Back to Homeschool Time, Too

It’s already that time again. It’s back to school!

I am about to start my third year of homeschooling my boys. I choose to teach eclectically which is a five dollar word for “some of this and some of that.”

I get to be very creative.

This approach would not work for some of my homeschooling friends who like a more structured approach, but I want to have more freedom and less of the standardized  rules of compulsory schooling. In my state I don’t have to grade or test on any level and so I do very little–almost none of both and when I do either its more for our personal use. Don’t get me wrong, the good state of Ohio does have certain accountability measures in place for me and my kids, but they are not grievous. States vary in what they require of homeschoolers. Once upon a time it was not legal to homeschool in some states, but now it is officially legal in all fifty of the United States. I consider not having the pressure to pass a standardized test as a benefit of homeschooling. But that’s not all there is, check this out.

Other Benefits of Homeschooling

• I have a more flexible lifestyle.
• More time with my ever-growing boys. I get to know and understand them better.
• I have more control over what outside influences my boys are exposed to from what they’re being taught from curriculum to filtering out bad peer-socialization.
• Homeschooling allows me the chance  to learn along side my boys.
• I get to go on all the field trips!
• Our schedule is ours. We can start any time of day. We can finish early and there’s no homework!
• We can sleep in or stay out late.
• Our family can travel when ever want without getting permission.
• My boys can get a tailored education fit to meet their unique learning styles and interests.

Time Flies When Homeschooling

It amazes me to think we are going into our third year of homeschooling. Time flies by so fast. For sure, the choice to homeschool my boys comes with some sacrifices on my part, but it’s so worth it.

Do you homeschool?  Have you considered it but still have questions? Feel free to share in the comments.

Image: David Castillo

Tags: homeschooling, Tracy Zdelar

Category: Features, School/Homeschooling