The Benefits of Homeschooling
An Interview with a Homeschooling Mom
Choosing to homeschool your children is a big commitment. Thankfully, there are many different ways parents can choose to homeschool their kids. The thought of homeschooling may feel overwhelming for those who are just beginning to consider the idea, though. I know has for me. The following is a short interview I conducted with Jill Way, a friend and mom of five who has homeschooled her children in both Africa and the United States:
Do you feel like homeschooling has been beneficial for your family?
“Homeschooling has been such a joy to our family! It has given us the opportunity to spend much time together, learning, working, and playing. I have been able to choose the curriculum that would benefit my five children. Many subjects we did as a family. Then as they became more independent, they studied alone and reported back to all of us what they had learned.”
What homeschool curriculums have you used?
“While we were missionaries in Uganda we used Sonlight Curriculum. It was perfect for us because we love reading and did not have access to a library. They provide fantastic literature. We loved how they tied some of their history lessons with their reading books. We have used Saxon math, Singapore Math, and Bob Jones math. I loved using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. It is so simple to use and my children enjoyed the stories.”
How has your homeschool routine changed over the years? How did it change when you returned to the U.S.?
“After coming back to the United States we joined co-ops. My children loved gathering with other children to do their studies. The first one, Legacy, met at our church once a week. As moms we all pitched in to make it a success. When my oldest daughter started high school we found Christian Education Alliance which is a three-day-a-week program with high academic standards. Having a teacher for those more difficult subjects took a burden off me.”
What has been the greatest benefit of homeschooling in your opinion?
“I have been able to maintain a close relationship with each one of my children. Looking back over the years, I recognize that the time invested in homeschooling my children was a treasure well spent! While there were many challenging days, it has blessed our family immensely. Now I have three adult children finishing their college degrees and two younger children in 8th and 5th grade.”
Experiences like Jill’s show how flexible and varied a homeschooling life can be. It seems like the opportunities and paths within homeschooling are limitless. What do you think? Do the benefits outweigh the potential challenges? Have you or would you homeschool your children? Why or why not? We’d love to hear from you!
