Homeschooling – A Viable Option
from Mum’s
Mail Edition 13, May 2005
© Written May 2005 by Robyn, South Africa
There are an estimated 10 000 homeschoolers at present in South
Africa. What is homeschooling about and why are more and
more parents choosing this option?
Homeschooling is about life and
education. It is about making the whole world your classroom. It
gives the opportunity for one-on-one learning experiences without the pressure
that schools bring. It evokes a love of learning; it sparks interest and
provides the freedom to go with what the child is interested in without a bell
to interrupt a creative thought process. Homeschooled children do
not spend 12 years indoors with a group of peers their own age, they are exposed
to real life and real situations and relate well to people of all
ages. You will never hear them say, 'I don't play with 5 year
olds!' They get to choose which extra curricular activities they wish to
be involved in ~ the choices are endless. They do not have hours of
'homework' every day and spend much of their childhood playing, creating,
imagining and enjoying life. All the homeschooled children I have met
have amazed me with their confidence, their good manners, their amazing social
skills and their general behaviour. You get to spend more time as a
family, and there is a wonderful sibling bonding. You spend a lot of
time outdoors, learning from nature. Your own individual needs are met
and you can work at your own pace. There is no pressure. Life is
much less stressful. There is no morning rush. You have the freedom
to explore your individual interests and passions and follow them with no time
constraints. Homeschooling is about loving life and using every
opportunity to learn and enjoy.