Imagine a classroom without walls, where learning transcends textbooks and traditional schedules, and curiosity fuels the curriculum. Welcome to the vibrant world of homeschooling.
This educational approach has gained momentum in recent years, captivating the hearts and minds of parents seeking personalised learning experiences for their children. But what drives this trend? Is it the allure of tailored education, the flexibility to explore diverse interests, or perhaps the desire for a closer family bond?
One of the most significant benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. As Eko Dydda, a rapper and content creator and his wife Cynthia Ayugi said.
"My wife and I decided public school and private did not work for us because we want to be present in our children’s lives, and we did not want other people raising our children. Plus, we believe that how school is structured these days turns children into robots who cannot do anything without asking the teacher or even simply reason.
“We want our children to be independent thinkers, to be able to reason and to know they can chart their own destiny. They do not have to follow what everyone else is doing," the rapper said.
Tailored education
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Homeschooling allows parents to incorporate their values, culture, and religious traditions into their child's learning experience, ensuring a consistent and nurturing environment.
By breaking free from the traditional classroom structure, homeschooling encourages children to explore their curiosities, think critically, and develop their unique perspectives. This approach not only fosters independence but also allows children to learn at their own pace, ensuring they truly grasp the concepts before moving on.
Parents can choose from a wide range of curricula and resources to create a personalized learning experience for their children. This flexibility allows them to focus on subjects their child excels in or needs extra support with, ensuring they reach their full potential.
A recent survey reveals a striking trend: Gen Z parents are 74 per cent more likely to embrace homeschooling compared to previous generations. This shift is largely driven by a combination of concerns over safety and a desire for personalised education tailored to their children’s needs and interests.
In bustling urban centres in the US like New York City, the number of homeschooled children has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, as parents increasingly prioritise creating nurturing and secure learning environments.
According to a report by Forbes, millennials and Gen Z parents are on a quest for flexible, tailored educational experiences that resonate with their children's interests and learning styles.
Societal shift
This growing preference for homeschooling not only reflects a reaction to contemporary challenges but also signals a broader societal shift toward prioritising children's mental health and overall well-being.
Last year, according to research, the term ‘home-schooling’ was searched more than 1.1 million times, an increase of 150 per cent.
While homeschooling offers numerous benefits, it also presents its own set of challenges. One of the most significant drawbacks is the financial burden it can place on families. Purchasing curriculum materials, educational resources, and extracurricular activities can add up quickly, making it essential for parents to budget carefully.
While homeschooling offers flexibility, it also presents challenges, such as potential social isolation. As 15-year-old Alex says, "I love that I can learn at my own pace and dive deeper into subjects that interest me. The flexibility allows me to pursue my passions, like travel and photography, without falling behind."
Although he acknowledges that he may miss some traditional social experiences, Alex has made great friends through homeschooling co-ops and extracurricular activities, demonstrating that homeschooled children can thrive both academically and socially. His experience underscores the importance of balancing independent learning with opportunities for meaningful social interaction.
Beatrice Okoth, 35, a homeschooling parent, reflects on her journey: "Choosing to homeschool was not easy, but tailoring our children's education to their unique needs and interests has been incredibly rewarding. We have seen our children blossom into curious, independent thinkers who challenge the status quo. While it can be challenging, the one-on-one attention we provide has been invaluable.
Our children have formed strong bonds with their siblings and developed a deep appreciation for learning. Although we face financial constraints, the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh the costs. Seeing our children thrive and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals makes every sacrifice worth it," says Beatrice.
Despite challenges, including financial constraints, Beatrice underscores that the rewards — such as strong family bonds and a love of learning — make the sacrifices worthwhile, showcasing the flexibility and tailored approach that homeschooling offers for nurturing individual growth and development.
"As a former teacher in the traditional school system, I have seen firsthand the challenges that come with educating a diverse group of students in a one-size-fits-all environment," says 40-year-old Anne Okeyo, a former teacher.
"While I believe that public schools play a vital role in society, I also recognise the value of homeschooling. The personalised attention and flexible curriculum that homeschooling offers can be truly transformative for a child's education,” she says.
Creativity and dedication
“I have had the privilege of working with homeschooling families as a tutor, and I have been amazed by the creativity and dedication they bring to their children's learning.
"Homeschooled students often demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, a love of learning, and a unique perspective on the world. While it may not be the right choice for every family, homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for both parents and children," says Anne.
She says this provides valuable insight into the challenges of the traditional school system and the potential benefits of homeschooling. She says this option recognises the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach to education and the difficulties in catering to diverse learning styles within a classroom setting.
“It highlights the creativity, dedication, and strong critical thinking skills often exhibited by homeschooled students, emphasising the transformative impact that personalised attention and flexible curricula can have on a child's education.
"It also reinforces the idea that while homeschooling may not be suitable for every family, it can be a highly rewarding and enriching experience for those who choose to pursue it,” says Anne.