People who homeschool their children choose this method of instruction for a myriad of reasons, such as giving their children quality education, protecting them from danger and helping them become independent, responsible adults. Although homeschooling is not appropriate for every parent and every child, it provides a useful alternative for those who wish to influence or improve their children's schooling.
Improved Academics
Many parents homeschool in order to give their children better educations, according to the United States Census Bureau. Some parents view the public schools' learning environments as inadequate, and some simply believe they can give their children higher-quality instruction at home. The National Home Education Research Institute lends credibility to this view; an extensive study found that homeschooled students earn significantly higher scores in reading, language and math than students who attend public school.
Religion and Morality
The U.S. Census Bureau found that religious or moral concerns were common reasons for choosing to homeschool. The National Center for Home Education explains this view by noting that the Bible contains extensive support for homeschooling. God has charged parents with the responsibility to educate their children, the Center claims, and to protect their children from bad influences. Further, the Center adds that parents have a biblical duty to train their child's character through education, teach religious and moral truths and help their child view academic subjects from a Christian perspective.
Socialization and Character
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some parents homeschool their children to protect them from peer pressure that might influence them to rebel, do drugs or imitate immoral behaviors. As an old adage in I Corinthians 15:33 teaches, "Bad company corrupts good morals." Hence, parents who homeschool for religious reasons often desire to surround their children with mature influences that positively affect moral development.
This method appears successful; homeschooled children demonstrate fewer behavioral problems and demonstrate more civic involvement than public schooled students, the National Home Education Research Institute concluded.
Better Environment
Some parents homeschool in order to avoid public school's negative, possibly dangerous environment, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Parents worry about the greater prevalence of drugs and immorality among public school students, and they feel concerned about school shootings and other safety issues.
Some also believe that public schools foster poor learning environments, teach inaccurate or inappropriate subjects or fail to challenge students sufficiently. Parents can protect and control the home environment, which helps ensure their children's safety, good influences, class content and opportunity to learn.
Responding to Each Child's Needs
One primary benefit of homeschooling is its flexibility, the National Home Education Research Institute notes. Parents can tailor coursework to each child's interests, which helps foster a love for learning; it also encourages each child to pursue his dreams, study his interests and improve his particular skills. The ability to customize an education also helps ensure that each child learns at an appropriate level. Advanced students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and struggling students receive personalized attention.
As LD Online points out, this flexibility is especially useful for children who have learning disabilities. Parents can more easily address their children's problems, help them learn despite their struggles and prevent misery at public school caused by academic frustration or peer taunting.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau: Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics
- National Home Education Research Institute: Facts on Homeschooling
- National Center for Home Education: Biblical Reasons to Home School
- National Center for Education Statistics
- LD Online: Homeschooling LD/ADD Children: Great Idea or Big Mistake?
