| So you are thinking of homeschooling your child? | | | | their strengths and weaknesses. If they struggle |
| There are many reasons to choose | | | | more with math than English, than you can |
| homeschooling over public schools. To help you | | | | concentrate more on math.o Public schools often |
| with your decision, here are some advantages | | | | may not have the best teaching materials |
| and disadvantages of homeschooling:o | | | | available to them. With homeschooling, you can |
| Homeschooled children perform better on | | | | pick and choose the best materials for your child's |
| standardized tests. For example, in a recent | | | | needs and capabilities. |
| comparison of SAT scores, homeschooled children | | | | Some Disadvantages of Homeschooling |
| averaged 568 on the verbal test and 525 on the | | | | Be aware that even though homeschooling has |
| math; the national average was 506 on verbal and | | | | definite advantages for your child it does take |
| 514 on math.o Homeschooled children can operate | | | | some sacrifice on your part. You will need to set |
| on a flexible schedule according to their needs and | | | | aside time to prepare and teach lessons, organize |
| personality. You don't have to get your child up at | | | | outside activities and field trips, and schedule |
| 6 a.m. to get them ready for school. If your child | | | | opportunities for the home schooled child to form |
| isn't an early riser, you can start lessons at 9 a.m. | | | | friendships and engage in other activities. |
| instead.o You child gets individual attention when | | | | Another disadvantage of home schooling is the |
| homeschooled. It is hard for a teacher in a public | | | | cost. Parents who choose to home school, as |
| school to give your child the individual attention | | | | opposed to free public schooling, are primarily |
| they need with a classroom full of 30 kids.o | | | | responsible for purchasing the curriculum needed, |
| Homeschooling gives you extra time to bond with | | | | which can cost, on average, approximately $400 |
| your child and have family time. You can take | | | | per child each year. This includes costs for field |
| educational family field trips and do experiments | | | | trips, computer software, and materials for |
| together.o There is no peer pressure with | | | | projects, as well as the many other resources |
| homeschooling. If your child mispronounces a word | | | | available to parents. The cost is even higher for |
| or doesn't get an answer right, no one will laugh | | | | those families in which one parent has given up his |
| or make fun of them. Nobody cares if they have | | | | or her full-time job to home school. For those |
| the latest brand name clothes. They can go to | | | | families who had previously relied on two incomes, |
| school in their pajamas, if you don't care!o Religion | | | | this can be a serious disadvantage. |
| is a big no-no in public school. However with | | | | So take into account all of the factors before |
| homeschooling, you can incorporate religion into | | | | making a decision to homeschool your child. Make |
| daily lessons.o With homeschooling, you can set a | | | | sure you can commit to it before you jump in |
| learning pace that is right for your child. You know | | | | blindly. |