The Home School Alternative Education

Years ago, during a discussion of home schooling, I commented that I had concerns about the lack of socialization for a home schooled student. The person I was talking to commented that he had 2 children that were home schooled and they had above average social skills and were very confident. Some of the greatest men of the last century were educated at home or self educated. This includes such people as Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Before the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, a home education was the norm. Not, we have compulsory education in public schools. This convenience is considered by many that choose to home school their children not that appealing at all.

Students being home educated today are growing in numbers. Often, the parents are using home schooling for their children because what they are looking for in the schools are not necessarily available. Their education can be controlled or directed according to the family's desires. The reasons for home schooling range from assisting children with disabilities to lack of satisfaction with the quality of education available in the schools to the careers of the parents. The statistical data for the parents of the home schooled child just intensifies the national averages. This is related to ethnicity factors, income factors, college degrees, housewives and religious factors.
What are some of the reasons to home school your child? The reasons vary a lot but avoiding the negative pressures such as school violence where some inner city schools are reporting up to 30% of students are carrying weapons to defend themselves. One of the biggest reasons for home schooling is the fact that parents want their children to have the best education they can. Using a curriculum and working at home, the student can be paced by their abilities. They can take units of work and accomplish one unit at a time. There are home school associations that a family can join thereby being able to do some group activities. These associations also allow the student opportunities to socialize with other students that are also home schooled. There are a lot of community resources that are available for the home schooled student as well.

The Truth About Home Education

Before making the decision to home school, parents should seriously consider homeschooling pros and cons. Home education has many advantages in the areas of academics, socialization and cost. Here is an honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of homeschooling.
Academics
When educating their children at home, parents can choose materials and teaching methods that fit their children's learning style. Parents can more readily control the topics their children are exposed to and give their children more opportunities to pursue their interests. Some parents feel overwhelmed by the bearing sole responsibility for their children's academic development.

Socialization
The home environment is a physically and emotionally safe environment for children. At home, children can grow and develop in an atmosphere that is free from bullying, harassment, and peer pressure. Homeschooling allows children to spend their time in the same diverse, real world environment where adults spend their time. Unlike their peers who attend public school, home educated students are exposed to individuals of a variety of age ranges and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their flexible schedules also allow them to spend more time building strong relationships with parents and siblings.
Some homeschooled students feel they need more social interaction than the home environment provides. At times, some homeschool families feel the strain of too much together time. Both parents and children need time to develop as individuals and pursue their own interests.
Cost
For parents who live in cities that have poorly performing school districts, homeschooling is a low cost alternative to private education. However, unless they are homeschooling through a publicly funded program, home educators are responsible for purchasing books, supplies and other materials for their children, in addition to paying school taxes.
Overcoming Challenges
Those with gifted or special needs children can seek help from one of the many organizations available for such students.
Families who are in need of more social interaction can join a homeschool support group, sign their children up for a sport, or participate in church activities and community organizations. Those who are concerned about the expenses associated with home education can use discount or used materials, or design their own curriculum. Parents who are creative and resourceful will find that homeschooling pros far outweigh the cons.