** Guest Post **
It’s a question most parents trying to raise families in cities across the country face when their child is old enough – what kind of educational system is best for my child? Public schools in urban areas are often unsafe and do not provide the best possible education, while private or charter schools are too expensive. And moving may not be an option for many of us. A large number of urban parents with the time and ability are now choosing to homeschool their children, regardless of the compromises this entails. Why do urban educated parents prefer to you take on the responsibility of organizing and managing an educational routine for their child?
Top Reasons to Homeschool your Child
Flexibility, creativity, originality
Urban parents who choose to homeschool their child often do so because they perceive public education as too homogenized – a system that places over-much emphasis on standardized tests and core standards at the cost of creativity, flexibility and originality. This can be stifling for unevenly intelligent and shy children or those whose professional careers demand a more flexible schedule. The public school system also suffers from overcrowding and its accompanying problems – bullying, peer pressure, drugs and an unhealthy school environment. It’s easy to see how the drawbacks of public education have driven many urban parents towards homeschooling; particularly since homeschooling treats each child as an individual who deserves a uniquely curated education tailor made for his needs.
Online homeschooling resources
Advances in digital education have been a boon for homeschoolers and parents can now choose from a wide range of worksheets, activities, lesson plans and learning games to help their child learn better. Many online homeschooling curriculum materials are free and printable and some are scripted to the extent of enabling parents to teach subjects they have never studied. You can also join support groups for additional resources, special classes and help with homeschooling curriculum. Online homeschooling resources equip children with the tools they need to master all the required core subjects – math, science, language arts and social studies. It’s easy to see why parents usually go online when seeking help for teaching their homeschooler.
Better academic performance
The facts speak for themselves:
- In a 2011 report, the National Home Education Research Institute states that homeschoolers scored higher on academic achievement tests than their public school counterparts.
- A 2002 report by the College Board holds that homeschoolers score higher than the national average in the SAT.
In a nutshell, urban parents are increasingly opting to homeschool their child because it allows students of varied interests and abilities thrive and nurture their talents.
Author Bio – Corinne Jacob is a professional writer and a mum of 2 who creates fun learning material for young kids. Convinced that kids learn best when they’re having fun, Corinne is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to make learning an enjoyable experience. She is often found “testing” cool educational games for kids.
Mary Happymommy says
I definitely think homeschooling allows for greater flexibility.