Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

It is not a new concept to choose to homeschool your children. However, as we begin the 2020–2021 school year, months into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the term "school choice" is taking on a whole new meaning, as an increasing number of parents see homeschooling as a viable option for their children.

Many school districts across the country are proposing a number of education options to combat the spread of the virus, ranging from in-person school wearing masks to complete online school to a delayed start to the academic year. With so many learning options available—many of which aren't ideal—some parents are asking if they should take control of their children's education. In fact, the millennial parents are taking up Montessori curriculum to help their kids guide better.

If you're considering teaching your child at home for the first time or have always considered it for your family, you're probably aware that there are numerous benefits and drawbacks.

Every educational system provides excellent opportunity for pupils to acquire new knowledge and abilities while also allowing them to develop their own distinct characteristics and interests. There are advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling, just as there are to public, private, charter, unschooling, and other educational approaches.

A MAJOR LIFESTYLE CHANGE

As you are probably aware, when you choose to homeschool, you will assume the roles of both teacher and administration. You'll have to plan lessons, organise field excursions, coordinate activities with other parents, and stay on top of state and local homeschooling regulations. These tasks are added to your regular parental duties.

There are also the additional financial costs of homeschooling. While there are many free resources, textbooks, books, paper, art supplies, computers, software, and other homeschool equipment all cost money. When you are taking up the course on homeschool Montessori training, you will get a better idea on the tools and materials that are mandatory for learning.

Another significant difference is that, while most parents spend a significant amount of time with their children, homeschooling parents spend a lot more time with their children. The length of time it takes to homeschool is a significant lifestyle change that many parents consider when deciding whether or not to homeschool their children. Though there are numerous options for parents to find time for themselves, it's crucial to remember that you'll be spending more time with your kids than you are now.

Pros

• Freedom

One clear advantage of homeschooling is the capacity to make your own decisions, whether you call it consciousness, independence, or control. You'll be able to travel or move around freely as a homeschooler, include religious instruction into daily learning, and avoid social pressures or harassment that your child may face at school. Plus, every discipline, from sailing to sewing to science, is fair game in a home-based education. Homeschooling encompasses a wide range of activities, including practical skills, volunteer work, creative hobbies, and traditional trades. According to some homeschoolers, teachable opportunities occur all the time, and "school" isn't restricted to school hours.

• Individualized Education

Every child is unique. Unfortunately, teachers cannot always customise lessons to your child's specific needs in a bigger group setting such as a conventional school. In contrast, you may meet your child precisely where they are at home, tailoring classes to their own interests. If you have more than one child, homeschooling allows you to alter your approach in terms of learning styles and grade levels. Plus, because you're right there with them, you can celebrate any triumph or achievement with them in real time.

• Minimal COVID-19 Restrictions

For many parents, the decision to homeschool their children for the 2020–2021 school year is motivated by the desire to circumvent COVID-19 constraints imposed at school. Wearing a mask all day and maintaining social distance from pals is a difficult task for a 6-year-old. Educating at home, obviously, means not having to deal with the pandemic's masks, physical barriers, and other difficult "extras."

• Strong Parental Relationships

The longer you keep with your children, the more chances you have to bond with them. If you and your family have always desired for more hours in the day, homeschooling could be the answer. Positive experiences such as exciting field trips, learning a-ha moments, and “recess” at the park can all help to strengthen parent-child and sibling relationships. If work schedules normally limit time together on weekends or holidays, homeschooling's flexible hours may allow for more leisure with both parents.

Cons

• A Lot of Work

You're suddenly a teacher, tutor, curriculum researcher, and principal, in addition to your home responsibilities as a mom or dad. If you have younger children at home who aren't yet in school, you may find it difficult to keep them occupied while you teach bigger children.

Plus, as enjoyable as tailoring schooling to each child's learning style might be, it can add to your workload.

• Less Time for Yourself

Homeschooling's workload—and having your children at home all day—is bound to leave you with less leisure for yourself. Some homeschooling parents claim that they don't have time to exercise, let alone shower and take care of themselves.

• Not Taking Advantage of Certain Opportunities

Despite its vast flexibility, homeschooling can limit your child's chances in several ways. A homeschool program, for example, may not be able to give the same variety of electives as a major public school for high school students. The same is true when it comes to social possibilities. It is your responsibility as a homeschooler to provide social connection that your child will not receive via school dances, assemblies, or regular classroom pair work.

What are the sensitive periods, according to Montessori theory?

There are several words used in Montessori education. Sensitive period is one of those Montessori words that can be perplexing to parents. Maria Montessori used a term coined by a Dutch biologist, Hugo de Vries (Mutation theory - 1902) to refer to key developmental stages in children. If parents are looking for Montessori training near me, they are basically looking for rightly trained teachers who can provide wholesome education to their kids. The sensitive periods are vital for growing and let’s have a better look here –

In the Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori said-

“A sensitive period refers to a special sensitivity which a creature acquires in its infantile state, while it is still in a process of evolution. It is a transient disposition and limited to the acquisition of a particular trait. Once this trait, or characteristic, has been acquired, this special sensitivity disappears.”

The child is intensely interested in a particular topic during sensitive period. As a result, acquiring those skills related to this interest is extremely simple for the boy. The child is enthralled by the prospect of repeating those acts. This repetition will result in the development of a new ability.

Sensitive periods don't happen in a straight line and might collide. When the sensitive time ends, the overwhelming desire to learn is gone, as is the ability to learn extensively and easily. It does not imply that all is lost! It is better for a child to learn a second language during his early years, for example. If the child did not have the opportunity, learning a new language would necessitate conscious effort.

Sensitive periods, also known as window of opportunity, are a term used in neuropsychology to describe a time during which language acquisition, motion development, and cognitive perception occur. Our modern understanding of the brain suggests that there is a particular period for language acquisition, and cognitive perception. Both definitions of the term responsive period are based on the premise that children learn in a particular way in their early years and that learning should take place within a specific time frame.

Why is it crucial to understand the Sensitive Periods?

Maria Montessori urged adults to track children's behavior and actions to determine when they are in sensitive periods. Adults should protect the child's interests by observing them and providing experiences that are appropriate for their current sensitive times. Maria Montessori's sensitive periods can be used as a framework for observing the child in order to provide them with as many resources as possible. It's important to note that each child is unique, and while Maria Montessori said that some sensitive times are universal, we, as parents, might not be able to recognize them all.

Six main sensitive periods

Sensitive period to language

Maria Montessori used to say that Montessori said that “the only language men will ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything. This sensitive period lasts from birth (even in utero) to the age of six. The presence of a language-sensitive time has been confirmed by modern science. The window of opportunity for language learning starts to close about the age of five, according to neuroscience.

Sensitive period to movement

It lasts from birth to 5 years old. First phase – from birth to 2.5 years of age and Second phase – from 2.5 to 4.5 years of age. This coordination is acquired through repetition of purposeful motor activity by the infant. Visits to the park and other outdoor areas on a regular basis are likely to help during this sensitive period.

Sensitive period to order

From the age of one to three years old, the infant goes through a sensitive time. About the age of 18 months, it reaches its height. The child is arranging his mental schema of the world during this period. When the child's world is in order, he may organize his thoughts and orient himself.

Sensitive period to refinement of the senses

This sensitive period lasts from birth (even in utero) to the age of four years.

The brain's sensory development can last up to four years. Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are the five senses by which a child learns.

Sensitive period to small details and small objects

This stage lasts from one to three years. Paying close attention to details can seem to be a waste of time for our adult minds. When the child is exploring her environment during this critical time, she will become fascinated with small objects. This is when she will begin to establish her pincer grip, which involves gripping between the thumb and index fingers.

Sensitive period to social behavior or to manner and courtesy

This sensitive period lasts between the ages of two and a half and six. During this time, the child realizes that he is a member of a community.

It's time to make some new friends! Until then, the kids are playing together. They don't have a lot of interaction. The child is now increasingly learning to play cooperatively. Children must learn how to act in our society. We are our children as adults.