The Covid Timeline and Homeschooling
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Don’t let our school system’s gap in preparedness and infrastructure shake your confidence - Your crisis schooling experience through Covid was NOT a true snapshot of homeschooling!
With the global Covid crisis of the past few years and the shift to remote learning, families were forced to adapt with their schools. While this time at home encouraged some to continue forward with a homeschooling approach with their children, several families were further turned off to the idea of schooling at home.
Here is the thing… Crisis schooling is NOT homeschooling!
Add on the stress from job changes, financial hardship, a heavy mental load, and unrest from a society divided, I am never surprised to hear that families had a negative crisis schooling experience! While the beauty of homeschool is in the freedom to pair life + learning, in so many ways, this was not an option our schools offered to families. Keep in mind, these were new waters for our schools, too!
While Crisis schooling followed a model, replicating a public school day, isolating from others, and relying on a school district’s decisions and changes, these are ideas simply NOT a part of homeschooling.
Homeschooling is NOT replicating the public school day
One common misunderstanding is that homeschooling simply involves recreating the public school day at home. This couldn't be further from the truth. Homeschooling allows families to design a personalized curriculum that caters to their child's unique learning style, interests, and pace.
While some families may follow a structured schedule, homeschooling allows greater freedom in deciding when and how learning occurs. Parents can incorporate real-world experiences, hands-on activities, and project-based learning that may not be possible within the confines of a traditional school setting.
Homeschooling is NOT isolating from others
Another myth is that homeschooling means children will be isolated from their peers and deprived of social interaction. Homeschooling families engage in various social activities, such as co-ops, field trips, and extracurricular clubs/sports. These opportunities allow children to interact with other homeschoolers and develop essential social skills.
Moreover, homeschooling allows children to form deeper connections with their family members and learn from a diverse range of people in their community. Homeschooling parents can also network with other families in the area to share resources, ideas, and support.
Homeschooling does NOT rely on a school district's decisions, changes, and announcements
Homeschooling allows parents to make educational decisions for their children without being bound by a school district's policies, changes, or announcements. This means that homeschooling families can choose the best resources, curriculum, and teaching methods for their children, considering their unique strengths and weaknesses.
While homeschooling parents must still abide by state regulations and record-keeping requirements, they have far more control over their child's education than in a traditional school setting. This independence allows parents to provide a tailored learning experience that supports their child's growth and development.
Overcoming Crisis-Schooling and Embracing the Benefits of Homeschooling
Many families were thrust into "crisis schooling" due to the global events of the past few years, which led to negative experiences for parents and students. However, it's crucial not to let these experiences deter you from considering homeschooling a viable educational option.
Homeschooling provides families with the unique opportunity to create a personalized learning environment that nurtures a child's individual needs and interests. By debunking these common misconceptions, I hope more families will feel confident and empowered to embrace the many benefits of homeschooling.
Xoxo,
Mandy