HOMESCHOOLING MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

Homeschooling is a widely known mode of education in several countries, but it is relatively new in the Philippines. An alternative to mainstream education, homeschooling is gaining much interest at the same time meeting misconceptions and several stereotypes. This leaves providers of Homeschool Programs with the task of dispelling myths and providing facts about what homeschooling really is and what it isn’t. 

Myth #1 | Homeschooling is not ‘real schooling’

While there are places that do not recognize homeschooling as an educational option, the number of countries that do is rising. In the Philippines, homeschooling is recognized as legal as long as the service provider is accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd). The accreditation secures that the curriculum and other services of the provider are supervised, regulated, and compliant to national standards. The Learning Place (TLP) International is accredited by DepEd and offers K-10 Homeschooling or Distance Learning Program services both locally and abroad. 

Myth #2 | Homeschooling is only for kids with learning difficulties

False. Several reasons and motivations drive parents to choose to homeschool. It is a fact that some parents homeschool their children due to disabilities, but homeschooling has also been a good option for children who are without any health or learning-related conditions that may preclude them from participating in mainstream schools. 

Calvert Education listed down some reasons why parents choose homeschooling, and the list proves that the presence of disabilities is just one of the many reasons. TLP has had clients with varying grounds why they chose homeschooling, including child’s health condition or learning difficulty, frequent family trips, desire to expand a child’s socialization, and a drive to parent their children closely during their school-age years. The school can attest that homeschooling can be effective for anyone who is committed to making the most out of the program.

Myth #3 | Homeschooling denies children proper socialization

This is one of the most common myths about homeschooling. Most people think that a child who is not in a classroom cannot be ‘properly’ socialized. However, what many fail to realize is that a child who is in a classroom for a whole day, five times a week, has fewer opportunities to socialize than a homeschooled child who has a more flexible schedule. If the goal of socialization is to prepare children for real-world interactions, homeschooling can do just that. In an interview with homeschool coach and mentor Diane Flynn Keith, Keith pointed out that “homeschooling actually does a better job of this [socialization] because homeschoolers spend more actual time out in society.” 

If homeschooling is done right, children would have access to a wide variety of social opportunities which may be directed at their specific interests or learning goals made with their parents. TLP also encourages and welcomes its homeschooled students who live near the local campus to participate in regular elective courses (Arts and Crafts, Grammar and Vocabulary classes, Physical Education, Financial Literacy, and Pinoy Games), school clubs, and other school programs so they can form friendships with other TLP students. Additionally, TLP organizes regular Meet and Greet events, talent shows, and other programs for Philippine-based homeschooling families. This not only fosters friendships among learners but also among parents who have lots of stories and lessons they can share about their homeschooling experiences.

 

There are many other myths that surround homeschooling, but there are also several reasons that make it the best choice for some families. If you wish to partner with TLP in homeschooling your child, or you want to know if homeschooling or distance learning is for you, feel free to visit the TLP campus orcontact the TLP Homeschool Admin. The TLP staff would be most glad to answer any question you might have and help you in deciding the best option available for your child.  

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