A Guide to the Different Options for Homeschooling

Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for families in recent years, and for good reason. It allows parents to customize their child's education to their individual needs and learning style, and it can provide a more flexible and relaxed learning environment. Families have more opportunities for being a part of their local community and it also gives parents the chance to give back, while teaching their children how to do the same. You may have previously made a point of choosing to donate money to places like the Belinda Stronach Foundation as a family, so why not work together during home education time to research the right charities to give back to the community? Building a community is so important, and if you can, you should!

The materials that you use, such as Age of Learning, and the environment that you set your kids up with are both really going to matter. Home education is only going to work if everyone is on board. It’s also vital to realize that children don't all learn the same way and that means doing your research. However, it's important to note that homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are many different approaches and options to consider.
​Here are some of the most common options for homeschooling:

1. Traditional homeschooling: This approach involves following a structured curriculum and schedule, similar to what you would find in a traditional school setting. The parent serves as the primary teacher, and may use textbooks, worksheets, and other resources to deliver the material.  It’s important to make good use of technology when it comes to traditional homeschooling. The founding principal of KIPP Washington Heights Middle School, Danny Swersky, says that interactive learning with technology is one of the best ways to teach children harder concepts. They’re far more likely to remember things as they learn, and it can bring those difficult concepts to life which makes them easier to digest and understand. For instance, students can use technology to interact with something complex such as the human body, learning what each organ does and how they work together to form the various systems in our bodies.
2. Unschooling: Unschooling is a more relaxed and organic approach to homeschooling, where the child is free to follow their own interests and passions. There is no set curriculum or schedule, and the parent serves more as a facilitator and guide rather than a traditional teacher.
3. Online schools: Online schools, also known as virtual schools or cyber schools, are a popular choice for homeschooling families. These schools provide a fully online education, with the student participating in live or recorded lessons and completing assignments online. Online classes are also becoming an increasingly popular way for kids to stay on top of their studies, no matter what the circumstances are. With technology advancing at an exponential rate, more and more educational opportunities are available online, with the added convenience of being able to access educational courses from wherever you may be. Not only can online classes from resources like Age of Learning reduce stress for parents trying to juggle busy schedules, but they can also provide kids with greater flexibility in their learning.. With technology advancing at an exponential rate, more and more educational opportunities are available online, such as ABCmouse, with the added convenience of being able to access educational courses from wherever you may be.
4. Blended learning: Blended learning combines traditional homeschooling with online learning. The student may follow a structured curriculum and schedule, but some or all of the material is delivered online through live or recorded lessons. As a parent, we have an obligation to assist our children in education, and to do so; there are various platforms to help you; parenting websites are a good start. If your child fits in at best with blended learning, make sure you give him the best opportunity to achieve his best, and take time, set up schedules, don't rush, and relax. You don’t need to know everything to help your child, in today’s world taking hands with others will help you in a great way.
5. Hybrid schools: Hybrid schools, also known as brick and mortar schools or private schools, are a combination of homeschooling and traditional schooling. Students attend classes on campus a few days a week, and complete the rest of their coursework at home.
6. Co-ops: Co-ops, or homeschool co-operatives, are groups of homeschooling families who come together to provide a more diverse and structured learning environment. Parents take turns teaching different subjects or leading activities, and the students learn and interact with each other.

It's important to research and consider all of the different options for homeschooling before making a decision. Talk to other homeschooling families and visit online forums or homeschooling groups to get a sense of what works best for you and your child. Remember, the most important thing is to find an approach that meets your child's individual needs and learning style.
​
However, no matter which home-schooling option you choose, it's important that you’re prepared for the realities of teaching. For example, you’ll likely have to learn a lot about different teaching methods and practices in order to be able to steer your child toward success. You’ll also have to become a great motivator, as children may be more reluctant to sit down and focus in “class” if their parents also double as their teacher! 

However, both of these goals can be achieved by looking more into the science behind learning. For example, you could look into the theory of Pedagogy, explained here by Daniel Swersky, which touches upon how different learning styles respond to different educational practices. Some children, for example, learn best through Social Constructivism, which includes group work and teacher modeling.