More parents are taking their children out of the traditional school system to educate them at home. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, the homeschool population has increased by an estimated 2% to 8% per year over the past several years, and it grew drastically from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021. If you're a parent about to homeschool your kid, or still on the fence about doing so, here are some insights on providing your child a classical education.
One of the first steps in homeschooling is deciding on the best time frame. Does your child need a four-day school week or a six-day one? The amount of time your child needs could depend on an assessment of their intellect level and current grade level. As you decide how much time to spend schooling, consider if each day will be a full course load or involve informal education outside the house.
Start with reading and phonics if homeschooling from the beginning of your kid's school life. Begin by practicing sounds, blends, and reading out loud. As they learn to read independently, assign books to read daily. You can begin from the books you read in school while incorporating other noteworthy authors they could benefit from. Adding math may be trickier, but there are several programs available that can help you. Once you've chosen the ideal curriculum for your child, make sure they practice it every day. An average daily classical education course load should involve writing, reading, and math before moving on to language arts, music, and history.
You can give your child a good classical education at home. Remember, each child is different, so you may have to assess which subject(s) the child may need extra help in. As more parents homeschool, you'll have more access to a cooperative environment where you and your child can grow together. Contact our local team at Ethos Logos for more information about classical education for homeschoolers.