How times change; and how fast they do. During our time (by our I mean us old guards, i.e millennials, not gen Z hehe) school meant passing through long distances every morning and evening to receive an education.
Granted It wasn’t as bad as during our parents times when they had to swim through oceans, climb mountains, walk barefoot on thorny paths, all the while getting chased by leopards – quite literally. Still, schools weren’t as close to home as they currently are.
Now we have schools in almost all major estates and school buses to pick up school going children from their doorsteps.
What a time to be alive for both parents and students.
Out with the old, in with the new. Which brings us to the Agenda of this post; homeschool. At this point, we all know at least one family that provides education to their children from the comfort of their homes. It is something I have actually contemplated a few times, especially late last year when my daughter was undergoing some trying times in her school at the hands of some unruly students.
In recent years, homeschooling has emerged as a popular and effective alternative to traditional education. Parents worldwide are choosing to take a more active role in their child’s education, providing personalized learning experiences tailored to their unique needs and interests. The biggest advantage being removing your child from potential bullying, a vice that most parents have to deal with silently.
So, what exactly is homeschooling and how does one successfully enforce it?
In layman terms, it is an educational approach where parents or guardians take responsibility for their child’s learning outside the formal school system. It allows for a flexible, personalized, and tailored education, enabling children to learn at their own pace while exploring subjects that genuinely captivate their curiosity.
Does Kenya have a homeschool curriculum? The answer is yes. You’ll be shocked to realise that we have a few schools in the country that offer purely this curricula. And no, they aren’t as cheap as you might think. While researching about it I kept thinking to myself, kwani how much would it cost to pay a single teacher to come and teach your kids everyday, or how much would it cost to pay a teacher to offer online classes? Quite an amount, it turns out.
In kenya, You can either teach your children yourself or hire a trained teacher to teach them. Good, qualified teachers are readily available for these jobs. The system is test-based, so annually, you must give your child a test.
Some of the schools that offer home schooling include but are not limited to;
Laxicalculas Home Schooling & Tuition Centre.
Sunrise Home Schooling
Home School 254
Nairobi Home School
Accelus Centre
Skyward Tuition Centre
Home School Africa
Preswin Home Tuition
These schools have social trips, school trips and other games and co curricular activities organised. They have a school calender, just like all the other schools do.
When does your child socialise? How/ when / where do the exams take place? Is it cheaper than other formal education options? How do you ensure that your child will focus during lessons?
These are some of the many questions that most people will ask before making that decision to home school.
After talking to a few other parents who are also interested in the matter I realised that most people have no idea where to start or how to manoeuvre the whole situation; seeing as home school is a relatively uncharted territory in the country and to be honest, in most parts of Africa.
Home Schooling can be a rewarding and effective way to educate your children, providing them with a personalized and flexible learning experience.
I decided to dig around abit and find out what you need to get started on your homeschooling journey.
Research
Before embarking on this journey, you need to do thorough research and familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations in your country. Each region may have specific requirements, such as filing paperwork, reporting, or testing, so ensure you comply with the legal obligations.
Set Clear Goals
Determine the goals and objectives you want to achieve through homeschooling. Consider your child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning style. Having clear goals will help you choose appropriate curricula and teaching methods.
Choose a Curriculum
There are various homeschooling curricula available, including pre-packaged options and customized approaches. Research different curricula and educational philosophies to find one that aligns with your goals and your child’s needs. Explore various curricula, teaching styles to align with you and your child learning preferences.
Create a Schedule.
Without a schedule, you might as well give up on your homeschooling plans. Schedules are everything and once you create them, try as much as possible to stick to them. Even schools have timetables that are adhered to. With a well structured schedule, you can maintain a productive learning routine. Remember to include extra curricular activities in your daily or weekly schedule, not focusing on the academic side only. While flexibility is one of the advantages of homeschooling, having a consistent routine can help provide structure and make learning more efficient.
Not to mean you should stay rigid though, as spontaneity and exploring is also encouraged.
Designate a Learning Space
Set up a dedicated learning area in your home, free from distractions. This space will create a conducive learning environment and help your child focus better.
Utilize Educational Resources
Access a wide range of educational resources, including textbooks, online courses, educational apps, educational websites, and community resources like libraries and museums.
Encourage Social Interaction
personally, this is one of the grey areas I have a problem with when it comes to homeschooling. This system doesn’t necessarily mean isolation. Organize or join homeschooling co-ops, playgroups, or extracurricular activities to foster social interactions with other children, especially those on the same programs as yours.
Be Patient and Flexible: Homeschooling might present challenges, and not every day will go as planned. Be patient with yourself and your child, and be open to adjusting your approach if something isn’t working.
Assessment and Progress Tracking
Regularly assess your child’s progress to ensure they are meeting learning objectives. This can be done through various methods such as tests, projects, or discussions.
Encourage Independent Learning
As your child grows older, promote self-directed learning and critical thinking skills. Encourage them to explore topics of interest and take ownership of their education.
Stay Engaged with Educational Trends
Stay updated with the latest educational trends, teaching techniques, and technologies to enhance your homeschooling experience. With how fast the world is trying to catch up with technology, embrace online learning and technology.
Network with Other Homeschooling Families
Connect with other homeschooling families through local support groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and ideas can be beneficial for both you and your child.
Remember that homeschooling is a journey of continuous learning and growth for both you and your child. Be adaptable and open to adjusting your approach as you discover what works best for your family’s unique needs.
Homeschooling is an incredible opportunity to provide your child with a personalized and enriching education journey. By understanding the legal requirements, defining your homeschooling philosophy, creating a conducive learning environment, and selecting the right curriculum, you can empower your child to thrive academically and personally. Embrace the flexibility and freedom that homeschooling offers, and remember that your involvement and support play a vital role in making this experience truly rewarding for both you and your child.
