Here's what you need to know about homeschooling,

The past year was nothing short of a huge experiment for parents, teachers, and children alike. Parents had to figure out how to juggle their children’s education while working from home. Teachers had to find new ways to engage and interact with their students. And children had to adapt to a new way of learning. Let’s not forget the anxieties that came along with navigating an unfamiliar pandemic.

Let’s face it: online learning is worlds apart from the offline experience. Children’s school times have been cut in half to curb excessive screen time, leaving them to continue their learning journey with you after they’ve logged off from class.

With this academic year coming to a close, you’re probably weighing your options for the next one. For many parents, homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for many reasons: the Since you’ve been helping out your kids with their school at home, you might be curious about homeschooling. But what you’ve been doing the past few months isn’t exactly homeschooling. So what is it? And what do you need to know before you choose homeschooling? Let’s dive right in!

What is homeschooling?

As we discussed in our previous posts, homeschooling is when a parent takes on the role of being their child’s primary educator. It is not dependent on any school methodology or pedagogy. Instead, it focuses more on heutagogy or self-determined learning. Some families homeschool because of illnesses or disabilities. Others might choose this path to give their child the attention that they might not receive in school. Fears over getting the coronavirus is a recent addition to this list.

How do you get started with homeschooling?

Trying something for the first time can be scary and overwhelming. But being equipped with information (especially the tips that nobody tells you while starting out) goes a long way in setting you up on a rewarding homeschooling journey. Here are a few areas to understand as you take the plunge:

Research

Read up on parent experiences and challenges that they’ve faced to get a clear idea of what you are getting into. Check out homeschooling communities online for support and guidance. Having a support system in place can make all the difference when starting your homeschooling journey. All in all, get acquainted with the realities of homeschooling. Keep in mind that everyone’s experiences are different, so take it with a grain of salt.
Find out what’s best for you and your kid

Before you go forward with homeschooling, assess if homeschooling is the right fit for you and your child. Would homeschooling fit into your lifestyle? Will your child enjoy it? Sit down with your family and make sure that everyone is on board.
Seek tools and resources that you would need

Choose a curriculum that you’d like to follow, books that you would need and software tools that would make learning seamless. We suggest you check out this blog for a comprehensive look into all the tools you would need.

Tips for success

Don’t compare

You’re just starting and you’re trying to make sure if you’re doing homeschooling justice. Before you start picking at what you think you’re doing wrong, know that everyone’s homeschooling journeys are different. It’s alright to take notes and compare them with a fellow homeschooling parent, but don’t let it pull you down!
Have fun!

Learning at home is not confined to a table. Teaching moments can happen anywhere. From grocery store runs, to museum trips. Make learning fun by including games, movies and anything that you can think of!
Flexibility is key

You are not confined to a schedule like schools are. So give yourself the liberty to be flexible with when you teach, your expectations and most importantly your children. This is new for your child too! Give them the room to get used to it.
Create a learning schedule

Although it’s great to be flexible regarding when learning happens, having a schedule can help immensely. It could be as simple as figuring out which topic to learn about each day. This can help you block off time for work and alone time (you need some time too!).
Passion Projects

Let your child follow their heart! If they’d like to learn an instrument, or a new language, encourage them. Support their passion by helping them meet mentors and other children with the same interest. Homeschooling is the perfect environment for your child to follow their dreams. Nurture their interests the best you can!

How is homeschooling like in India?

Homeschooling is still a new approach for many in India, but it is starting to take off. Organisations like NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) offer all the help you need to start your homeschooling journey.

How do homeschoolers make friends?

There is a misconception that homeschoolers are anti-social and don’t have friends. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many ways for your child to meet and make new friends. How can you help?

Enrol them in a group class. Group classes allow learners to pursue their passions and make friends in the process. At Beyond 8, we have facilities to help homeschoolers have flexible schedules, tutors and facilitators to guide their journeys as well as opportunities to forge friendships with other learners from all age groups.
Make park visits and other communal activities a regular part of your routine.
Volunteer! Not only are volunteering opportunities a great way for children to learn about compassion, but it’s also an excellent way to meet more people.

Conclusion

Homeschooling is an exciting journey to embark upon. But there’ll be many moments when you question yourself. Some days will be great, and on other days, not so much. You might feel like you’re unable to make headway, and that is okay. Think about why you started this journey, and remember not to be so hard on yourself! All homeschoolers, parents and children alike, go through these waves of emotions, especially at the beginning. Take those moments as learning opportunities and keep going! You’re learning just as much as your child is when homeschooling.

Are you thinking of homeschooling your child? What’s keeping you from making the jump? We’d love to help you with any reservations that you have. For more on how we enable learner-determined education, visit us at www.beyond8.in