This old saying goes something like this: Childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day. Well, with the whimsical weather and unpredictable climate patterns, we can’t be so sure about that later part, but dear friend, the childhood part is as correct as it gets. Childhood is vital; it really is. Modern science says 80% of brain development, including vital cognitive abilities like reading, writing, communication skills, imagination, original thinking, etc., flourishes by age five. So yes, the first five years are far more important than any five, ten, or twenty years of high schooling, University days, or whatever comes next. Putting up that particular textured wallpaper might look great on the interior, but the simple, solid foundation holds your tower High.
But you don’t need much convincing, eh? Because we know you’re a conscious parent. Reading this article only means you’re worried about your kids, their education, and their future. We agree this is quite a big thing to ponder, but not a hopeless thing. You just need a bit of planning, some good quality research, and goodwill, which you already have.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling has been the talk of the town since the pandemic. It simply means that your kids get to stay at home and continue with the school curriculum by self-study and proper guidance. Before COVID, almost 2.5 million U.S. children in grades K to grade 12 were being homeschooled. And see, just one year later, the number has nearly doubled to 4.6 million children.
Simply, Homeschooling is parent-directed education from the comfort of home. Parents usually opt for homeschooling their kids for many, but freedom and flexibility are usually at the top. Some families go for a mixed pattern educational system where they get their homeschool tutors or may attend some special classes (co-ops) with other homeschoolers ( maybe before a vital board exam or Olympiad, or to revise the syllabus in the summer break, etc.). Still, the quality and roadmap of this education is the parent’s sole responsibility. By teaching from home, parents can exercise the liberty of choosing elements and building their curriculum, fully customize their class schedule to suit their and the kids’ requirements, and you know what – they can even take learning on the go. Yes, you read it correctly. We mean hitting the road while your youngster hits the books ( think why Homeschooling is so popular among young artists, actors, and influencers !).
Hearing all that for the first time might make it feel intimidating, but so many people are doing it. This means there must be some easy and proven way to stay on the track.
Is it okay to Homeschool? Can it compete with formal education?
What if I say it’s not okay? Rather, it’s better to Homeschool your kids than send them off to some public school in the town just because everyone else is going there? It’s nuts! But true indeed. So here are some facts that will help you to believe us:
- It’s been found in many standardized studies that homeschooled kids perform better in academic tests than public school students. And no, your level of education doesn’t affect your kid’s career. But yeah, educated parents can teach their kids themselves.
- A report from CBS News shows almost 68% of homeschooled children complete their undergraduate course successfully, whereas only 55% of public school students ever finish college.
- Poor social environment and lack of safety is a new concern. You can’t control the excessive competitiveness and unwanted influence of other kids, which can also be bad for their mental health.
So you get it. Homeschooling doesn’t mean your children are getting deprived of something better; it’s only a way to learn until they get old enough for college. The only concern should be “what” and “how” kids are learning new kinds of stuff, not “where.”
Best ways to nurture skills in 1st grade Homeschool: Tutors
Don’t confuse Homeschooling with self-learning. Kids are not gonna study by themselves. Because they are kids, right? And we assume you’re not getting enough free time to help them with their coursework. Be it Homeschooling distance learning or elementary schooling – the end goal is the same everywhere. Your kid has to complete the expected competency points and cover the curriculum with a decent mark in the final board exam at term ends. So, it means the quality shouldn’t be compromised. This is why ideal Homeschooling plans must include good private tutors.
A good tutor for 1st graders will not only help with the conventional bookish education, but the teacher will also nurture your kid’s overall skills and personality. In public school, every class teacher has 30-40 students under their care, and keeping track is hard. But in Homeschooling, the Tutors give your kid their undivided attention and total care on a personal level. Reading and writing are two skills that take time to develop, and these have no relation with scoring good marks in exams or the school where you study. These soft skills get sharper with practice and consistency, which can only be acquired from a great mentor.
That’s why a tutor is vital for your homeschooled kid, even at a stage as early as 1st grade. Because you start early means you enjoy the treats sooner. We don’t see the logic in thinking more about a simple and obvious thing like this. You must appoint a tutor today. And these online forums and agencies are too good nowadays.
