A Comparison of Home School and Public Schools
One of the obvious benefits of home school is the attention the child receives. Overcrowding can be an issue in even the best of schools and children don't get the assistance they need to perform at their best. One on one mentoring is ideal for every child but unfortunately is not possible in a large classroom. Home schooling may be the best option for your child's educational development, but careful consideration and preparation is needed.
Acquiring the curriculum based materials and resources from an accredited education provider can be a task for home schooling. Public schools already have nationally accepted standard curriculum established. For home schooling, there are many programs available that will provide you the packets to get your child started. Review the sources of these programs carefully.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of illegitimate scams out there seeking to take advantage of a lucrative new market. For this reason, I won't mention any of the online resources. Your best option is to meet with the school board in your area and let them know you are considering home schooling for your child. Often, they can help you find trustworthy sources for the home study programs to meet your child's needs. Child counselors are also very good at helping you find exceptional quality home study programs.
In public schools, children are monitored constantly and strict codes of conduct are enforced with structured forms of discipline. The classes are directed at eliminating distractions during class time. The schedules rarely change in public schools and the child can develop a routine. For home schooling, you should have a distraction free study area for your child that is not their bedroom. Only the items your child needs to study and complete assignments should be in this area. Have a dedicated schedule for class time with breaks and meals. Class time can be during the day or at night or either depending on your schedule. This is another advantage of home school in general, but the main purpose is for your child to have someone available during class time to offer assistance and discourage procrastination.
Content is also a main concern for parents regarding education. Sensitive areas of study such as sex education, government policies on prayer, freedom of expression and religious beliefs to name only a few. It's okay to want to have a role in how these subjects are presented to your child. But keep in mind, no child lives in a bubble and they will learn about these things on their own. When home schooling your child, it is advised you choose for yourself how you want your child to learn sensitive subjects rather than delete the subject matter altogether.
Public schools have trained teachers that are required to keep their educational skill up to date with periodic refresher courses. Home study is great for young students but can become more difficult for you as your child advances through his or her courses. Any parent that has attempted to help their child with their honors course homework can agree. Students of education have found a niche for themselves as part time tutors for children. Often this is a very economical relationship that is mutually beneficial for you, the student and the child. The local college bulletin boards will typically be your best source to find a tutor/sitter.
In public schools, the states require a minimum aptitude standard for home schooled children to ensure they are developing properly and can successfully meet educational standards. Home schooling does not exempt a child from these tests. Typically, this is not a problem as home schooled children often score well above average on these tests. Frequent practice testing and knowing what is expected by the school board is the best way to prepare for aptitude exams. Often the practice tests can be acquired by the local school board or they can direct you where to find the tests that meet their standards.
The last concern regarding home study is your child's socialization needs. The one positive aspect of a traditional schooling environment is the child's ability to interact with other children their own age. It's important to receive a good education, but don't neglect to include opportunities for your child to engage with other children.
If home study is a viable option it can be the best decision for your child's education. We covered the most important aspects of home school and public schools and hopefully provided helpful information on the benefits of either.
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Previously Posted on FullofKnowlege.com
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