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"A mother's lap is the best school in which a child is trained. That which he learns from his mother is quite different from what he learns from his teachers. He picks up more from his mother than he does his teachers... It is a human responsibility and a divine duty, a noble deed, to raise a true human being."

Imam Khomeini (r.a) (17 August 1979)

Home schooling has become an increasingly common word in the vocabulary of new parents these days. The decision to send their child to a structured school or not has become a concern for many parents who feel that the public school system may not adequately provide for their children as they see fit.

 

The decision to home school is not an easy one. It is a personal choice for each parent and child. There are many things to consider when deciding whether home schooling is appropriate for your family.

What is home schooling?

Home schooling involves teaching a child the school curriculum in the comfort of home rather than at a conventional school. Along with academic subjects, a parent is able to teach them the basics of life, like respect, honesty, self-confidence, staying safe, taking care of themselves e.t.c. Home schooling can provide a much broader and richer learning experience than a conventional school. No doubt, regular schools do provide a good learning environment, better equipment and supplies but as Imam Khomeni (r.a) said "a mother's lap is the best school...."

Some advantages of home schooling.

The daily learning schedule can be tailored to each individual student's routine. The parent decides when and how the children will learn. The week may go from Friday to Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday off, or classes may begin at 10 am or in the evening for night owls will be able to pay more attention then.

The home schooling curriculum can also be customized to each child and their ever changing needs. A child may be interested with or in one particular thing for some time and this interest can be used to an advantage in a home school. In an article of a recent issue of Today's Parent magazine, one mom used her son's infatuation for tigers by incorporating them in every aspect of her lessons. This not only showed the child that his mom was paying attention to his interests but also created a joy of learning and in turn allowed him to see that knowledge is everywhere.

Every child learns at their own pace. Home schooling conforms to the individual pace of every child whether they learn quicker or slower than average. It also changes as and when the child changes.

Every child processes information in their own unique way. They have their own preferred learning style. Some learn better by doing, others by writing, others by listening, and so on. Home schooling can be designed with each child's unique learning style in mind. For example, a child who is a kinaesthetic learner is allowed to touch and feel his learning as well as walk around class as he learns. This would disrupt the order of a conventional class.

Another advantage of homeschooling is socialization. Many may be surprised by this. A home school has the advantage of being in a "community based social group rather than a classroom based" group. Children learn to adapt to different situations and socialize with different age groups. They learn problem solving and appropriate behaviour from the people they trust and look up to.

In a home school setting, real life skills become a part of the syllabus. Daily activities go on and all these are used as an opportunity to teach. Parents are able to teach the children the basic concepts of religion and strengthen their faith before they head out into the world. Wafaats and wiladaats can become a part of the syllabus and the lives of Aimmah (a.s.) can become the resources. Daily rituals such as salaat can be observed at the proper times and in the correct manner. Islamic perspective can be incorporated into lessons.

Furthermore, your children can grow under your watchful eye until they are ready to take care of themselves and be trusted to do the right thing in challenging situations.

The greatest advantage is the fact that every time is family time. With the fast pace of life, especially here in the West, making time for the children is becoming an increasingly difficult task. With a home-based school, that time is automatically fitted into the schedule.

Factors to consider when home schooling.

1) Time: Home schooling is a 24/7 job. It is not one where you drop your children for 6 hours and then bring them home. They are a part of your schedule and time. You need to plan everything with them as the main element. Chores, grocery shopping, medical and dental visits and the like will all include your children. Use these events to teach valuable lessons.

2) Parental discipline: Once the decision to home school is made you have to dedicate yourself to teaching your child. Their education depends on you!

3) Personal sacrifice: There will be times when you will not be able to go out for coffee or dinner with your friends. Even simple things like taking a shower will be a challenge, but take heart that as routines are made and schedules are followed, children will be able to do more on their own with instructions.

4) Finance: Home schooling may take a toll on the finances of any home. One income may not be enough to provide for the family and thus some sacrifices may need to be made. Supplies for a home school are an added expense but need not be extravagant. The dollar store along with some creativity may become your best buddy.

5) Household organisation: The housework and laundry still need to get done and if you are a stickler for a spotless home, think again. Often the housework gets left on the back burner and the home school itself creates more clutter and mess. Enlist the help of your little student after activities and class to assist you in cleaning up. Use those activities to teach especially the younger children their colours and math concepts such as sorting, addition and subtraction.

6) Spousal and family support: Spousal support is a key. If both the parents support homeschooling, then it has a better chance of succeeding. Like raising children, home schooling is a united task.

Tips on home schooling

• Take one year at a time. It is not a ten year commitment. If you or your child feel that you have reached your limit enrol your child into a regular school.
• Be flexible and try novel ways of doing things.
• Be ready to ask for help/ support from fellow homeschoolers. There are lots of resources available. The Internet, libraries and our own moms and friends may give us the ideas, support and help to fulfil our dream of a home school.
• Don't compare your kids or your home school to others.
• Don't be too hard on yourself for not doing it the "right" way. Do what works for you. Be ready for criticism from family and friends but also know that you as a mother know what's best for your child.
• Enjoy your child and learn with and from them.
• One of the best things that could come out of a home school is that you may be able to dig out your dusty thinking cap and take your child on a wonderful journey of learning.

On a final note home schooling begins from the day your child is conceived. It goes on until your child leaves your home. What you teach them in that time will make them who they are. Do your homework and research before taking on the challenge of home schooling. Do it because you want to and because you think it is best for your child and family.

Note: Sincere thanks go to Homeschooler, Sister Zahera Kanji for speaking at the 12th March 2008 Mom and tots drop-in session. With information provided by her along with some minimal research, this article was made possible. For more information on home schooling, go to www.homeschooling.about.com. Information gathered from: At home in America, by Steven Moitozo, www.homeschooling.about.com, www.discoverhomeschooling.com and other random home schooling sites.

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