It’s time for many “COVID homeschoolers” to make decisions about re-enrolling their children or keeping them home and continue homeschooling when schools reopen.

COVID has been one of the worst global crises, ever. It has altered almost every aspect of our lives, especially the way most people view their children’s education. Since kids were restricted from going to school for extended periods of time, many parents have resorted to alternative ways to educate them. If you are among the parents who unexpectedly found themselves choosing to homeschool, you may have found it challenging, especially if you were not well prepared. 

Homeschooling can be extremely rewarding. It provides flexibility, the opportunity for delight-direct learning, and personalized educations.

Schools are starting to reopen and offer in-person learning again, so if you are public schoolers you may see some semblance of normalcy this fall. But, are you ready to stop homeschooling and send your kids back to public school this fall?

If you have been homeschooling your child during this time and have enjoyed the experience, here are even more reasons why you should continue homeschooling even after schools reopen.

Homeschooling is Flexible

Unlike in a public school where lessons and classes have to happen at certain times, you can structure your homeschooling to fit your daily program and routine. You can take breaks whenever you like and learn whenever you like. You do not have the pressure of following a pre-determined learning routine.

The flexibility that homeschooling provides is the main reason that many families homeschool. Being able to take trips, visit family and learn on their own schedule lets many families live a lifestyle they love.

Your Kids Will Get Enough Learning Time

Kids attending public school may not have as much dedicated time to learn as homeschooling kids do. Think of all the wasted time in a public school day schedule. Shifting from one class to another, the commute to and from school, limited time to finish assignments, limited time to finish projects, and limited time to prepare for and take quizzes and exams.

Homeschooling kids can get started with learning straight away when they wake up in the morning (or if you’re like us work on school work in the evening in your jammies!)

Your Child Will Learn to Love Learning

Your child will continue to learn faster and possibly move more quickly through the subjects they understand. Unlike in public school where your child has to follow a pre-set system, homeschooling prioritizes knowledge over grades. Hence the reason so many homeschoolers are unsure of their grade level when asked 🙂

In public school, your kids will need to score good grades so that they can move to higher classes. This may create an environment for unhealthy competition. The main focus here is to do better than others so that they can join a good college. There is no such competition in homeschooling. They will gain knowledge without the pressure of having to compete with others.

Homeschooling fosters a love for learning by allowing your child to follow their interests and passions instead of focusing on grades and awards.

You Have Full Control of the Curriculum

Public schools use one blanket curriculum for all kids. This may not be ideal for everyone. Some kids may require special attention in some areas, something that is limited in a public school. When homeschooling, you have a wide range of choices on what curriculum to use to suit your specific needs.

You will adapt your teaching methods to be more effective based on your child’s needs, learning style, and the goals you have set out for your family. 

You can also follow different methods of homeschooling, like unschooling, classical, Montessori, unit study-based, Charlotte Mason, and delight-directed study.

Be sure to check with your state’s requirements on curriculum and standards. HSLDA is a great place to start for information on requirements.

Extracurricular Activities are Enhanced

Since you are flexible while homeschooling, your child will have more time to engage in extracurricular activities. Public schools offer extracurricular programs but many are limited to a few options. When you practice homeschooling, the activities you can engage in are only limited by your imagination.

Do your kids want to learn a new language? Do they want to learn how to play the piano or guitar? How about learning how to code?

There is no limit. If you want to enhance their extracurricular engagements even further, you can organize field trips. Check out the attractions close to your home (libraries, nature parks, soccer stadiums, fire stations, etc.) that you can visit to create a more rounded learning experience. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you include in your homeschool experience.

Homeschooling Creates Connections

There is a misconception that children who homeschool do not have an active social life. To be honest, my kids’ social life is much richer since they have the time and flexibility that homeschool provides.

There are so many ways homeschooling children can easily interact with others and create meaningful connections. You can join a homeschooling co-op within your community or interact with others online.

A more important aspect of socialization that many people overlook is the ability for children to interact and communicate with people of all ages, not just their grade-level peers. Homeschoolers are normally able to interact with children and adults of all ages, which can enhance their perspectives and communication skills.

Homeschooling Strengthens Relationships

Yes, I know I said 6 reasons, but this is a BONUS reason!

Since you have been spending a lot of time together, you may have noticed that your relationship is stronger. (Or you may be driving each other up the wall, but you’re still getting to spend a lot more time together 🤣)

Learning is on a one-on-one basis here as opposed to public schools where one teacher has to take care of many students. You will focus all your attention on your kids. This direct learning and teaching program builds a great relationship between you and yourkids. 

Kids in public schools may not have the same kind of opportunity. When you’re able to spend more time together, you’ll strengthen your relationship. This can help you understand the challenges they are going through and figure out how to help them out. This has been one of our top reasons to continue homeschooling.

This is time you will never get back with your kids. So, if you have the ability to homeschool and savor this time, DO IT!

As you weigh out the pros and cons of continuing to homeschool your child, consider these benefits. It’s also a great idea to talk to other families who have homeschooled or re-enrolled their children in public school after homeschooling to get more perspectives. Ultimately, you need to make the decision that best benefits your family and your children.

When we chose to homeschool we didn’t realize all the amazing benefits it would provide our family at the time. Now, several years later, we sure are glad we made that leap of faith and didn’t look back!