Not back to school: how home education is changing the way we learn
As September approaches, the familiar buzz of "back to school" season begins to resonate. Shops are filled with school supplies, uniforms, and lunchboxes while families prepare for the routine of frantic mornings and packed schedules. However, for many, this September marks a departure from tradition. Instead of the usual rush to return to the classroom, more families embrace the opportunity to continue learning at home. This is a great article written by Naomi Fisher: Not Back To School
The rise of home-ed
The number of families choosing home education has steadily increased in recent years. This trend becomes particularly noticeable in September when a fresh wave of families decides not to return to school. Whether due to dissatisfaction with the conventional school system, a desire for a more tailored educational approach, or concerns about health and wellbeing, the reasons are as diverse as the families themselves. This growing community of home educators offers a wealth of support, resources, and inspiration for those considering this path.
Why home education?
- Personalised learning: Home education allows you to tailor the curriculum to your child's interests, strengths, pace and learning style. This flexibility can foster a love of learning and encourage deeper exploration of subjects that spark curiosity, facilitating a more engaging and effective learning experience.
- Flexible scheduling: Without the rigid timetable of a traditional school, home education offers the flexibility to adapt learning to your family's lifestyle. Home ed allows families to set their own schedules, enabling learning to happen at any time of the day. This could mean taking a break when needed, exploring subjects in depth, or travelling during off-peak times for educational trips. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for accommodating family travel, extracurricular activities, or children with special educational needs.
- Enhanced well-being: For some children, the pressures of the school environment can be overwhelming. Home education provides a safe and supportive space for children to learn, often leading to increased confidence and reduced anxiety. It helps shield children from bullying, peer pressure, and other negative influences frequently encountered in traditional school settings. Parents can support their child's mental and emotional well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to education that nurtures intellectual and personal growth.
- Closer family bonds: Sharing in the learning journey can strengthen family relationships. It allows parents to engage deeply in their children's education and for siblings to learn together, fostering a collaborative spirit. Spending more time together offers opportunities for parents and children to bond over shared learning experiences.
While home education offers many benefits, there are potential challenges as well. Here are a few:
- Time and commitment: Home education requires a significant time commitment from parents, who often act as both teachers and facilitators. This can be demanding, especially for families where both parents work or for single-parent households. For the parent at home, it can be challenging to find ‘me time’ and feelings of stress from your child’s education being all on you are sometimes inevitable.
- Social interaction: Even though the home education community is growing, some families may struggle to provide regular social interactions. One common concern is the need for regular socialising. However, this can be mitigated by joining clubs, groups, home education networks, and other social activities.
- Financial considerations: Home education can require extra financial and time investment from parents. This can sometimes lead to additional costs for materials, resources, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, one parent may need to reduce working hours or stay home, impacting household income. Families might need to seek out or create opportunities for specialised subjects or things like science labs and sports equipment.
- Potential gaps in knowledge: Without a structured curriculum, there may be gaps in the child's education. Some worry about maintaining educational standards without the structure and ongoing assessment methods used in schools. Remember, there is no legal requirement to follow a curriculum; you can tailor the education and learning style to fit your child's individual needs, interests, and passions. There are many 'styles' or learning methods that can change regularly over time, adapting to your family.
Most families find that they can effectively address these challenges with careful planning and community support.
Starting your home ed journey
- Research and planning: Research the legal requirements for home education with your LA (local authority). In the UK, parents must ensure their child receives a ‘suitable education’, but there is considerable freedom in how this is delivered.
- Set goals and structure: While home ed offers flexibility, having some structure can be helpful. Set goals and create a rough schedule to guide your days. Remember, these plans can change and evolve as you find what works best for your family. Alternatively, you may want to unschool and be completely child-led - read about self-directed learning.
- Join the community: Home education can sometimes feel isolating, but there's a large and vibrant community of home educators. Every September, a significant influx of new families, like you, join the home ed movement, and many ‘not back to school’ picnics are held around the country. Join local groups, attend meet-ups, and participate in online chats - Facebook has links to lots of them. These connections can provide invaluable support and resources.
- Explore resources: There are countless resources, from online courses and educational apps to local museums and libraries. You'll often find many great educational books and materials in charity shops. Tailor your resources to your child's interests and needs; don't be afraid to think outside the box.
- Embrace flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of home education is its flexibility. If something isn't working, change it. If a particular topic fascinates your child, delve deeper. The home education journey is as unique as each child, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Looking ahead
Not returning to school in September is a significant decision, but it can open up a world of possibilities. Home education isn't just about academics; it's about nurturing a lifelong love of learning, building strong family connections, and fostering a well-rounded, confident individual.
As you embark on this journey, remember that having questions and doubts is perfectly normal. Every family finds their own rhythm, and taking things one step at a time is okay. Reach out to others, seek advice, and above all, enjoy the adventure. Your home ed journey will be unique, fulfilling, and an exciting new chapter for your family.
You are not alone in this journey. Countless families join the home education community each September, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. Connect with others, share your experiences, and support one another.
For more information, resources, and guidance, visit The Home Ed Daily. We're here for you every step of the way, offering resources, online links, inspiration, and a wealth of knowledge to help make your home education experience successful.
Here's to a beautiful year of learning, growth, and exploration.
