Why do we homeschool?

This question is one of many I face day in day out. So, what makes parents decide to go against the 'norm' and elect home education? I, for obvious reasons, can only explain our decision in this process. Other parents may have reasons completely opposite to ours, but at the end of the day, we all strive to do what is best for our children.

Now there's something else I should note before going into details about our decision. Home educating /home schooling doesn't work for every family, for some school is always going to be the best place. The reality is, one shoe doesn't fit all.

So why are we home educating? For us, there's one huge factor, and that is because little person (7years old) is a kinaesthetic learner. He learns through movement, and asking him to sit for more then half an hour in one spot does more harm than good. Movement and visual aids are what helps him. We were wary, that in a classroom of 30 or so children, his need to move would be labelled as disruptive.

Learning through play is vital for all children, and some children, like little person, really thrive through play.

I've also firmly believed that compulsory school age in the U.K. is far too young. Childhood needs to be exhausted before formal teaching, before making those that need to be climbing trees sit down for hours. This, was probably the most important reason for keeping little person out of school.

There are some who worry about socialisation. How does a home schooled/educated child socialise? It's worrying that home is confused for a solitary confinement prison! We go out, we talk to people around us, little person has the confidence to have conversations with shop keepers, librarians, doctors and firemen. Little person takes part in activities of all ages, and therefore doesn't feel shy or awkward when in adult company. That's not all though, majority of home schooling families are in touch with local home educating communities. It's an amazing community, where parents volunteer to set up activities. Educational trips to gymnastics, picnics in parks to theme parks and the list goes on.

Did we make the right choice? I firmly believe we did and continue to enjoy our journey. Little person is content and happy, and that is all that matters.

If you're seriously considering home educating/schooling, and have any questions, do ask. Anything new, not following the conforms of society will create feelings of unease, and the best thing is to take the opportunity and talk to others already walking that path!