100 Reasons to Homeschool

Dec 8, 2014


When I decided to write this post, I went to my Facebook community for input. I asked their reasons for homeschooling.

Between them and me, we have a list of 100 things!

1. Children can learn in a style and at a pace that fits them.
2. Freedom to learn in the real world.
3. Freedom to live in a natural way rather than quietly sitting all day.
4. Children are free to explore their own interests and talents.
5. We can take field trips or travel whenever we want to.

6. We can evaluate our children rather than test them.
7. We don't have to teach to the test. 
8. No state mandated curriculum.
9. We can choose to teach religious studies or not.
10. We can use our time efficiently. No busy work. 

11. We can include the fine arts in our education.
12. A better relationship with our kids.
13. Our children have the opportunity to socialize with people of all ages.
14. Year-round homeschooling.
15. Sick days are OK. We have all year.

16. Less sick days. 
17. We can watch our kids learn. Just like their first teeth, first steps, first words - why would we miss this?
18. Learning can happen anywhere.
19. We can be flexible.  
20. We can teach them our values and morals.

21. No government indoctrination.
22. The children can eat when they need to.
23. They can use the bathroom when they need to.
24. We can monitor the special needs of our kids.
25. Better chance they'll attend college and have a higher GPA while there.



26. They get to be kids, not spending 10+ hours a day on school work.
27. We can create a schedule works for our own children. 
28. Parents know what's best for their children.
29. The kids can be individuals rather than conformists.
30. Peaceful, calm environment. No bullies. No 'mean girls.' No shootings. No peer pressures.

31. Plenty of one-on-one learning.
32. Hands-on learning.
33. Real life experiences.
34. Kids have a deep connection with their siblings. (They like each other!)
35. Self-directed learning.
36. Play and outdoor time can be a priority.
37. Getting lost in activities together.
38. Being inspired by our children.
39. Inspiring them.
40. Exploring things with the children.

41. Learning along side them.
42. Nature studies. Any time.
43. We can protect their creativity and imagination.
44. They keep their innocence and sense of wonder.
45. We can nurture their love of learning.

46. We can become regulars at nature centers, farms, museums, libraries and bookstores.
47. We enjoy slow, non-rushed days.
48. We can think outside the box. Or in it. It's our choice.
49. Involve the kids in meaningful lessons. Again - no busy work.
50. We can protect the dreamers and artists.

51. We can freely challenge the accepted norms. No status quo!
52. The children develop a deep respect for adults.
53. Life skills. They'll have them when we're done.
54. Learning math. (Not new math or new new math. Just math.)
55. Learning history as it happened instead of what is politically correct to say happened.

56. Ability to learn foreign languages at an early age (and as many as they want to learn). 
57. Learning is a way of life, not one compartment of life.
58. Artist studies.
59. Composer studies.
60. Art, art, art!

61. Handicrafts.
62. Spending time and forming lifelong friendships with like-minded people.
63. Learning from older siblings and other relatives.
64. Teaching younger siblings.
65. Homeschooling saves money (clothes, supplies and other costs.)

67. Anyone can do it. (Even single moms!)
68. Children can mature at their own pace.
69. Children can interact with adults without being intimidated, obnoxious or awkward.
70. No government-generated "generation gap." 

71. Educational choices: Classical, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, eclectic, Thomas Jefferson - the list goes on.
72. Giving kisses when they need them.
73. Giving hugs when they need them.
74. Taking breaks when they need it.
75. They explore a topic as long as they want.



76. No notes needed if the child is sick. 
77. Vacation in the middle of October? Absolutely!
78. Night school if needed.
79. Cooking dinner is science. And math. And home economics.
80. Homeschool groups and co-ops. The best!

81. Going places in the middle of the day and off-season. 
82. P.E. can be in the yard, at the park, at a pool, at the skating rink, etc.
83. Being outside on beautiful days.
84. Being inside, cuddled up on the couch on cold, rainy days.
85. The teacher can administer medications without a note. (And alternative medicine is permitted.)

86. You always know how your child is doing in school.
87. You know who their friends are.
88. More snuggle-time. (Even the teens!)
89. Lunch break can be an hour.
90. Recess can be two or three hours.

91. You get to decide on how much or little technology will be used in your homeschool.
92. Technology can be tool rather than a distraction.
93. You know exactly what they're being taught. 
94. Deep conversation at random times.
95. Philosophy and religion can be discussed as much or little as desired.

96. The children have time for service to others.
97. You can be homeschooling geeks with Minecraft classes, Doctor Who classes and other Geekschooling activities.
98. There is no better teacher for your child than you.
99. Kids love being homeschooled.
100. You love your children.

Check out my list of 100 Art Resources for Homeschoolers, too!

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Happy Homeschooling!

8 comments

  1. I'm homeschooling my 13 years old son, and is true!!! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yelissa, Thank you for stopping by and I'm glad you like the post.

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  2. Anonymous12/18/2014

    What do you mean by government-generated "generation gap."? I think I know but wanted you to clarify.

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    Replies
    1. My experience, both as a kid and mom, is that kids who go to school tend to begin viewing adults as the "them" and themselves as the "us." It's not surprising, of course. They are being socialized to a society comprised only of kids their own age with a handful of adults to supervise their group. They're not socialized to a culture that includes adults.

      Naturally, when a teen has a problem and an adult tries to give them advice or bits of wisdom, friction will occur simply because they have become more comfortable in their own society of teens. I recall being a teen and this gap being encouraged by teachers. But that's a blog post to come. My point is, this institutionalizing of kids has a profound affect on their relationship with adults.

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  3. Cool list. I agree with all those reasons.

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  4. I admire homeschoolers. We tried and it was a disaster! I agree with some of the benefits.

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    Replies
    1. Leonor, I completely understand! Our homeschool start was a total disaster, too. All I really succeeded in was getting my son to hate learning of any kind. It takes time to learn what it's all about and what works for each child. Without the resources and community modern moms have, it took me YEARS to figure it out.

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  5. i am trying to write my parents a list of 100 reasons why i should be home schooled and my cousin AKA like my best friend and me are gonna give the list to our parents so we can be home schooled together lol

    ReplyDelete

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