Whether they chose to do it or not, many parents are getting a crash course on home schooling. One of the many inconveniences of this new decade is the lockdowns, and the children having to learn from home. But it does not need to be a disaster. Learning at home has some very important advantages, and for some kids this might be the best thing that ever happened. The home school movement has been growing for decades, with many parents very happy with the results, and lots of successful kids finishing early because of the efficiency of the learning environment. Here are some of the benefits you might not have been aware of.
Personal Learning Environment: In your home, you can set up a learning environment that is suited to your child. You can even get them their own desks and preschool tables from Grocorp, to create an area that is specifically for learning. And you should let them add their own personal touches, so it becomes like their own office.
Good Environment: One of the problems of public school is that children are forced into a situation where they must adapt and contend with other children of different levels of learning, and with different standards of behaviour. Which is one of the main draws of the traditional home school movement. Children can be adversely affected by the other children they go to school with. There are bullies and kids with psychological issues, and there are kids who are intimidated by being around aggressive kids and competitive environments. But your home environment is likely the safest and most nurturing place your child can be.
One on One Interaction: Children thrive when they get personal help from an adult when they are learning. One on one interaction is effective because it is possible to go into greater detail and to discover exactly what it is the child doesn’t understand. It is also an opportunity to expand on ideas that your child is interested in, to complete the picture and give even better understanding. Children like to get recognition for success, and encouragement. This doesn’t always happen in a school classroom.
Flexible Schedules: Outside of their Zoom classes, having your children at home means that you can structure their day to fit with your own schedule. This will give you more time to spend with your kids, and for your own work as well. You will not need to be rushing them off to school when you are trying to prepare for your day.
Having children around you all the time used to be a very normal thing to do. In cultures where the children spend more time with their parents it is noticed that they develop skills for socialization and responsibility earlier, and the bond between parent and child is much stronger as well. We do not know how long the learning at home experience is going to continue, but the best attitude is to be determined to make the most of the experience, and to use that time to build that bond, and to really get to know your children. It is a rare opportunity that may not ever happen again.