Jude AgbayaniYou’ve probably heard about homeschooling recently from a friend or read a blog post somewhere. Your heart races and tell your husband that you want to teach your child at home. Before you jump in, let me give share with you seven truths about homeschooling.
Truth #1. Homeschooling is not for everybody.
When I first set my feet on this new road, I believed in my heart that homeschooling is the best form of education not only for my kids but for all kids. However, I realized that though it is the best for form of learning, it is not for every family.
Our families are set up differently these days. We have single-parent households which puts the burden of earning an income solely on one parent. Providing for the kids becomes a priority.
Homeschooling can still be done no regardless of the family set up but it can be doubly challenging. Ideally, home education demands that parents be the primary educators of their children. But somehow working moms can still do it. Others hire tutors to teach the kids while the parents act as overseers.
Truth #2 Homeschooling is legal.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has accredited homeschool providers under the umbrella of a conventional or regular school to cater to homeschooling families. Once enrolled in a homeschool provider, the family is technically enrolled under the conventional school but having the option of doing school at home. Here are list of DepEd homeschool providers:
- The Living Heritage Academy of the Philippines (Philippine School of Tomorrow) at Don Bosco Paranaque City (822443)
- Peniel Integrated Christian Academy of Rizal Phase I, 42 Burgos St. Vista Verde Executive Village, Cainta, Rizal, Philippines Tel.no.682-7941 / 919-2880
- Homeschool Global formerly called The Master’s Academy Homeschool.Upper Ground Floor Fun Ranch Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue Barangay Ugong, Pasig City 502-7027 and 234-04-32
- The Catholic Filipino Academy in Quezon City Tel. no. 7211088
*For an extensive list of homeschool providers and coops, visit the HAPI (Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands) page.
Truth #3 Homeschooling needs planning.
Once you’ve decided to homeschool, you need to some help in deciding which curriculum would cater to your children’s needs. Other homeschool providers have different sets of curriculum you can choose from. They would gladly assist you in finding the best for your family. There are local textbooks and imported from the U.S. and Singapore. You can read more about planning in this post.
Truth #4 Homeschooling emphasizes higher order of thinking
In 1965, Dr. Benjamin Bloom developed levels of learning objectives. He proposed the Bloom’s Taxonomy which categorizes learning process from simply remembering to evaluating. Read more on Bloom’s Taxonomy here. Higher level of thinking or critical thinking allows the learner to answer the Why and How questions. He learns to apply the lessons. Then, he formulates his own ways of solving a problem. Finally, he learns to evaluate and defend his solution based on what he has learned.
Truth #5 Homeschooling teaches the value of time
Since homeschooling families follow their own schedule, the kids can focus on the academics and have other enrichment classes at the same time. Some extra-curricular activities demand more time for practice. Homeschooling allows the families to devote a day or part of the day for developing their skills. They have the option of shortening or lengthening academic learning for a certain day. Subjects to be taken daily is also flexible.
Planning also includes trips to the museums, parks and historical sites. These field trips enhances the learning process. Not only do they get to read about facts from their books but they also get the chance to see and experience them in real life.
Truth #6 Homeschooling’s priority is character-molding.
When my husband and I decided to homeschool Coby nine years ago, our primary reason was to build his character. We believe that academics will follow. We wanted to bring up a child that will love and fear God, respectful and obedient to his parents. These traits have developed over the years and is continuing to improve especially now that he is conscious of his relationship with God. It’s easier to teach a child you have his heart.
Incidentally, the parent-teachers especially the moms are also being transformed in the process. Homeschooling has changed my perspective about learning. I used to think that being confined in the classroom, burrowing my nose in books and memorizing facts is sufficient. But then there is a higher level of thinking that homeschooling teaches. Remembering facts is the lowest level of thinking. Home education encourages critical thinking by asking the Why and How questions. It’s asking, “How do you apply this in your life?” or “Knowing this happened, how should that affect your thinking or behavior?”
Truth #7 Homeschooling is by all by God’s grace.
Whenever people applaud me and my husband for homeschooling our kids, I get really uncomfortable. Why? BecauseI know that every homeschooling day without God would be a disaster. I fail miserably at times. There are days I come unprepared to the table and the kids are shortchanged. But by his grace alone, the kids accomplish their tasks and imbibe the lessons all too well. The praises and applause should be directed to my sustainer, my God. Because He has called me to homeschool, He is giving me the sufficient grace I need for that day.
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20
Have you been contemplating on homeschooling? I do hope these truths have opened your eyes to what is in store for you should you decide to homeschool your child. Deciding to go for home education is not as easy as choosing which restaurant to go after church. Homeschooling is a huge undertaking but it can be done, only by the grace of God. So, what’s your next step?
