VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1 WINTER 2024
EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
THE POWER OF EDUCATION: BENEFITS TO HOME-BASED LEARNING
BY HEATHER GREENWELL Here in the United States, education continues to be a focal point for many families. Parents are taking a closer look at bridging the gap that exists in making sure children are receiving a quality education that propels them forward while also catering to various learning styles. Even though the public school system is holding steady in attendance, the landscape of how children receive their education is evolving . Compared to other non-traditional routes, homeschooling has steadily been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. The surging popularity behind this is partly due to the varying ideologies in politics, geography, demographics, and accessibility. For many families, the cost of tuition at a private school is just too expensive. Currently, close to 30 states offer school voucher programs that cater to the individual household. Home-based learning allows parents to teach their children on a one-on-one basis that provides flexibility toward the child’s needs and individual learning style . Customizing the educational experience down to your individual child’s personality and learning style can create a more effective and engaging learning environment for children. Another added benefit is the pace of a homeschool classroom. In a classroom of 20-30 students, there are bound to be behavior and discipline interruptions and other peer distractions. However, with only a few students there is more quality time to focus on content, field trips, community events, and sleep, which can aid in better overall concentration. One possible setback to this approach is the impact that it could have on the earning potential for parents. When one parent is acting as a homeschool educator and perhaps not working outside the home, this would mean the family may have to live off of one person’s income. This might not be feasible for every household. Another drawback is that homeschooling can lead to a lack of socialization opportunities for children and an increased burden on parents when providing instruction. Overall, parents play a crucial role in the development of their children. Homeschooling allows parents to be even more influential in their child’s life. As this trend towards home-based learning continues, it will be important for educators and parents to create an environment that facilitates learning both inside and outside the classroom. For assistance in creating your own home school program or determining if an appropriate alternative is right for your family, here are three great local resources: The Drizzle Effect , Rising Tides , and Golden Mean Tutorial Program.
Education is a focal point for many families looking to ensure their children are well-rounded in various school subjects.
With only a few students in the classroom, children are able to spend more time focusing on learning the material.
When more time is spent focusing on a child’s specific learning style, it directly impacts how effective and engaged their learning environment is.
33
Denotes Advertisers
Powered by FlippingBook