11. Homeschool kids/families don't miss school and have make-up work to do when they are sick.
10. Homeschool kids/families can take off-season vacations when it's quieter and they get better rates.
9. Homeschool kids/families can take time off to spend with friends or family or just for mental health.
8. The schedule of a homeschool family is not determined by someone else; homeschool kids don't have to do projects over long weekends or take tests the day after a family member's birthday; homeschool kids can do projects when they are interested and take the day of a family member's birthday off to prepare a celebratory meal.
7. Homeschool families can find curriculum or books that really interest them or explain concepts in a way that they understand.
6. Homeschool kids can follow rabbit trails on things that really interest them and spend as much time as they want exploring these concepts and ideas. This encourages a lifelong, natural view of learning.
5. Homeschool kids/families can learn at their own pace.
4. Homeschool parents learn just as much as their kids.
3. Homeschool kids are not concerned with what is "popular" or "cool", their confidence is not determined by having the latest item or the attention of a certain person; homeschool kids are friends with other people - adults and children - who share their interests or make them laugh or are fun to be with; homeschool kids' confidence is derived from persistence at exploration of concepts/topics that they don't readily understand but that they have time to dig into until the light dawns.
2. Homeschool kids don't waste time lining up, standing in line, waiting for teachers to get unruly kids under control, waiting for teachers to start a class, rushing through halls from class to class, getting dressed and undressed for gym, etc. and so they have all of that time to explore what interests them, such as youtube videos on making lipgloss or sewing classes or reading books about World War II. These are the interests that might set them apart one day on a college application or a job application...or when they start their own company or apply for a research grant...
The number one reason why I love homeschooling is because I get to facilitate all of this for my girls. I get to see the light in their eyes when they finally grasp a concept that was difficult for them at first. I get to go slowly, be patient, not ruin their confidence when they don't understand something. I get to find ways for them to explore their natural talents and abilities. I get to teach them the values and morals that I think are important. I get to hear them with their friends, showing kindness, empathy, compassion. I get to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they will one day be ready to spread their wings and leave my nest and that I have done everything in my power to help them
What do you love about homeschooling?
