachers, play is all a child needs until they are seven or eight. Getting outside is also beneficial for their minds and bodies. It allows them to develop their physical and mental health. They can also explore their local area by going on a hike or a creek.
This type of homeschooling is beneficial if you want to allow your child to focus on the natural world and provide your kids with a fun, hands-on learning environment.
7. Unschooling
Unschooling is a type of learning similar to the methods you’ll find in traditional schools. It can look like this style if your child actively directs their education.
As a homeschooling parent, you’re responsible for providing your child with the necessary resources and observing them. However, you don’t have to complete assignments or force them to complete anything. Some days, your child may play all day, while other times, they may be outside exploring.
If you’re homeschooling, take a look at your child’s interests. If they’re into sharks, then start by breaking out the toys and watching a documentary about sharks. Then, let them explore the various scenarios that feature sharks. This activity will allow them to develop their understanding of the animal’s anatomy.
Take some time to de-emphasise the importance of learning time. It can be hard to break out of the mindset that learning is separate from your daily life.
Looking for more resources related to Unschooling? There’s a variety of books that are written by Peter Gray and Kerry McDonald.
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Online Homeschooling Provides More Benefits Than Just High-Quality Education
A child needs a safe and encouraging environment to develop a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.
1. Resolving the Problems Associated with Traditional Schooling
The traditional school environment can be full of problems affecting a child’s development. These include large classroom sizes, outdated resources, and a lack of involvement between the teacher and students. If the school’s administrators cannot address these issues, homeschooling might be a good alternative.
2. Diverse Learning Opportunities
Homeschooling allows you to meet the individual needs of your child. State curriculums and standards can be very inflexible, and if you feel your child is getting left behind, homeschooling could be a good alternative.
3. Adjusting to a Child’s Disability
It can be very challenging for a public uk school system to meet the needs of a child with special needs. If you’re worried about your child’s academic performance, homeschooling could be the solution.
4. Accommodating Travelling Families
It can be hard to change schools at the end of every school year, especially if you have a family that frequently moves. With homeschooling, you can provide your child with the consistent education they need.
If you’re not satisfied with the results of your child’s education, then homeschooling is a valid choice. It’s also a lifestyle that everyone can be involved in.
Various Guidelines Go Into Effective Homeschooling
All across the United Kingdom, homeschooling is legal. However, there are varying guidelines in different states. The Elective Home Education Guidance can help you navigate through the laws in your state.
1. Integrating Your Homeschool Curriculum at Home
If you’re homeschooling in a state that requires you to teach certain subjects, choose a curriculum that meets these requirements. Choosing Cambridge Assessment for your student is an infallible way of ensuring that the education your child receives is on par with globally-recognised standards so that they don’t face any hiccups in higher education.
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2. Keeping a Record
Parents opting for an online homeschool can benefit from the fact that they don’t have to keep track of the various nuances that go into complying with the homeschooling regulations they would have to follow to ensure compliance strictly.
3. Achievement Testing
In some regions, homeschooling students must take tests every three years. However, these tests are not mandatory and can be adjusted and untimed. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, enrol your child in an online homeschool that periodically conducts tests to gauge their performance.
Tips for Homeschooling Parents
There are many steps you can take to start homeschooling you may be unaware of. These tips will help you make the transition from traditional school to homeschooling.
1. Homeschooling Support Groups
Parents making the transition can find families going through a similar process through local support groups.
There are plenty of local support groups that are dedicated to homeschooling. They can also help you connect with other parents. There are also regular meetings that can be held in your area. You will find plenty of social media groups dedicated to homeschooling.
2. Create a Designated Space
A well-designed learning space can help keep your child’s attention focused on online classes and homework. You can also create a space for them to read or play in the kitchen.
3. Create a Structured Schedule
If you’re planning on following a strict curriculum, having a schedule can help your child know what to expect in a day. If you choose to have a child-led learning approach, then having a loose schedule of bedtime and meals can help keep things consistent.
4. Start slow
There are so many things to do when you’re first starting, but it’s important to start slowly and avoid burnout. By giving everyone time to adjust, you can enjoy the freedom homeschooling provides while ensuring that your child’s studies are unaffected.
Get Experienced and Modern Online Homeschooling with Cambridge Home School Online
As the parent, No one can better take your child’s needs into account than you. Homeschooling allows you to explore your child’s interests and develop a new approach to learning.
At Cambridge Home School Online, we provide a quality British online education to students worldwide. We offer four homeschooling programs that help students get the guidance they need, from when they start school to pre-university. Parents can view our list of programs as well as subjects offered here. We’re proud to provide a high-quality learning opportunity in many subjects to students who may otherwise have been unable to find the right guidance.
Touted as the leading online british school system by many on TrustSpot, we provide the academic and non-academic support students need to succeed in school, helping them perform exceptionally well and have an enjoyable online learning experience. Let’s get started!
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FAQ
Why has interest in homeschooling surged in recent years?
After the pandemic, there has been an exponential growth in the number of families opting for homeschooling and online educational programs. The past year has seen more families trying out homeschooling, which allows them to maintain autonomy in choosing their child’s educational path.
What types of homeschooling methods are available?
There’s a wide array of homeschooling methods you can choose from, such as the Classical Technique, Montessori Technique, Unit Studies, Waldorf Education, Eclectic Education, Wildschooling, and Unschooling. Each has its unique features, and you’re encouraged to experiment to see which one best suits your child.
Is it difficult to find specialised teachers in subjects like A Level Music?
Yes, it can be challenging, especially in developing countries where the focus is primarily on STEM subjects. Homeschooling allows you greater flexibility to provide education in specific subjects that may not be readily available in traditional school systems.
How is homeschooling different from traditional schooling in terms of curriculum?
Unlike traditional schools, homeschooling allows parents to have greater flexibility in choosing a curriculum that suits their child’s educational needs. You can choose globally-recognised programs, such as those offered by Cambridge Home School, without being confined to a specific schedule or curriculum.
What benefits does online homeschooling provide?
Online homeschooling offers a high-quality education and allows parents to tailor the learning experience to meet their child’s unique needs. It is especially useful for families who travel frequently or for those with children who have special educational needs.