What Is Modern Homeschooling In ?

Modern homeschooling is a flexible, student-centered educational approach where parents choose to educate their children at home rather than in traditional public or private schools. It allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to each child’s needs, interests, and pace of learning.

In the past, homeschooling was often regarded as an alternative practiced mostly by families with specific religious beliefs or unconventional educational philosophies. However, modern homeschooling has become much more mainstream and diverse in its approaches and participants.

Today’s homeschoolers might use a variety of methods, from classical education models to unschooling, where the child’s interests predominantly guide learning. Technology plays a significant role in modern homeschooling; online resources, virtual schools, educational software, and communities offer support and curriculum options.

The reasons families choose homeschooling now are varied – dissatisfaction with traditional school systems, a desire for a better educational fit for their child’s learning style or special needs, concerns about school environment and safety, or the need for a more flexible schedule due to sports or artistic pursuits.

Legal requirements for homeschooling vary by country and region but often include some form of registration or notification with local education authorities and adherence to certain educational standards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families worldwide got a glimpse of homeschooling due to school closures, which contributed to its increasing visibility as a viable option. This period also saw growth in micro-schools and learning pods as hybrid models of home-based education.

While modern homeschooling offers many benefits such as customization and close family bonds, it also requires dedication and resources from parents or guardians who must act as educators or facilitators. Socialization remains a topic of discussion among skeptics; however, many homeschoolers participate in extracurricular activities and social groups to engage with peers.

Modern homeschooling continues to evolve with changing educational needs, social norms, and technological advancements ensuring it can provide a richly diverse education tailored to individual students outside of the conventional classroom setting.

Top 7 Distance Learning and Homeschooling Tips in 2024

Introduction:

As we move forward in 2024, distance learning and homeschooling have become more common than ever before. The advances in technology, changing attitudes towards traditional schooling, and global events have made these alternative forms of education increasingly popular. To help parents and students make the most out of their home-based learning experience, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 distance learning and homeschooling tips for 2024.

1. Establish a learning routine:

A consistent schedule is essential for success in distance learning and homeschooling. Creating a daily routine with specific times allocated for learning, breaks, physical activity, and relaxation will help everyone stay on track. It also ensures that children have enough time to focus on their individual assignments.

2. Invest in reliable technology:

Having the right tech equipment is crucial for an effective distance learning experience. Invest in a reliable internet connection, devices such as tablets or laptops that can support video conferencing, and other educational software. This ensures your child has the resources to thrive in their virtual classroom environment.

3. Utilize online resources:

There are endless educational resources available online. From websites dedicated to specific subjects to YouTube tutorials and educational games, encourage your child to explore these platforms to supplement their lessons. Online resources provide unique perspectives and exciting ways to learn.

4. Focus on personalized learning:

Distance learning allows for personalized instruction tailored to individual needs and interests. Keep track of your child’s progress in various subjects and adapt the curriculum accordingly. Encourage them to explore topics they are passionate about while providing support as needed.

5. Engage with a community of learners:

Networking with others in similar situations can be invaluable – whether it’s through local homeschool groups or virtual forums dedicated to distance learning families. By participating in this larger community, you’ll find ideas for lesson planning, advice on curriculum choices, and opportunities to socialize with other students.

6. Make time for physical and outdoor activities:

Distance learning and homeschooling can cause students to spend long hours indoors, glued to screens. Make sure you incorporate time for physical and outdoor activities in your daily schedule. Physical exercise is essential for overall well-being, helping students maintain focus during their lessons.

7. Periodically assess progress:

Taking the time to review your child’s progress periodically ensures that they are meeting their learning goals. Regular assessments allow you to evaluate your teaching methods and determine whether adjustments are needed, helping your child succeed in their education journey.

Conclusion:

With advances in technology and a greater focus on personalized education, distance learning and homeschooling have evolved significantly in 2024. By following these top seven tips, parents can create an engaging, supportive, and successful home-based learning environment that meets the individual needs of their children.

A Home Learning Schedule For Young Children

Even though young children spend most of their time at home, there are still plenty of ways to learn. In fact, establishing a routine can provide them with structure, teaching them to anticipate certain things. 

In this article, we will be detailing an at-home learning schedule that can be used to improve your child’s knowledge of daily objects and tasks. 

Morning

The first thing that you should do when your child wakes up is make them a healthy breakfast. Serve them various types of foods, ensuring that you discuss each item and where it comes from. For example, if they are eating eggs, make it clear that they come from chickens. 

After breakfast, take a few minutes to discuss what day, month, and year it is and what the weather will be like. In this time, you could also mention a specific topic to your child, such as mountains, and ask them to find ten songs that discuss that topic. 

Afternoon

After their song game, give them some free time to release energy. This could be an hour of outdoor time in the garden, or you could drive them to a nearby park. When they are finished, ensure that they wash their hands before having lunch. Once again, make sure that you discuss the food types being served. 

After lunch, it is time to fit in some reading practice. Ask your child to select three children’s books from the library/bookshelf and go through them. If you have the time, assist your child during this process. However, if you have work to do yourself, ensure that you are nearby your child to correct any mistakes that you hear.

Evening

After completing their three books, give them another hour or so of free time. During this, they could play outside, watch television, play with their toys, etc. 

Afterward, make sure that they wash their hands before beginning to prepare dinner together. In this time, you should talk about the various recipes, measurements, and ingredients that are being used. More so, you should also ask them to name the color of every food that you use. 

Concluding Thoughts

Even though many children spend most of their day at home, there are still plenty of ways to learn. In the learning schedule, parents must discuss the various foods and colors that they see with their children. 

More so, every child needs a decent amount of free time to burn energy. You should also dedicate a specific amount of time to reading every day.

Pros And Cons Of Homeschooling

Many parents choose to homeschool their children instead of getting them admitted to a private or public school.

If you are one of them or are struggling to decide for your child, read on. This article discusses the various reasons that parents choose to homeschool their kids and its pros and cons.

Continue reading so you can make an informed decision for your child.

Why Do Parents Choose To Homeschool Their Kids?

More than 2.3 million kids between the ages of 5-17 are homeschooled in the United States. Some of the reasons why parents prefer to do this are:

  • Because of religious reasons, some parents think that they could teach their kids according to their religious beliefs and teach them the tenets of religion and other subjects, which may not be possible in schools.
  • Parents who choose to homeschool may think that schools have too many students in each class, so their children would not get the attention they would get like they would if they are homeschooled.
  • Furthermore, some children have learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, or psychological issues. Therefore, parents think it is best to teach these children in a comfortable home setting.

Pros Of Homeschooling 

Just like every other big decision, homeschooling comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the pros of homeschooling are:

  • If your child needs additional facilities, it could be a hassle to get those services and facilities in a school. At home, you will know what the child requires and can provide that.
  • With homeschooling, you can try different methods of learning. You have the freedom to change the methods, techniques, and pace, according to your child. This is not possible at a school where there are many students together.
  • You know your child’s interests best. With homeschooling, you can nurture those interests and likes while making it fun for your child, which is not possible at school.

Cons Of Homeschooling

Some of the disadvantages and difficulties with homeschooling your children are:

  • Home-schooling requires a lot of effort. Since you will be teaching all the subjects, you will have a lot more responsibility. Moreover, you would require a lot of patience. Also, you will need to be creative to try out different methods and strategies to encourage your child to learn.
  • You will need to maintain structure and routine so that your child focuses well. 
  • Also, schools allow students to make new friends and develop social skills. Your child may miss out on this. Not having sufficient interaction may hamper their emotional and social development.

Concluding Thoughts

There are various reasons that a parent would decide to homeschool their children. Keep in mind all the pros and cons of homeschooling and determine what would work best for your family.

The “New” Normal

In recent years, there has been a shift in how we view education. No longer is it the exclusive domain of the privileged few. In fact, the “new normal” in education sees more and more students from all walks of life attending and succeeding in college.

This transformation has been brought about by a number of factors, but chief among them has been the growth of online education. Today, there are numerous ways to obtain an education, regardless of where you live or your financial situation.

This newfound accessibility has led to a change in the way colleges view students. Instead of looking only at academic merit, colleges are now assessing the overall potential of each applicant. This means that students from all walks of life can successfully complete an undergraduate degree.

This shift has had a profound impact on the way colleges view degrees. Gone are the days when a college only looked at a student’s grades and test scores. Now, colleges are assessing a student’s potential and what they can contribute to the campus community.

This new normal in education is having a major impact on the way students view college. Previously, a college degree was the ultimate goal. Now, students are more focused on finding a college that will best match their interests and abilities.

This shift has also had a major impact on the way employers view college degrees. Instead of only looking at a student’s academic transcript, employers are now assessing a student’s potential and how they will contribute to the company.

In short, the “new normal” in education is changing the way we view college, the way colleges view degrees, and the way employers view college degrees. As a result, students from all walks of life can successfully complete an undergraduate degree. 

The Laws Governing Homeschooling

As homeschooling becomes an increasingly popular choice for families looking for alternative education options, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations that govern it in each state. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, with varying degrees of regulations and requirements to ensure children receive a quality education. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the laws governing homeschooling and what they mean for families.

State Laws

Each state has its own laws regarding homeschooling, so it’s important to research the laws in your particular state. Some states have strict regulations, while others have no requirements for homeschooling at all. In most states, homeschooling is regulated by the state’s department of education or local school district.

Some states require parents to file a notice of intent to homeschool, while others require the submission of a homeschooling plan or curriculum. Some states also require parents to have a certain level of education or certification before teaching their children at home. Additionally, many states require parents to maintain records of their child’s education and progress and submit them to the local school district for verification.

Curriculum Requirements

In most states, homeschooling parents have the freedom to choose their own curriculum and teaching methods. However, some states have specific requirements for the curriculum or materials used in homeschooling. For example, some states require parents to use certain textbooks or teach certain subjects, such as science and mathematics.

In addition, some states require homeschooling parents to use a state-approved curriculum, while others allow parents to develop their own curriculum or choose from a range of approved options. It’s important for parents to research curriculum requirements in their state to ensure compliance and prevent any legal issues.

Testing and Evaluation

To monitor the progress of homeschooling students, many states require standardized testing or evaluation. Some states require testing at specific grade levels, while others allow parents to choose when and how to test their children.

In addition to standardized testing, some states require parents to have their child’s work evaluated by a certified teacher or education professional. This allows for an objective evaluation of the child’s progress and ensures that they are receiving a quality education.

Socialization and Extracurricular Activities

One of the most common concerns about homeschooling is that children may miss out on socialization opportunities and extracurricular activities. However, many states have laws in place to ensure that homeschooled children have access to these opportunities.

In many states, homeschooled children are allowed to participate in public school extracurricular activities, such as sports teams and clubs. Some states also require homeschooling parents to ensure that their children have ample opportunities to socialize and interact with peers, such as through homeschooling co-ops or community groups.

In Conclusion

Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for families looking for alternative education options. While the laws governing homeschooling vary by state, it’s important for parents to research and comply with their state’s laws to ensure a quality education for their children. Understanding the laws and regulations can help parents navigate the homeschooling process and ensure that their children receive a well-rounded education.

3 Ways to Be a Better Homeschooling Teacher

Homeschooling parents often wonder if they are teaching their children the essential things. They are always concerned about whether they are qualified enough to teach them. As a consequence, they are looking for ways to become more effective instructors.

Two things that every homeschooling parent should remember to be successful:

  • They should not make the mistake of comparing their children to their peers.
  • Do not allow fear to disrupt your homeschooling.

The practical steps that can be taken by parents to improve their effectiveness as homeschool teachers are mentioned below.

Read Books About Homeschooling

Read one homeschooling, child development, or parenting book every month. If you are new to homeschooling, read about the various styles of homeschooling. Even if a particular method does not match your educational philosophy, you can always take some helpful tips. There is no need to take all the suggestions given by the author. For instance, if Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of having short lessons does not suit your family, skip that idea, and implement the things that you like and are suitable.

You must read books about child development to understand the stages of emotional, mental, and academic development in children. When you are familiar with these things, you can set the right expectations and goals regarding your children’s academic and social skills and behavior. For example, Ruth Beechick’s book gives information about child development that can be handy for parents who homeschool their children.

Attend Professional Development Classes

Take a look at the opportunities available for learning the new skills needed for homeschooling. Attend homeschool conventions. You can listen to specially organized lectures and attend workshops held by the local support group for homeschooling. Usually, the presenters are curriculum publishers, leaders of particular fields, and homeschooling parents. They provide information as well as inspiration.

Attend continuing education classes offered by your local community college. For instance, an algebra course can help you enhance your math knowledge and teach more effectively.

Meet Homeschooling Parents

You can join hands with other homeschooling parents and spend some time together every month. During such social gatherings, it is inevitable to talk about educational concerns. You can learn about homeschooling resources from them and also get new ideas. If you like, you can even start a book club. Homeschooling parents can read and discuss books related to homeschooling trends and methods, parenting strategies, and child development.

Get Acquainted with the Needs of Your Student

Parents whose children have learning differences like dyslexia or dysgraphia may feel that they are not well-equipped to educate them. The parents of gifted children think they are not able to offer sufficient academic challenges to their children.

But a parent who knows the needs of their children is better suited than teachers who teach in crowded classrooms. They can interact with them and customize the education plan according to their requirements.

Pivotal Conversations: The Homeschool Movement

Over the last two to three decades, the homeschooling movement has grown exponentially. What factors have led to this? Is it sustainable? Is homeschooling a viable means of educating your children? To gain more insight,  I decided to interview John Edelson, CEO of Time for Learning, a leading homeschooling curriculum provider in the U.S.

What made you decide to create Time4Learning? Was it envisioned as a potential homeschooling curriculum from its inception?

Once I became a father, I closely observed my kids’ schooling. My kids went to classrooms that operated much like the ones that I had attended 40 years ago, and it astonished me to see that the educational system was so tradition-bound. It felt as if learning was out of touch with the students, the modern world’s educational needs, and too slow to adopt possible technological improvements.

With my two decades of background in high—tech including video games and computer graphics, I had a feel for how fast the industry could move to greatly improve whole industries. Although the tech wasn’t quite ready, I saw a chance to be the first to use the new technological capabilities for education at home.

My initial plan was to focus on interactive media, which required broadband (this was during the dial-up, modem days). When I started Time4Learning, I generally worked with parents for home education, either afterschool remediation and enrichment or homeschooling. Once I started talking to homeschoolers, I decided that was my focus. They were so engaged and so interested in meaningful education for their kids, I fell in love with homeschoolers. Fortunately, it was mutual.

Why are millions of Americans choosing homeschool over public schools and private schools?

Parents choose what they think is best for their kids. Almost everyone starts by placing their kids in school because that’s been the norm for a long time. Most of us had successful K-12 school experiences and we expected the same for our children. But that was then, and this is now. Many kids today have terrible school experiences– the traditional school system doesn’t work for all families. What’s most interesting is there is no one factor that inspires families to choose homeschooling.

Some have transitioned because the pandemic created a chaotic school environment. Between COVID surges, changing mask policies, school closures, hectic and often-disruptive virtual learning, staffing problems and teacher walkouts, parents have had enough. They want a more stable environment, one they could control and fit into their schedules.

Other parents, who now have the flexibility to work from home, want to offer their children the same freedoms. Remote work and education mean the family can function from literally anywhere – from the Grand Canyon or the beaches of Florida.

I refer to our third set of homeschoolers as “accidental homeschoolers.” These families have chosen this learning option as a last resort. These include parents of children with chronic diseases, parents with religious concerns, or those whose children have experienced bullying and school violence.

Most importantly, homeschooling is now a viable option for everyone. It’s no longer taboo or fringe. The Jones family down the street is homeschooling, doctors and lawyers are homeschooling. People are exposed to this school choice more often.

Some parents will say that homeschool does not meet children’s social needs. How would you respond to that?

I will share an old joke among​ homeschoolers:

Q: “What is the hardest thing about homeschooling?”

A: “Staying home.”

Once you start homeschooling, there are a variety of local co-ops, homeschool support groups or pods from which homeschoolers organize sports, clubs, science fairs, field trips, and everything else. The schedule of activities is overwhelming, and parents need to curate which activities they are doing to attend and which to skip.

Socialization among homeschoolers is different and more organic than traditional school socialization. At school, kids are organized in large groups of the exact same age, but homeschooling groups tend to reflect real life — where people of all ages meet and spend time together. Older children share knowledge with younger children, younger children experience conflict resolution among different genders and ages. It’s a win-win.

If a parent wants to join the homeschool movement, do they need to meet any minimum educational requirements?

Each state sets up their own rules for education. I encourage parents to check out our website, where we break down the rules and requirements for every state on easy-to-digest pages. But as far as I know, there is no educational requirements in any state for a parent to homeschool their children.

Are there any potential drawbacks of homeschooling?

Sure — just as there are to being in-person at a traditional school. Perfection is not readily available in education, but parents are a natural fit to teach. As parents, we’re tuned-in to our child and we know what will work and what won’t. We know when to slow down and repeat a lesson or move forward and challenge our child when they’ve mastered a skill.

The most important thing for parents to know is they can just try it out for a school year or a few years. Our platform, and many other online homeschooling curricula, is built to align with traditional school metrics and outcomes. Parents can choose to homeschool for short timeframes and return to the classroom without missing a moment.

Regardless of how families choose to homeschool, it’s always with some anxiety. They’re skeptical. They’re unsure. They feel incompetent. They don’t know how to go about homeschooling. But they decide to try it for a semester or a year. That’s how they all start.

But I have never heard a family say they regret their decision to homeschool their kids– they relish the time with their children, bonding and discovering how they learn. They forge strong memories and build a foundation for a love of learning that most children lack.

Well, that concludes my interview with John Edelson. I would like to thank him for consenting to this interview and for his contributions to the field of education and humanity in general.

Teaching Reading at Home

Reading instruction does not have to take place solely at school, and for teaching to only be done by teachers. Teachers follow curricula that are dictated by schools and base their lesson plans on the assumption that students of a certain level are typically developing

Since the covid-19 pandemic, a lot of families have shifted to homeschooling. Those who have been homeschooling before the pandemic might want to consider these suggestions. This article provides an opportunity for parents to give differentiated instruction, especially if their child needs it. 

In this article, we identify stages of reading development and recommend activities and materials that adults can do at home with their children. When teaching children, keep in mind the two components of reading: oral language and decoding. Oral language refers to the vocabulary words, while decoding refers to the relationship between letters and sounds. When designing activities, make sure that you include both components. 

The Stages

1.      Preschool to Early Kindergarten

At this age, children cannot read yet, and learning is more visual for them. Children will be able to recognize letters and words, but they cannot decode them just yet. Adults should support the child’s learning so that the child can play, recognize all letters of the alphabet, associate letter sounds to written letters, and phonological awareness.

Teaching tip: prioritize teaching children how to associate the letters with sounds. Teach children through play so that they can enjoy the process. Hopefully, they can see learning as something fun and good to look forward to.

2.      Kindergarten to Early First Grade

Kids learn about words at this stage. They may have memorized words from the rhymes and books that you have been reading to them. They start out focusing on the first and last letters of words. At this stage, they should learn how to sound out the letter sounds for simple words (e.g., yes, no). This process will be quicker if they were able to master the alphabet and the corresponding letter sounds before they get to this stage. Children at this age need explicit instruction. Parents need to be patient as they read storybooks slowly and sound out each letter. It might seem tedious and boring, but this effort will pay off as the child grows up and gets better at reading.

Teaching tip: make games that include sounding out each letter in a word. You can use flashcards. It is best to keep reading time short and focused. Try having several ten-minute sessions spread out throughout the day.

3.      First to Second Grade

Once the child masters connecting letters to their corresponding sound, reading will become easier for them. They might be able to sound out letters much faster. Children will be able to start on basic spelling. At this stage, children might be able to carry simple conversations, and comprehension increases.

Teaching tip: Teach children how to read with expression. Build on the child’s habit of reading. Introduce other types of books that you think they would like. Let them practice writing the alphabet.

Final Thoughts

The suggestions above provide short descriptions of the developmental milestone that the child has to achieve at each stage. Please keep in mind that these are just approximations. We aim to provide a starting point for your lesson planning—do not use this as a basis to diagnose learning delays or disorders. Some children might be a little behind or advanced, so make sure to plan activities that consider those factors. The beauty of teaching reading at home is that you can be more hands-on with your child. You can plan activities so that it feels more like a bonding experience rather than some rudimentary instruction time.

How To Win At Remote Learning From Home

These days many students are studying from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but studying from home can be surprisingly difficult, especially when it comes to focusing on work and meeting deadlines.

After all, as a student, you are essentially on your own, and you are entirely responsible for staying on top of your lessons without any teachers around to motivate you. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to improve your focus while studying at home.

The Importance Of a Good Study Spot

The most important thing when it comes to doing well with online learning is to have a comfortable study spot.

Make sure your study spot is in the quietest part of the house, away from distractions. This could be a blaring TV, other people talking, noises from outside, etc. A quiet spot will help you focus on your work without any background noise.

Make sure that you have a comfortable chair and a table for all of your books and laptop. Having a spacious study spot where you can easily keep all of your books can make a big difference.

Exercises That Help With Focus

Taking short breaks between studying sessions is also very important. Students often feel burned out after a long study session, so it is beneficial to take small breaks in between to refresh yourself and to help you refocus on your work.

Just taking a short walk or doing some simple exercises can refresh your brain so that you can fully concentrate on the next task.

How To Stick To Deadlines

With online learning, there is often no one to remind students about deadlines and assignments, so it is much more likely that they will forget an important assignment or miss a deadline.

The simplest way to keep track of all your deadlines is to make a to-do list. You can use many online apps to make your to-do lists and study plans. These apps will also keep reminding you through notifications on your phone, so it’s unlikely you will miss any deadlines.

Do Not Forget To Have Fun

You still have to have fun every now and then, or your academic performance might actually start to suffer because you never take a break and reset your mind. Along with your studies, you can always take up a new hobby or learn a new skill, such as cooking or graphic designing.

Learning a new skill allows you to explore your creative side and can be very relaxing. These short, creative breaks can help you go back to studying in a better frame of mind.

Concluding Thoughts

Finding a good study spot and taking short breaks every now and then can help students focus on their studies much better, especially if they are learning from home.