Homeschooling is being utilized today by some schools in other parts of the country to compensate for the lack of classrooms and teachers. If the school has this program, it would be helpful to know and understand how it works and how it can be done in each student’s family. Here are some facts that you can share to the student and his/her family:

• Be flexible. If a teaching method doesn’t seem to be working, try something new. Sticking to something that is not working does neither of you any favors. A new approach can help the student see the subject in a new way. This might help shed some light on a previously confusing topic.

• The school will provide all the necessary materials and learning resources you need. You can, of course, research some on your own. Tests and assessments are provided by the school as well.

• Some students do not like homeschooling because they want to be with their friends or they feel it will be boring to just stay at home and study. The temptation not to study can be strong also if you are just home with no teacher watching you.

• Find a support group of other home school families. The support group can help you deal with problems and issues that are complex. You can benefit from the sharing of different perspectives and approaches, and you can apply these to your own study time. You can lessen boredom as well.

As you see, homeschooling and conventional schooling can be integrated. Creativity and diligence are essential elements but if things fall into their proper places, homeschooling can really be a good solution to the increasing problems of lack of facilities in the school system.

By: Grace M. Ruiz | Teacher III | Balut Elementary School | Orion, Bataan