What Are Some Bad Things
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I include them below, so you can be aware of some obstacles you may face while homeschooling your children.
Since I have gotten pretty good at making lemonade out of lemons, during my life-time, here are some simple solutions to turn some bad things about homeschooling into positives.
So... from my children's perspective, here are three bad things about homeschooling:
1. No one to do group projects with.
Even though the curriculum we use is intended for home use, some projects require group participation. When you are in a class of one, you receive zero interaction from other classmates.A Solution:
If you homeschool multiple children, have them work together on each other’s project. Expect more from the older children and let the younger ones absorb what they can, at their level.
My five year old loves to do experiments with her older sisters. My older children develop patience and gain greater understanding while explaining the process to their younger sister.
Younger children do ask a lot of "why" questions, right? :)
Likewise, children who are closer in age can learn from each other too. The older child can impart additional knowledge and the younger child can challenge their older sibling to learn more about a topic, or remember something they may have forgotten, or didn’t know.
Interesting discussions transpire, and character building will most definitely happen, all wonderful opportunities for growth and learning.
Your children will learn to work together and benefit from the interaction that occurs.
2. Getting feedback from peers.
My children sometimes miss having other kids their own age available, to interact with, at various times during their school day.Getting feedback, input or other viewpoints helps them in their studies, reinforcing that they are on the right track or helping them discover other possible solutions or ideas.
Some Solutions:
Involvement in a homeschool group, co-op, sports league or youth group offers you many opportunities for social interaction and friendship building, so your children can get the interaction they need and want.
Healthy peer discussions facilitate learning and enable older students to view a subject from a different perspective than their own.
I have appreciated times when our friends or acquaintances have taken the time to share their life with my children, answering my children's often continuous stream of questions. My children's lives are enriched and so is their education.
3. Less time to socialize.
Obviously, parents may see this as a benefit. :) Homeschooling allows you to limit the amount of peer pressure your children experience or negative influences that come from peer groups.Strengthening your child’s character in a positive, encouraging environment and allowing them to mature, develop and progress in their own time, is a good thing.
But many homeschooled children feel as if they are missing out. Perhaps, a little disconnected.
My girls love spending time with friends. Girls especially (not sure about boys yet!), love to talk and be with others.
However, (here comes the positive side!) since they think their social life seems rather limited at times, they have come to appreciate their friends more and value the time spent with them.
They seldom waste their precious time doing frivolous things, but make the most of their friend time, not wanting to squander any moment.
A Solution:
Since it's important to our children, we have always provided opportunities for friends to visit or for involvement in social activities.
Nothing motivates my children more than knowing once they finish their school and chores, a friend can visit!
Yes, there may be some bad things about homeschooling. You or your children may think of others. However, after careful consideration, perhaps the bad things about homeschooling, are really blessings in disguise!
Have A Great Story About This Topic?
Do you have a great homeschool socialization story, a timely tip or word of encouragement? Share it!
Maybe you are considering homeschooling, but are afraid your kids will miss out if they don't go to school, or they won't develop properly. Share your questions/fears... we'll try to help! :)
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