In recent years, India has witnessed a steady growth in the number of homeschooled children.
Homeschooled children receive formal education at home and not in a classroom setup. They are guided by their parents or tutors. Over the past few years, the number of children receiving education at home has been increasing by 2% to 8% annually.
However, homeschooling is plagued by misconceptions and myths. Many people assume that religious families only homeschool their children. Others claim that homeschooling harms public schools or that only parents who are well-off and have advanced degrees homeschool their kids.
Below, we list 5 of the most common misconceptions about homeschoolers and homeschooling and explain the truth about this educational system.
- Myth: Homeschooling means no socialization.
The belief that homeschooled children are less socialized than their peers is the most widespread misperception concerning homeschoolers. Socialization entails much more than merely connecting with kids of a similar age. A homeschooled youngster interacts with family, parents, neighbours, friends, and other community members rather than being confined to a classroom. Parents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds decide to homeschool their children adding to their diverse bonds.
2. Myth: Homeschooling demands qualified parents.
Parents are, and have always been, the most valuable teachers in a child’s life. According to research, neither parents’ qualifications nor household income affects a child’s academic achievement. In modern times, to homeschool your child, you do not need to be a certified teacher. There are several homeschooling resources and tutors available online and offline. One of the best homeschooling & collaborative learning platforms is Birla Brainiacs.
3. Myth: Homeschooling results in average academic performance.
Various studies have been conducted over the years to compare the social and academic outcomes of homeschooled students to those of institutional schooled students. This research has confirmed that homeschooling myths are false. On standardized academic exams, homeschooled children typically outperform public school students by 15% to 30% in terms of marks. The best feature of homeschooling is that it is tailored to a child’s unique learning style — something that conventional school curriculums cannot always do.
4. Myth: There are no extracurricular activities for homeschoolers.
A homeschooled youngster actually has more time to participate and engage in the community. Homeschoolers in many communities can participate in extracurricular activities offered by local public or private schools. They are eligible to be a part of junior sports teams. With self-initiative, homeschooled kids can join physical activities like swimming, gymnastic, etc. Birla Brainiac is an online homeschooling platform that has recently introduced 4 new extracurricular activities to its curriculum – coding, communication skills, vlogging & financial literacy. Check out our website for more details.
5. Myth: Homeschooled children are unable to face the real world.
In fact, homeschooled kids face the real world from their childhoods. They are not bound by the four walls of the classroom. They evolve & learn with their surroundings and people. They might have more opportunities to volunteer at nearby shelters or nursing homes or to participate in community activities since they have a flexible schedule. Children who attend homeschooling are prepared for real-life from day one.
Homeschooling vs. traditional schooling is a very personal decision and subjective to your child. But now it’s time to move on from such misconceptions related to homeschooling. Look at the brighter side. For more details or doubts feel free to contact us.