Why Homeschooling Is On The Rise in the U.S.

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Guest Post

Why Homeschooling Is On The Rise in the U.S.?

The number of children in the US who are homeschooled has grown dramatically over the past 30 years or so. In fact, figures from the National Home Education Research Institute, show that around 2.3 million children no longer learn in a formal classroom setting.

The reason for this increase? Well, there are many. But, for the most part, parents want a better education for their children than they think they get from their state schools.

Homeschooling works for many families

Homeschooling gives families the choice to live their lives the way they want to. In many places, it also gives parents the opportunity to teach their children topics, subjects, and curriculums that aren’t available at their local state school.

Of course, tests and formal qualifications are still important for homeschooled children – perhaps even more so. However, it also gives your children the chance to learn about a wider variety of things and pick up important life skills, they might not learn at their local school.

Practical skills

Even if your local school has an ok academic record, you might not be a big fan of the practical lessons or after-school clubs on offer. Homeschooling means you can include the practical lessons you feel are important, into your child’s learning curriculum. Perhaps running the family food budget is a skill you feel your children should have. It also fits with math and management, so is a good topic to cover and job for them to have at home.

Sewing is another useful practical skill for children to learn that is rarely taught in schools. Being able to sew, make and mend clothes, stitch badges on and create something from scratch is an amazing and useful skill to have. Sewing could easily be added to your home-schooling planning.

Or, perhaps gardening is an important practical subject you would like your kids to learn about. Give them a patch of garden to grow plants and flowers in. Then, let them harvest their produce and help you use it in a meal or meals for the family. Another great lesson that children and some adults, would benefit from.

Traveling and learning

If you enjoy traveling and visiting new places and want your children to experience that too, then home schooling allows you to do this. You can visit places that are relevant to the lessons you plan for your children.

Or, you can go somewhere new and turn it into a fun, but practical lesson for your kids. Travelling around your state, country, continent or the whole world doesn’t stop your children from learning.

Indeed, it teaches them a lot more about the real-life choices they could be faced with in the future. Or, it can help show them a completely different way of thinking and living which can help their brain develop new pathways and become brighter and mentally agile.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone. But, if it’s your best option you can make it work well for your children and your family.