Reasons We Homeschool: I is for Individualize

Part 2 in the Why We Homeschool Series, you can find Part 1 HERE

I’m not anti public school by any means.  I went to public school, I have a MA in Early Childhood Education.  There are a lot of really good teachers in the school system.  However, in certain things, teacher’s hands are tied.  Things like The Common Core have tied them even further.  For this reason, we homeschool.

Homeschooling allows me to INDIVIDUALIZE the curriculum.  I am able to adapt and adjust based on the learning needs and interests of EACH of my children.  This is something that is just not possible in the public school system, no matter how passionate or how great of a teacher one is. 

My 7yo is a great reader, he was reading at age 4 and currently reads at probably a 4th grade level.  However, he hates writing, isn’t that great at it, and still flips numbers and letters occasionally, even when writing his own name.  He is fairly good at math and ahead of his grade level.  I am able to adjust our curriculum to the level he is at in each subject. 

I can spend more time on certain subjects based on his interests.  I can add in topics that interest him.  I can pick curriculums based on his interests. 

I’ll admit, I still have to remind myself on a normal basis that THIS IS WHY I homeschool, having a teaching degree, being a product of public school myself, it’s quite easy to fall into the brick and mortar mentality…I have to pull myself off regularly.  This is our 3rd official year homeschooling, and I have relaxed a lot more, and I STILL have to remind myself.  Don’t feel bad if you have to remind yourself too!

Individualization is a MAJOR benefit to homeschooling, and another BIG reason WHY WE HOMESCHOOL!