So, you’re wondering about homeschooling, huh? Maybe you’re simply intrigued by the idea of turning your living room into a classroom, or perhaps you’re wondering if it’s just a big bubble of isolation. Well, let’s grab a cup of tea and have a heart-to-heart about what homeschooling really is—and what it definitely isn’t.
In recent years, homeschooling has emerged as a prominent alternative to traditional education, yet it remains full of misconceptions and misunderstandings, which is why I’m excited to hit on this topic today. Let’s dive in!
What is Homeschooling?
Even though people try to complicate it, homeschooling your child or children is not overly complicated. Homeschooling is just simply, educating your children at home rather than in a traditional school environment.
Now, what that education looks like is solely dependant on you, which we discuss later on in this course. But homeschooling is just that… educating your child at home. Plain and simple.
So, picture this: Instead of sitting in a traditional classroom, your kiddos get to cozy up at home (or anywhere, really) and dive deep into learning in a way that suits them best.
This approach allows parents or guardians to tailor education to the unique needs, interests, and learning styles of their children.
And guess what? Homeschooling isn’t just one style—it’s a whole world of possibilities!
Homeschooling can take many forms, ranging from structured schedules closely resembling traditional school settings (not my recommendation) to more flexible, child-led approaches that prioritize exploration and self-directed learning.
Additionally, homeschooling is not limited by location, making it accessible to families regardless of geographic location or school district boundaries.
Now, although some families stick to a strict homeschooling schedule, others may offer a more relaxed approach, and others land somewhere in the middle of the two. Truthfully, it’s all about just finding what works best for your unique family dynamic.
What Homeschooling Is NOT
Despite its growing popularity, homeschooling is often misunderstood. Let’s dispel some common misconceptions:
1. Homeschooling is not public school at home
Doing “public school” at home is actually called just that, “school at home”.
Things such as virtual learning (that people can thank COVID for bringing in).
And actually, if I can hop on my soap box on this topic for a second…
Using draining curriculums that literally feel like public school because your child is continually sitting while watching their lessons on the computer or TV all day, are again, just public school at home and NOT what real homeschooling truly is.
Mimicking the public school system, is not what homeschooling was supposed to be. And we will dive into how to deschool ourselves and break free from the public school mindset later on in this course.
So dear friend, homeschooling is NOT public school at home, even in the slightest.
2. Homeschooling is not a knowledge milestone race
And since homeschooling is not a race to see how quickly your child can learn every fact, this means you don’t need to stress over “marking off” the public school checklist of what your kids are “supposed” to know by age whatever. Use it as a loose guideline, sure, but don’t stress yourself out trying to hit every, single, grade level milestone.
This checklist was created from the public school society of people who think they know what children should ALL know by a certain age, and if they don’t know it by that age, they’re apparently dumb, or they’re behind, or maybe they have a learning difficulty?! I mean really, give me a break!
Think about it: Did all of your children learn how to tie their shoes or potty train at the same exact age of each other? I’m almost positive your answer is NO.
Every child is different and unique, and they all learn and pick things up at different times, and that’s totally okay!
3. Homeschooling is not cramming a million facts into your child’s brain
You don’t have to cram a million things into your child so they can reach that “so-called learning milestone” for their age.
Bushels of information does not equal true knowledge.
4. Homeschooling is not doing textbooks and workbooks, all day, every day.
As I’m sure you know from your own personal experience, you can learn something in many different ways. Same thing with homeschooling, your child can learn in many different ways aside from workbooks and textbooks.
So don’t fall for the lie that says, homeschooling is just sitting at home doing workbooks all day and reading textbooks. Oh dear friend, it is not and I’m excited to dive in a bit later and tell you more about what I mean!
Now I don’t want you total think I’m a total textbook and workbook hater, because I’m not completely. I think they can be really useful in moderation of course. However, don’t bore your children out by having them sit and do workbooks all day, or read from textbooks and answer the questions. That is such a dull, dry, and boring way to learn. And you know it to be true if you were also public-schooled as I was.
5. Homeschooling isn’t always easy
Okay, I don’t wanna scare you, but I want to be real and transparent with you.
Homeschooling is not always easy!
But neither is running a home, or being a wife, or cooking a meal, or cleaning a dirty bathroom, right? And you can do those things, so I know you can homeschool. You were made to do hard things!
But if I can hit on this for a minute, I wanna say that say that there will be days where homeschooling won’t be easy. Not every day is going to be a bed of roses, full of sunshine, rainbows, and baby bunnies.
In fact, there have been days that I’ve looked at a child of mine and said in frustration, “I’m ready to send you on the next school bus to public school”.
Of course, not being serious, but there are just some days that are rough.
When you truly do real homeschooling, it is hard work. Hard work, but oh so rewarding!
Yes, there might be tears some days. Yes, you might get stressed out at times. But aside from the bad days, homeschooling is rewarding and it is such a blessing to be able to homeschool our children.
The good days outweigh the rough ones by far!
So when you have those days where you feel like screaming because you’ve explained the same math problem to your child 57 times and they still don’t get it… just know that we all have those days sometimes.
On the flip side, when these rough days happen, you have the awesome privilege to take a break, or even stop for the day and do something else.
And now tell me what public school classroom can do that?!
6. Homeschooling isn’t a way to make your kids anti-social.
I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t they miss out on all the social stuff?”
Hmmm… Not necessarily!
Most homeschooled kids have more social circles than you can imagine. From homeschool co-ops to sports teams to community groups, church groups, nature groups, library meetups… there are plenty of chances for your kids to make friends and build connections and community.
In fact, many homeschooling families intentionally seek out socialization opportunities that align with their values and interests.
7. Homeschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Homeschooling is highly adaptable and can be customized to meet the individual needs and preferences of each child and family. There is no single “right” way to homeschool, as families have the freedom to choose educational philosophies, teaching methods, and curriculum materials that align with their values, goals, and educational philosophies.
Who says learning has to fit into a neat little “homeschool box”?
Rather, homeschooling is all about thinking outside the box and getting creative with your children’s education. Whether you’re into hands-on projects, online courses, or good old-fashioned books, there’s a homeschooling style that’s just right for you and it doesn’t have to mimic the public school system.
8. Homeschooling isn’t a “lesser than” option to traditional schooling.
Newsflash: homeschooled kids are crushing it! Studies show that they often score just as well (if not better) on tests compared to their classroom counterparts. Plus, they get to explore their passions and dive deep into subjects that light them up—how cool is that?
Homeschooling is actually a legitimate educational option that can provide high-quality academic experiences for your children.
Additionally, homeschooling allows for flexibility and individualized attention to allow your student to grow and thrive in a subject. For example, let’s say your child is advanced in math. Well, if they were in a public school, they’d either have to stick with their grade level of math, or go to a special classroom to learn a different “advanced” math class. Whereas in a homeschool setting, your child can grow at their own pace, in the same place, and not be held back my limitations due to their advancements nor their struggles. It’s a win win!
9. Homeschooling isn’t necessarily sheltering children from the real world.
Sure, some families might choose homeschooling to create a cozy little bubble, but that’s not the whole story and that’s not how most of us in the homeschooling realm do it.
Homeschooling can actually open doors to a world of possibilities! Think field trips, community service projects, and exploring new cultures through travels and family vacations. Homeschooling is all about embracing the world around us, but in a safe environment.
So, there you have it: what homeschooling is and what it’s not in a nutshell!
Whether you’re considering homeschooling for your own family or just curious about this wonderful world of education, remember this: there’s no right or wrong way to homeschool. It’s all about finding what works best for your family and making the most of it along the way.
