1. I get to spend the day with them every day - what a privilege.
2. I get to witness first hand how they grasp a new concept, learn to read or watch the excitement on their faces when they have learnt something new
3. 5 o'clock, 6 o'clock and sometimes 7 o'clock wake ups are only for special events or occasions
4. We sit down together as a family for breakfast, lunch and supper.
5. My children get to work at a pace that suits them, not based on the average of a class
6. We get to learn by seeing, doing and investigating - learning through life
8. Their subjects are not limited to the National Curriculum, they can focus on a lot more subjects that interest them.
9. I can slow things down when they struggle, and speed things up when they understand.
10. No homework!
11. And because there is no homework, we have time to spend enjoying our afternoons together.
12. We learn together, I don't just talk and they have to listen but we engage in meaningful conversations about subjects.
13. No day is the same
14. Life is less hectic
15. NO LUNCHBOXES!
16. Friends are not just according to class or age group but extend from really young to very old. They learn to interact comfortably with anyone.
17. Colourful bright books, that are alive and interesting, no 50 year old textbooks!
18. Special days and celebrations can be enjoyed
19. Flexible terms, school days and working hours
20. Family holidays during off peak season when the price is just right.
21. I can easily see when they don't grasp a subject and take corrective measures straight away, rather than waiting until an exam, a report or a call from the teacher.
22. Learning opportunities and experiences are not limited to "school hours" but life becomes school.
23. I don't miss out on their lives, I am part of it every step of the way
24. A healthier learning environment - less distractions and unnecessary waste of time
25. FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM! (as Mel Gibson says it best in Braveheart) - I am not bound by time schedules set by others, work set by others, sport set by others where neither I nor my children have any say.
26. I get a chance to learn subjects or concepts that I never learnt or heard about
27. I used to think - I can't - I don't have patience, I could never - Now I know I CAN!
28. Laughter and special moments - we laugh a lot, and simply enjoy life
29. Close relationships with family and extended family
30. Being able to study the Word of God with my children and include that as part of their education
31. This teacher cares more about their well being, what they learn and their destinies than any teacher they could ever have in a school.
32. To fulfill the calling to disciple my children
33. I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM!
34. Teachable moments
35. Children teaching each other, special moments as Declan teaches Chad reading or Maths. I don't have to teach them everything.
36. Hours and hours of reading the most amazing living books!
37. Learning under blankets on cold days, while sipping hot chocolate
38. Learning on a picnic blanket on the grass, on hot summer days
39. Allowing my children to learn according to their own learning style
40. Finances - its not the cheapest way to school but with 4 children it definitely beats a private school's fees
I would love to hear from you. What are some of the reasons you homeschool? Is it because you love spending quality time with them? Do you enjoy those special moments of revelation?
Posts
wow, i love your reasons...i was reading some posts from other moms on homeschooling today..trying to recap..and refocus...love this..maybe i post on this as well this week..
ReplyDeleteGood idea! Then come and post your link here so others can follow and read them!
ReplyDeleteBesides the many positives that you've listed
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on home-schooling because I believe there is a nefarious reason behind the separation of church and state in America.
I agree! God and church has been removed from all aspects of state and school. Christ centred education really is important!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post...my sentiments exactly!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy!
ReplyDeleteSo good to read another homeschooler's list of reasons. I love this, might do it sometime - this time in English. Some reasons changed - such as # a Proffessor demanding that we hs because of apraxia of speech (beats any argument against hs my children).
ReplyDelete# And waking up after 8:00 because we wanted to give dad the opportunity to sleep in after working a very early morning shift.
Esther
Isn't it amazing though how homeschooling prevents your children being labelled or disadvantaged. Instead you can grow them to the fullest potential in a safe environment.
ReplyDeleteMel, I agree. Especially because I was bullied at school. I do not want my children to go through the same, just because their brains can't form the right letters. No need to add emotional baggage, when parents can protect their children.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading and commenting I just had to go to my blog to see what reasons I wrote down. You can read my reasons (in Afrikaans) here:
ReplyDeletehttp://huistuis-unschool.blogspot.com/2009/09/redes-vir-tuisonderrig.html
and
http://huistuis-unschool.blogspot.com/2010/07/simeon-se-spraakterapie.html
Esther
Thanks Esther, heading over there now:)
ReplyDeleteThis is an EXCELLENT list! They are all right on! I only homeschool one of my children and would love to homeschool the other, but he's doing so well in school and doesn't want to leave. It's a fine line between keeping them home because you know the benefits and allowing them to stay in school where they really like it.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margo and thanks for the visit. Popped over to your blog and subscribed - like the looks of all that food!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love this list!! And I love your blog. :) I am your newest follower and hope you'll stop by and visit me sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lisa
Thank you Lisa, such lovely comments! I am headed over there now!
ReplyDeleteLovely list! Its good to create a list like this..
ReplyDeleteI love to homeschool because..
I get to spend all day with my children
they really learn and its amazing to watch and know exactly what they are learning!
No lunchboxes or picture days!
field trips i get to plan and always attend!
No early ams!
No school clothes
The way my children have taught me so many things!
Ours days are relaxed and full of love!!
You have so many good arguments for homeschooling! I would love to homeschool my children, but my husband don't agree... But I hope some day, with a lot of praying! I would love the freedom it would give us, but it's also a bit scaring to think of having all the responsibility of my children's education on my own...
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you from a Norwegian homemaker :)
You're welcome to visit my blog http://living-a-quiet-life.blogspot.com
I have now home educated for 19 years. Fourteen of our fifteen are now grown. I loved your list. I have been saying the same thing for years now :) Shared this link on my Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI have been toying with the idea of home school. I'm concerned about the price of some text books and such. And occasionally I get fearful that if I start homeschooling, and I have to go back to work, then they would have to be placed back in public. Idk...praying is required. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda for sharing this on Facebook - what an awesome compliment that is!
ReplyDeleteDear Trisha and the Norwegian Homemaker:) it is always a big step - the first one. Is it hard? Of course. Are there times where we have to count the cost? Often but the rewards have been amazing. I have taught all my children to read (not the 3 year old yet:) and the day they read their first book was a memory moment. We then proceeded to phone all the grandparents and they read over the phone to them!
I know that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes but so will every teacher in a school. I keep myself accountable to my husband and one or two friends who I trust and they help me keep an eye out for my blind spots.
A lot of people were very sceptical in the beginning but they have watched my children over the years and can see that they are outspoken, social, and intelligent young boys who are happy, filled with life and a thirst for knowledge and who are clearly flourishing in this environment.
Thank you, Mel, for taking the time to write up on how I also feel. I homeschool my 2 sons. I noticed a comment by AUTUMN VINE about her child having Apraxia of Speech. My son developed the condition earlier this year and I have been looking for families in SA in the same situation. AUTUMN VINE, I'd really like to chat with you about your experience. My email address is lailamartah@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Yes, those are all truly fantastic reasons to homeschool! :)
ReplyDeleteMy #1 is keeping my children away from the negative influences of public school! :)
I love being able to share my faith with them and weaving it into their hearts! <3 Being with them all day is truly a gift! :)
Oh, I love, love your list! The list is endless really. Homeschooling is a gift to the entire family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I know this list is by no way complete, I may have to grow it:))
DeleteGreat reasons. I think the freedom thing is most appealing.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm a new follower from the Ultimate Blog Party. I'm enjoying looking around your blog, stop by and say Hi if you get some time. #UBP12
ReplyDeleteI love all of your reasons and have similar reasons myself. Love your blog and your precious pictures!
Jennifer from Just
Wedeminute and Just
Wedeminute Reviews and Giveaways
Thanks for the visit Jennifer, I know that I will definitely need to work on my list because as I consider it and work in it every day, I am reminded of even more reasons why I love homeschooling.
DeleteI homeschool because my daughter is academically advanced.
ReplyDeleteThe UBP is a highlight of my blogging year, and I'm so glad that you've linked up this year!! I look forward to getting to know you better in the months to come.
- Ashley Pichea
Thanks for visiting Ashley! I love the UBP! There is just so much to read through and so many new blogs I want to read!
DeleteHi, I'm visiting from the UBP#12! I LOVE this post! I am a homeschooling mama as well and could relate and agree to all your points. I just love being able to spend everyday with my kiddos discovering and enjoys all life's blessings!
ReplyDeleteJenn
from www.treasuringlifesblessings.blogspot.com
Hey Jenn, thanks for visiting. I headed over to your blog and noticed that you are also a homeschooling mom with lots of beautiful children - what an amazing privilege.
DeleteGreat list. I love homeschooling my children because I get to spend time molding and influencing their life. I also love when I'm teaching something and I see that it clicks for them - the light-bulb went on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Domestically Divine.
I know the feeling, I taught all my children to read and I love the day they read their first book, its like making history!
DeleteI love the freedom. And I love that I KNOW what my kids are up to and learning without having a stranger telling me about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel, I almost lost the plot and wanted to send my son back to school (I was having a hard week with a toddler in toe) and then I knew there were reasons I wanted to homeschool in the first place. I just needed your list to remind me - so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ReplyDeleteAlessandra, I really understand. I have a 4 year old that totally throws out my program on a regular basis. Homeschooling is hard. I wouldn't choose anything else but it's still hard. I have my doubts regularly, but only because I am having a bad day but even in those moments, the thought of sending my children back to school just sorts me out. Not seeing them, missing those special moments - but I have to shift my focus to get to that place. This is why the list is so good for me - reminds me!
DeleteThanks for visiting and trust that God will strengthen, give you an abundance of grace and help your toddler to fit into your schedule:)
great food for thought mel, as usual. thanks!
ReplyDeleteI want to first explain our life. I bring my daughter to school at 7:45-3:30 and my son goes to preschool at 8:30-12:00. I go to nursing classes at either 6 or 7p.m. each night. I make a real meal every night(before class), we have a clean home...but our lives are so hectic so that this can all happen. I have felt very frustrated with public schooling for years now(my daughter is in 3rd grade), and don't even get me started on parent teacher conferences! I feel selfish even asking this question when I feel that I could teach my children better(I know how their brains and emotions work, I know their faults and strength better than anyone, this is why parent teacher conferences make me irate)... but how much does it cost?
ReplyDeleteAnd how do I manage to get the social interaction aspect of public schooling? Living in a small town, I have avoided really getting to know most children my daughter interacts with...because our lives are so busy and I feel I don't have time to involve other peoples children)
In terms of cost, we have used free and almost free curriculum for a lot of the time. A combination of the library, free resources all over the web and some well chosen bought options, you can homeschool for much less than sending children to school. It's always good to join a homeschooling group on a social network like facebook and linked in and most of these groups are area specific or even country specific. They can be amazingly helpful and give suggestions that are maybe more applicable to your state or country.
DeleteI have posted an article on how to go about helping to ensure your children are socialised. http://mother-mel.blogspot.com/2011/09/homeschoolers-dont-socialize-or-do-they.html
Maybe have a quick look at that and then come back to me with any further questions. I would love to help you because I know that it can seem like an mountain of a task but I have found that homeschooling requires lots of work, but generally is not nearly as stressful.
I think all of those are good reasons for wanting to be home-schooled.I was home-schooled up til 8th grade and am thinking about being home-schooled again for my junior year of high school. (I know I'm probably a bit young to be commenting on this blog, but I had to say something.)
ReplyDelete~The Lord bless you and keep you.