How to decide if homeschooling is a good fit?

Homeschooling in Jakarta is on the rise and has never been the hot trend than it is now during this pandemic. All of us at some point have thought about homeschool for our kids. However, making a decision (both financially & emotionally) is not easy. Here we breakdown the key points to help you understand whether or not homeschooling is a good option for your child.

” Life without a goal is like a race without a finish line, you’re running nowhere”
Making any decision without knowing where it will lead us can be a disaster. To get an expected result, it is crucial, to begin with, the end goal. Here are some examples of goal setting for homeschooling:
  • Early Primary Levels: to improve reading, writing, mathematical & basic science skills.
  • Upper Primary: to have a strong foundation in core subjects.
  • Lower Secondary: prepare a base for IGCSE / O levels Upper
  • Secondary: success in IGCSE or take a college pathway
  • High School: requirements for the university.
Important questions to ask:
  • Can homeschooling help me to achieve the above goals?
  • Does my child have any other interests/hobbies?

2. My child’s preference

Unconsciously, we make many decisions without acknowledging our children’s needs.

Important questions to ask:
  • Ask your child how much he/she likes going to school?
  • What is the best thing about school?
  • What do you dislike about school? (you are going to get valuable insights)

3. Observe: Introvert or Extrovert?

Although it is not clear whether the benefits of homeschooling are more for an extrovert or introvert, few things parents can consider to make a better decision.

Important questions to ask:

    • Does my child enjoy socialising a lot?
    • Does my child get easily bored at home?
    • Does my child feel more comfortable at home?
    • Does my child feel more confident in small groups?

 

4. Flexibility

Parents should not deny the fact that our educational system is not designed for every child. It may or may not work for everyone’s needs and we should sincerely accept that.

Important questions to ask:

  • Does my child feel overwhelmed and stressed in school?
  • Is my child’s productivity and quality learning has been compromised?
  • Are there any subjects that are beyond my child’s ability?
  • Could my child be a better performer if given some more flexibility?

5. Recognition

Lack of information means basically assuming things that might not be correct (mostly wrong). Parents often differentiate homeschooling from regular schools in terms of recognition. But as a matter of fact, both are merely methods of learning, not the end result. It is very important to realise that schools are a medium for providing education.

Important questions to ask:

  • Can my child have the same qualifications as it would be in a regular school?
  • What certification will be received and is it recognised?

6. Risk factor

Decision making is very simple if we analyse properly and write down the pros and cons. Think hard about what worse can happen.

Important questions to ask:

  • What can be the risk of trying homeschooling?
  • Can my child get some new experience?
  • (Experimentation)
    Can my child easily go back to normal school if homeschool doesn’t suit?

Considering these all can certainly help to make the right decision for your child’s future. Also, take some time to contact us for a free consultation. At Jakarta Academics, we are very keen to advise you on whether or not you should consider homeschooling.

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