Many parents are now looking at homeschooling learning methods to train children’s cognitive development. Moreover, parents can choose their own curriculum and teachers that are considered appropriate for their children. However, is homeschooling really suitable for your child rather than regular school? Check out the explanation as follows.
Difference between homeschooling and formal school
Quoting from the Kids Health page, homeschooling is educating children at home. So, this is a condition when children learn formal education with parents or teachers at home. Generally, in the development of school-age children, he will go to formal schools to get an education. However, it is a different story with homeschooling which is done at home without meeting peers at school. When deciding to provide children’s education through homeschooling, of course you have to think carefully about several considerations.The following are some considerations before you decide on the right homeschool for your child.
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The reason is, there are several differences between homeschooling and formal schools, here are some of them.
1. Learning materials
Learning materials in formal schools are usually determined by the school based on the government curriculum. So when you disagree with a part of the curriculum, you can’t go against the curriculum. This is because there are guidelines and agreed curricula to be taught at certain levels. Lessons in formal schools are generally taught to children only so that they can complete their final exams at school well. This is quite different from homeschooling teaching methods. Parents can create or choose a curriculum based on knowledge that is appropriate for the child’s age. In addition, there are also advantages of homeschooling such as flexibility in learning. So, parents can improve learning materials in subjects that are most controlled by children. The purpose of learning flexibility is to increase the child’s ability in these subjects. Meanwhile, in subjects that feel difficult, parents or tutors can provide assistance so that children can understand the material more easily. In addition, the learning method does not only focus on textbooks because it involves a lot of practice. These practices include volunteering, selling, and other extracurricular activities. This allows children to have more meaningful experiences and lessons.
2. Learning environment
When studying in formal schools, children will go through a teaching and learning process in a fairly conducive environment or atmosphere. Not to mention when the school has provided the necessary facilities. For example, there are whiteboards and writing tools, LCD screens, computers, laboratories, and so on. Each parent may have different standards regarding the environment in which children learn. This means that parent A may feel that the school environment is ideal for children to learn. Meanwhile, parent B actually felt the opposite. In formal schools, children will meet many people, including teachers and peers. While in school, the child will follow the applicable rules. This, more or less can affect the formation of children’s character. Homeschooling has complete control over the child’s learning environment. The reason is, children only study at home or maybe occasionally in an agreed place. Some parents who put their children homeschooled feel that the school environment is too dangerous for their children. With homeschooling, parents can minimize or minimize learning disorders and provide time for children to socialize after lessons are over.
3. Attention to children
When children study in formal schools, the teacher’s attention to each subject is shared with all the children in one class. That is, one teacher must convey the subject matter appropriately so that children with different characteristics and abilities can understand it. Of course this is not an easy job. This can result in some children being forced to follow what the teacher says even though they do not fully understand the material. If allowed to drag on, the student or students may be left behind from their classmates. Therefore, children in formal schools must be independent and try to pursue material on their own or with the help of their friends. Unlike formal schools, there will only be one tutor for one student in homeschooling. This means that the attention of the tutor or teacher will only be on your child. When the child does not understand a material, he can immediately tell the teacher so that the child will be given an understanding until he really understands. Children in formal schools are quite difficult to get this because maybe the teacher’s time will not be sufficient to deal with students one by one. So, it can be said that the attention that children get in the learning process is one of the advantages in homeschooling. You can consider this if you want to educate children with the home learning method.
4. Child health and safety
Releasing children to go to school every day makes you as a parent must be prepared with various risks. For example, you cannot guarantee that every corner of the school environment is free of germs and bacteria. Even so, it does not mean that the school buildings and buildings are definitely dirty. The reason is, the school also guarantees the cleanliness of the classrooms and other facilities such as the canteen. Unfortunately, you don’t know if your child has the full awareness to always wash their hands and maintain personal hygiene while outside the home. Not to mention meeting many people at school, he may experience infectious diseases in susceptible children such as smallpox, flu, and others. Meanwhile, if your child is learning from home or homeschooling, you can keep your child clean to the maximum. You can also always remind children to maintain personal hygiene such as washing hands before eating. Therefore, homeschooling is certainly more effective for those of you who are worried about maintaining the health and hygiene of children.
5. Children’s social development
Along with increasing age, children also continue to experience various developments. One of them is the social development of children. Studying in formal schools can help children improve their social development. This happens because children meet many people, including teachers and peers. When meeting with many people, children will experience various changes in social skills. For example, children become more independent and learn to respect others. Children are also taught to be able to compete in one class and compete to get the best score. In formal schools, children’s socialization skills will be very honed because every day they meet with peers, teachers, and other school officials. Meanwhile, children may find it difficult to get this when homeschooling. In fact, the study buddy is most likely just a relative who is also undergoing a home school program. Therefore, you also have to help so that children continue to improve their social skills. For example, letting him participate in various activities such as joining the community, tutoring according to his hobbies, or other extracurricular activities. So, is homeschooling a good choice for your child?
Children study in formal schools or homeschooling
Some parents may still be hesitant to apply the homeschooling method to their children. However, you don’t need to worry because it launches Kids Health, this is a legal or legal learning method and not a few children have been through it. You need to consider because each child will feel the influence differently. This is important to do to determine whether the homeschooling method can help children learn better. However, there are several factors that should be your main consideration when choosing homeschooling, such as:
1. Disabilities in children
Children with disabilities, especially physical ones, may find it difficult to learn according to their needs in formal schools because of limited time and learning resources. Homeschooling may be the right choice for children with disabilities so that parents can meet their needs in the learning process. Children can also learn according to their capacity as well as find out what they are interested in. It also provides an opportunity for you to supervise your child without worry.
2. Parents often change work locations
Having parents who often move jobs to various regions or countries may not be easy for school-age children. The reason is, when the parents move, the child must also change schools. Meanwhile, children also need to adapt repeatedly. Moreover, if parents move to remote areas with inadequate facilities. In these conditions, homeschooling may be the right choice. That way, your child also understands that whatever the situation, education is important and must be done the best.
3. Busy children’s activities
Of the many students, some of them have made achievements since childhood. Some have started their careers as film players, athletes, singers, and so on. Education is important, but it doesn’t mean that you miss the opportunity to work and score your children’s achievements outside the field of education. If you support their achievements, it may be necessary to consider homeschooling so that your child does not forget his obligation to study. So, he can still get an education as well as make achievements outside of school. In the end, the decision to send your child to a formal school or at home is in your hands as a parent. Don’t forget to ask your child what he wants. If your child really wants to go to formal school, don’t force him to homeschool, and vice versa. The main key is how you as a parent are able to communicate the needs and abilities of children to teachers, both at school and homeschooling.