How can you determine if you are making the right decision by switching to home school? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Families choose to home school for different reasons. Deciding if it is the right choice for your family will be up to the needs of all individuals involved. This decision doesn’t just affect the student but the entire family.
- First you need to determine why you want to home school your child? Some of the most common reasons are concerns regarding the information being provided to students in their local school district,nutrition, the need to spend more time with family, and learning disabilities. All of these are valid reasons. You just need to ensure that your reason for changing can be resolved by this decision.
- Are you willing to put in the time and effort that is required for home schooling? It isn’t just handing your child some books. You will be determining the grade level that best suits your child and coordinating lesson plans for their learning experience. There are several programs available online that will actually write the lesson plans that are needed and track the student’s progress.
- Are you concerned about socialization? Parents of children in public seemed to be the most concerned about the socialization of children that are home schooled. Most home school children have more opportunities than public school children. Consider this, often children in public schools are scolded by the staff for too much socialization. “You’re not here to socialize, you’re here to learn”! Funny isn’t it?
- Are you concerned about how your friends and neighbors will view your decision? Don’t be! This decision is being made by your family regarding what is best for child. Ultimately,the child’s parent would know what is best for their educational needs.
- Do you have anxiety about becoming your child’s teacher? As long as you can read and write you will be able to teach your child. They are naturally more comfortable in their home environment. You do not need any special teaching certificate. As long as you can present lessons and help your child to understand them, you will find that it is rather easy to do.
While these are only a few of the things that you should consider I hope it gives you an idea of where to start when you are trying to figure out if home schooling is right for you and your family.