8 Reasons Why I Homeschool.
When my son Asher was born, I knew right away that I wanted to homeschool. It's a choice that I didn't make lightly. I knew there would be sacrifices, good days, and bad days. I knew that it was a huge responsibility.
But having taught in public schools for over ten years, it was the right decision for our family. I wanted safety, a Christian education, and the freedom to teach according to Asher's unique abilities. Knowing the public schools weren't providing this education, we made the decision to homeschool.
Fast forward ten years from the moment I decided to homeschool, and the world looks like a very different place this fall as Asher starts fifth grade. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit our world, causing many parents to question . . . "Should I start homeschooling?"
"An EdChoice public opinion poll suggests that more than half of parents with school-age kids have a more favorable view of homeschooling after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An unofficial Reason Foundation Facebook poll conducted by Corey DeAngelis suggests that about 15 percent of children could switch to homeschooling in the fall. A May 14, 2020, Real Clear Opinion poll of more than 2,000 registered voters found that as many as 41 percent of parents are more likely to homeschool this fall." (Source)
If you are on the fence about homeschooling, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic, perhaps these reasons I homeschool will encourage you to homeschool. It's been the best choice for my family, and maybe it can be for yours as well.
1. Chrisitan Education.
The number one reason I love homeschooling Asher is it allows me to give him a Christian education. The curriculum I use is based on a Christian worldview, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
I incorporate elements of Scripture into every subject we study. I want to be sure the Word of God dwells richly in my child, and homeschooling provides the opportunity to see God in everything Asher is learning.
2. Safety.
I was teaching a choir of fifth graders when I noticed something odd. Two boys in my class were huddled closely together, whispering. They exchanged money and a plastic bag. I immediately called the assistant principal. Turns out, they were doing a drug deal . . . right in front of me . . . in choir class!
This was the first of many instances of drugs, bullying, and violence I witnessed during my years teaching. Friend, I didn't want this atmosphere for my son. I understand that not all schools have issues with drugs and violence, but the ones in my district struggle.
I have sacrificed a lot to be home with my son, a full-time salary being one of them, but it is so worth it for the peace of mind knowing that Asher is safe.
3. FREEDOM.
Homeschooling gives me the freedom to choose what I am going to teach Asher. While I comply with our state requirements for homeschoolers, I still have a lot of freedom to teach him subjects he is interested in.
If I want to take a week to go through the science and history of The Titanic, I can do that. If we want to take a week to observe fall foliage, documenting the changes in the seasons, we can do that. If we want to take a full week and just read through Paul's letters to the church in Colossae, we can do that.
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to teach your child a range of subjects and topics that pique their interest.
Learning to play games colonial style on a field trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. One of our favorite places.
4. SOCIALIZATION.
The stigma is that homeschool kids don't socialize. This misconception could not be further from the truth.
Do you remember your school days?
"Stop talking."
"This is not a place to socialize."
"Line up and be quiet."
"Heads down. No more talking."
"If you don't be quiet, you lose recess."
Are the memories flooding back, Friend?
Going to Public/Private schools does not automatically mean that your kids will have time to socialize. And then the question to ask is what kind of relationships are they building when they have a minute to talk to other kids.
Asher has more socialization than any of the kids I taught in the public schools. He has play dates with his best friend (also a homeschooler). He hangs out with the kids in the neighborhood every day playing basketball, tag, and swimming in the pool.
Friends, homeschooling does not mean your child won't be able to socialize. I promise, just the opposite is true. We homeschool so that HE CAN socialize and have relationships with people who we know and trust.
5. I LIKE MY KId.
It sounds weird to say, but I like my son. I love hanging out with him, spending time with him, hearing his silly jokes, and watching him light up when he finally figures out how to simplify fractions!
Does it get tiresome being with your child 24 hours a day?
Yes.
It does.
But. we pencil in some "Mommy-time-outs" for those moments where I need a break. But, if he were gone for seven or more hours a day, I'd miss so much of his life. I don't want to look back and say, "I missed so much."
Doing a report with a his puppy Abednego who snuck in to help!
6. PAJAMAS!
It's true!
One of the reasons we love homeschooling is that we don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a school wardrobe. Asher can wear his pajamas and cozy up with a warm blanket while he works on fractions if we want!
It really goes back to the freedom we have as homeschoolers to teach in a way that best fits our child. There is nothing like a cozy, rainy day where we pile into a pillow fort and do school. Hot chocolate and pajamas are a must!
7. NATURE.
Asher and I love being in nature. Whether it is hiking, bird watching, nature trails, or spending time on the back deck, I love it all. Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to be out in nature every day for hours a day.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, students are stuck inside their public schools with masks and gloves, being taught behind plexiglass shields. This is no way for a child to learn and to experience the beautiful life God gave them. Our kids need to be outside running, playing, exploring, and learning.
The beauty of homeschool is that Asher and I can do school at the park, on the beach, on a wooded path, or by the backyard fire pit. I love that.
Field trip to the farm!
8. IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST S.T.E.M.
The big push in our public school system is S.T.E.M. Science, technology, engineering, and math is all anyone seems to talk about. And while those subjects are important, so are Art, Music, Cooking, Woodworking, Literature, and The Humanities. Knowing about Mozart is just as important to me as long division. Reading the works of C.S. Lewis is just as important to me as computer coding and engineering.
I want Asher to have a well-rounded education. He navigates to The Arts and has a deep love of creating with his imagination. So, I want to give him the ability to learn about various topics and not just S.T.E.M.
If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." ― Albert Einstein.
Learning about our Founding Fathers in Colonial Williamsburg.
Friends, I truly believe that homeschooling is something that every family can do. It requires sacrifice, yes. It requires patience, yes. But the benefits outweigh any "cons" I could think of.
I am going into my sixth year homeschooling Asher, and I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. It is an honor, a great responsibility, a humbling endeavor, and a work in progress. Still, it is something I know God has called me to, and in His strength, we can answer the call.
WITH ALL MY HEART,
ERIKA 🌿
YOUR TURN:
Are you considering homeschool?
What questions keep coming up that have you wondering if you can do it?
