A common question which parents ask when they meet us as a family “What is homeschooling? Homeschooling simply means that parents take direct responsibility for their children’s education rather than sending them to traditional school.
This term is still new to many in our community. The majority of us start thinking of it as an isolated environment where children are always kept at home and are being taught the whole day.
As you have reached our homeschooling guide, chances are that you might already have some understanding of what homeschooling is. And even if not, you are visiting us out of curiosity. Either way, it is best to get a clear definition before proceeding further.
"Homeschooling means that parents take direct responsibility for their children’s education rather than sending them to traditional school"
What is Homeschooling? (Definition)
History of Schooling : Historical Facts
For the bulk of human history, there was no compulsory education system. Children would learn on their own (unschooling) or with their parents (homeschooling). They would go out to school if they wanted to learn something specialized, which requires a tutor or a mentor.
This system worked fine for the bulk of history. There never really arose any need to obligate all children worldwide to learn the same things at the same age. In a way, they are forced to sit quietly at a desk during the most critical twelve years of their life.
The history of schooling spans 150 years. Schooling only became obligatory in Europe in 1870 CE, and in the USA, it started in the 1920s. Obligatory schooling is a relatively new concept, less than a century old in most countries, and it has not even lasted that long.
History and Rise of Homeschooling
So, a homeschooling movement started to grow. Over the years, the movement took pace and eventually homeschooling became a legal alternative in the USA.
Soon, it grew into a worldwide movement, and slowly, more and more countries legalized homeschooling. With the internet age starting, homeschooling became even more popular. Many homeschooling parents began to share their experiences through blogs, podcasts, videos, and e-books.
Later on, many homeschooled children grew into celebrities in many different areas of life, which drew even more attention to the movement. That’s where we also came in.
Reason of Homeschooling Popularity
- Desire for flexible learning
- Reservation about the school environment
- Religious or cultural values
- Focus on personalized education
- Children with special learning needs
Secondly, the movement grew even stronger as people began to notice that homeschooled children were
- More independent
- More self-disciplined
- Better learners
- More mature
- Successful at an early age
As parents in the 21st century, we see a world that is constantly changing. Old jobs disappearing, new opportunities popping out of thin air. The subjects taught in schools have become outdated.
Types of Homeschooling
Types of Homeschooling
Explore the common methods to find the one that fits your family best.
Correspondence Studies
Follows a structured, pre-written curriculum sent from a school or organization.
Structured Homeschooling
Parents choose their own materials and create a daily schedule, similar to a traditional school day.
Unschooling
A child-led approach where learning happens naturally through daily life, driven by curiosity.
After-schooling
Used to supplement a child's traditional education with home-based lessons on topics they enjoy.
Tutoring
Hiring an expert to teach a specific subject or skill, either one-on-one or in a small group setting.
Online Learning
Utilizing online platforms and digital courses to learn, often through video lessons, quizzes, and virtual classrooms.
1. Correspondence Studies
2. Structured Homeschooling
3. Unschooling
4. After-schooling
5. Tutoring
6. Online Learning
Best Homeschooling Style
There are many other forms of homeschooling, but the ones we discussed are the most common. The reality is that every home is unique. Some homes stick to one style, while most prefer a hybrid model. I mean, combining aspects from each of the above.
When we studied in high school, we learned a few subjects in school; a few were taught by tutors, and the rest, by ourselves. This is how the learning process works.
Is homeschooling the right choice for you? Our article covers in detail.
Our Homeschooling Model: A Combination of Strategies
We use a blended approach to create a flexible and personalized learning experience.
Structured Homeschooling
Following a set syllabus or curriculum.
Tutoring
Working one-on-one with a private tutor.
Unschooling
Child-led, interest-based learning.
Online Learning
Using digital platforms and resources.
Our Homeschooling Model
We selected a syllabus from the best publisher, according to our preferences. Instead of setting up a special classroom, we used our living room for lessons. We created a timetable for studying based on our availability and allocated time each day and week for unschooling. Our children also had a mandatory one and a half hours of playtime every day, attended Islamic Studies classes, and spent time learning online.
The beauty of homeschooling lies in its flexibility and creativity. If you find the traditional school system to be restrictive, one-dimensional, boring, and overly structured, homeschooling could be the ideal alternative for you.
Conclusion
In summary, homeschooling is gaining unprecedented popularity. Parents are increasingly choosing to deviate from traditional schooling by teaching their children at home.
Raising Precious is dedicated to helping you prepare for your first year of homeschooling, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether it is the best option for your family.
FAQs
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling means parents take direct responsibility for their children’s education at home instead of sending them to traditional school.
When did homeschooling start and what is its history?
Homeschooling is as old as education itself. For most of human history, children learned at home from parents or mentors. Compulsory schooling only began in the late 1800s, making homeschooling the original method of learning.
What are the main reasons parents choose homeschooling?
Parents often choose homeschooling for flexible learning, safer learning environments, religious or cultural values, and personalized education. These benefits of homeschooling attract families worldwide.
What are the different types of homeschooling methods?
The most common types of homeschooling are correspondence studies, structured homeschooling, unschooling, after-schooling, tutoring, and online learning.
What is the difference between structured homeschooling and unschooling?
Structured homeschooling follows a set curriculum and daily schedule, similar to traditional schooling. Unschooling is a child-led approach where children learn through curiosity, daily activities, and personal interests.
Is after-schooling considered homeschooling?
Yes. After-schooling is when parents add lessons at home in addition to traditional schooling. It allows children to learn subjects that may be missing in school.
What are the benefits of homeschooling for children?
Homeschooled children often become more independent, self-disciplined, and motivated learners. Many develop strong life skills and adjust well to higher education and careers.
What homeschooling model does Raising Precious follow?
We use a hybrid homeschooling model. Our approach combines structured homeschooling, tutoring, online learning, and unschooling to create a flexible and personalized education.
Can families mix different homeschooling styles?
Yes, many families utilize a blended homeschooling model. For instance, they combine structured homeschooling with tutoring, online learning, and unschooling for a well-rounded approach.
Is homeschooling a good choice in the modern world?
Yes. With outdated subjects in schools and new opportunities in the digital age, homeschooling offers flexibility, personalized education, and modern learning methods that prepare children for the future.
