Homeschooling is a growing trend in the Philippines. The number of homeschooled students has more than doubled from 1999 to 2016, with some studies showing that as many as 3 million children are being homeschooled at present. Homeschooling is a viable option many parents have considered during this pandemic. In fact, never than during this pandemic has homeschooling presented itself as a strong contender. An online learning environment and parents’ increased role in distance learning give one a glimpse of what it means to homeschool. The Department of Education (DepEd) has strengthened its Homeschooling Program as an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) through the issuance of DepEd Order No. 001, series of 2022.

If you are considering homeschooling your child, it’s helpful to understand exactly what homeschooling is, what our local DEPED requires, and how it will impact your child. The word “homeschool” can mean different things to different people. It can refer to anyone who instructs others at home through formal lessons or unstructured learning activities. But even those definitions have variations within them. To complicate matters further, there are different types of homeschoolers that all have their own unique reasons for doing so.

What Is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is the practice of educating your child at home instead of sending them to a traditional, public school. The term “homeschooling” was coined in the 1970s in response to growing concerns about the quality of education in public schools. There is not one set curriculum for homeschooling. Every family is responsible for designing a customized education plan for their child that meets their specific needs. There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children, including religious reasons, dissatisfaction with the local school system, parenting styles, or economic reasons. There are two general types of homeschooling: structured and unstructured. In structured homeschooling, you use a curriculum or lesson plans to guide the learning process. In unstructured homeschooling, you set the pace and let your child decide what to study and when.

Why Homeschool?

There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. There are also many types of homeschooling. This can make it difficult to understand whether or not homeschooling is the right choice for you and your family. Some parents choose to homeschool their children due to dissatisfaction with the quality of their local school system. Other parents may have religious beliefs that make them uncomfortable sending their child to a secular school. Some parents choose to homeschool because they want to be able to decide how their child spends their day. Other parents might simply prefer the flexibility that comes with not having strict work hours.

How does homeschooling work in the Philippines?

A public school or a private school with a homeschool permit may offer this option. The duties of the school are: Designating a parent or guardian as a learning facilitator; registering learners through the Learning Information System; ensuring registration through the Learning Information System. These services are either associated with a DepEd accredited school or coordinated with the DepEd Schools Division.

How to Start Homeschooling

If you’ve decided to homeschool your child, there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin structuring your child’s education. First and foremost, remember that you have the option to homeschool your child at any age. You can also choose to homeschool your child for just a year or two, or you can make homeschooling a long-term solution. There are no rules or set timelines for homeschooling. The first step to starting your homeschool is choosing the best placement for your child. This varies depending on your child’s age and interests. Once you’ve decided on the right placement, you’ll need to decide how you will deliver your child’s education. You can use a pre-packaged curriculum, create your own curriculum, or a combination of both.

When Can Your Child Start Homeschooling?

There is no set age or grade level for when you should start homeschooling your child. Some parents choose to homeschool their toddlers, while others wait until their child is in high school. The decision is completely up to you. As long as your child is capable of learning the material you’ve chosen to teach them, you can start homeschooling at any time.

When Should You Not Homeschool?

There are some situations where you should not homeschool your child. If your child has a significant disability or special needs, you should not homeschool. If your child has had trouble socializing with other children, you should not homeschool. If your child has emotional or behavioral issues that make it difficult to interact with others, you should not homeschool. If you have concerns that your child may pose a threat to themselves or others, you should not homeschool. If your child is below grade level in one or more subjects, you should not homeschool. If your child meets any one of these criteria, you should strongly consider keeping them in a traditional school setting. You can still supplement their education with online classes or other self-directed learning projects.

How to Ensure Your Child’s Success in Homeschooling

There are many steps you can take to ensure your child has a successful homeschooling experience. First and foremost, you must evaluate your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will help you decide which subjects you should focus on as a parent. It will also help you decide how to tailor your child’s education. Next, you need to find a suitable place to teach your child. This can be your home, a library, a coffee shop, or any other comfortable, quiet place where you can give your child the attention they deserve. Finally, you need to stay motivated. It can be easy to get lost in the busyness of life and let your child’s education fall by the wayside. Staying motivated will help you keep your child’s education on track.

The Conclusion

Homeschooling is not for everyone. It requires a lot of work and commitment from both the parent and child. This may not be a good fit for every family, especially if either parent or child struggles with commitment. However, if you’re able to commit to this style of education and make the most of the opportunities it affords, you can create a personalized, engaging, and truly unique learning experience for your child.

I have other Homeschooling Articles here if you want to read up on more schooling articles!

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