Freddie is a very bright and social child, so why have chosen home schooling?
So why have I opted to home school him?
We have considered this for a number of years. But have always believed that Children will learn more at school, both socially and educationally. Our preference actually would have been private school, but as money is an issue, we have opted for home schooling.
He is above average academically, and I feel that the school do not push him enough. This is not a reflection on the school however. There is no way one teacher could individually teach all children to their own personal level. But I can.
What qualifications do I have for home schooling?
Absolutely none. I am not a teacher. I do have a degree in business and finance but that was over 20 years ago. Now we have started this journey I have access to numerous educational platforms. Where I can print out worksheets and the curriculum. Interestingly one of these at least is also used by teachers for lesson planning. The main one I enjoy currently is Twinkl it has so many worksheets and ideas it is perfect for both teachers and home educators.
What is the law on home schooling?
The law states that:
You must make sure your child gets a full-time education that meets their needs (for example if they have special educational needs). You can send your child to school or educate them yourself.
Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.
How will I socialise my child when he is home schooled?
We live in a small village, and already has lots of friends he had previously made at school. So we are arranging lots of after school play dates.
Also, I have already connected with a number of parents locally who home educate their children. So we will be arranging times to meet up with them soon. Freddie loves being with people and already attends lots of out of school activities. He currently does rugby, theatre school, swimming and cubs. So this won’t change.
Will I teach the curriculum?
Quite a lot of home educators don’t, and there is no requirement to do so. It is not regulated, and no exams are required.
However, as Freddie has already shown an interest in going to university. He will be following the curriculum and taking GCSE’s and I will find SATS papers that we will do.
How have I changed my house to make it more suitable for home schooling?
I work from home as a full time blogger, so I have just adapted my office to make space for Freddie. I have a desk, and Freddie now has his own desk.
On the walls we have a massive map of the world, which shows population, flags and currency for each country. We have added cork tiles to the wall for when we do a topic. This months topic is Mauritius as we are going there in three weeks time. There are also motivational posters on the wall.
We have some cubed furniture which has all of his work books in. They educational toys (scrabble, Brainbox, Osmo, build you own solar powered car, plus science games.)
What other Blogging Friends Say about Home Education:
Kelly at School Run Shop “We started home schooling in February. Our 10 year old son was becoming more and more anxious and it was making him ill. We had thought about home educating for a while, but decided we’d give it a go and he’s so much happier now! It’s not easy at all, and takes dedication from all sides, but I love the fact that he’s free to learn about subjects he’s interested in in a way that suits him to learn and me to ‘teach'”
Luschka at Diary of a First Child “My girls have never been to school because I couldn’t accept the school starting age. Even if they do go to school in the future I will never regret the freedom to play their childhood has given them.”
Georgina at Gee Gardner “I started home educating my now 8 year old again last year after she was failed by the system. It’s tough some days and I still get overwhelmed by it all sometimes but ultimately it’s been the best decision we’ve made. I home educated her during her reception year before she attended mainstream school and honestly, if I could turn back time I would never have sent her. It’s all about tick boxes and percentages these days and teachers have no hope of dividing themselves between 30 odd pupils that so many children are being let down. Home education allows us to tailor everything to suit one child which allows them to really reach their potential”
Karen at That Lancashire Lass “We home educate because we love the freedom it gives the children to be able to direct their own learning. We learn through experience and are led by their interests and curiosities rather than according to the more regimented curriculum of school. “
Kelly from Kelly Anne Writer “We home educate because my children were distraught and often neglected in school. Now we are two years on and it’s a wonderful journey/adventure. We’re able to learn together and at their pace. It’s a wonderful world.”
Jayne at Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs “Deciding to home-ed our boys was the best decision we could have made. We love the freedom and the 1 on 1 teaching makes sure you can work on any areas they may struggle on and help them excel in others. Learning is always fun at our house! “
Louise at Pink Pear Bear “We agonised over the decision to Home ed our 7 year old daughter but it turned out to be the best thing we ever did. She had such bad anxiety and we’ve managed to help her get back to being a happy little girl again. She’s even confident enough to try a different school with a view to going full time, something I never thought I’d see. It’s been hard work but also fun and oh so rewarding!”
Do you home school your child? Let me know your experiences in the comments below.
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