March 8th, 2011 
Brenne Meirowitz Are you a new comer to homeschooling and still struggling the homeschooling vs. public school? If so, this article should give you some basic insight to what makes a rewarding homeschooling experience. Perhaps you have become a bit frustrated about all you have read in other guides, but fret no longer, because you are not alone. With today’s technology, you are literally only a click from getting advice and guidance with your newly formed endeavor.
If you are only considering taken on this extra role as teacher, the first thing is to be clear about your motives. Are you homeschooling because of your fear of the negative influence of other children, disapprove of school politics and thus certain progressive educational content, or because you believe that your youngster will truly benefit from a richer curricula as opposed to the traditional classroom setting? Is your child unhappy at school and therefore not fulfilling his or her academic potential? Is your child comfortable with the idea of homeschooling? Homeschooling can be somewhat isolating for a developing child who does need to interact with other children for their basic maturity and social development. That’s why you need to be honest with yourself to determine the sacrifice you are going to make homeschooling, vs. public school. These decisions only you can answer.
The Basics
The basic key to laying the foundation of a successful homeschooling experience is first to realize that all teachers, whether employed by an institution of learning, or a parent, has his or her own style of teaching. The key to running a successful homeschool is to first to lay down the basics of what is required for each grade level you will be teaching. Homeschooling is not intended for parents to completely veer away from the traditional classroom, but an opportunity to embellish it with your special touch. Curricula are readily available in each school district, eliminating the guess work. All you, as the homeschool parent has to come up with a set of lesson plans to meet state requirements.
Be Creative
Another question regards Homeschooling vs. Public School, is your ability to keep coming up with new approaches to do something interesting with your youngster. For example, if your child is learning about 19th century history and also fascinated with steam engines. You may want spice up your child’s enthusiasm if you were to integrate the advent of trains in your lessons. A visit to a local museum or even a hobby store will give variety to your child’s education, and might even teach you a thing or two about his passion.
When struggling with the question of the differences and difficulties between homeschooling vs. public school, remember tjat homeschooling is a serious commitment and should be a rewarding experience for both you and your child. When in doubt, contact other homeschooling parents. You may find that they too are facing similar challenges.
Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS
© 2010-2011 Brenne Meirowitz. All Rights Reserved.
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