Education is essential for every child. However, the method of learning differs from person to person. This is where the idea of homeschooling makes its space. A way of education wherein the parents hold space for their kids to grow and learn, independent of a school.
Sounds amazing?
As cool as it sounds, it has its challenges and adventures while being implemented practically. Ms. Meghna Banker, a single mother from Ahmedabad, shares the homeschooling journey with her 11-year-old daughter, Reva.
“I had no reference point when I started. I did not know what homeschooling was. When I was pregnant, I told my mom I wouldn’t send this child to school. I had no idea why I spoke that, but it came from within. Homeschooling was a rare idea at that time. However, Gopal dada, an elder from the community, showed strong support for this decision.”
Not only did he support her, but he also gave her invaluable lessons on homeschooling a child. She shared that valuable wisdom with Life Beyond Numbers as well,
“Until she learns how to draw shapes like triangles, squares, and circles on the paper, do not shift to the alphabet. Shapes are the foundation which will help her in many other aspects.”
Homeschooling and the journey of teaching
There are many different approaches that parents adopt while homeschooling. Some go by the academics taught in schools, whereas some choose to adopt a freestyle. On being asked about what did she plan for Reva, she shared –
“Honestly, I did not plan anything. Over some time, I realized that every child has a unique journey. I started to teach her things as she became open to them. It is always about what she wants to learn, not what I want to teach. Instead of curriculum, I always wait to see what catches her attention. I get to relearn a lot of new things with her every day due to this process and her curiosity.”
Reva was fascinated by painting at the age of 2, learned to read even before she learned to write at 5, and finally started writing words at 7. She learned to recognize numbers through playing snake and ladder. Her mother never forced any topic or learning on her. Reva always got a choice to select what she wanted to explore.
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Communication was something that came naturally to Reva. She did not need any lessons to talk to people. They traveled a lot in their early years. Reva’s curiosity and urge to connect with people naturally strengthened her communication skills. Fun, adventure, and joy are the main essence of their learning journey.
Connection over Comparison
When you are educated differently from most of the world, parents feel concerned that their child might feel left out. Is that true in the case of homeschooling?
“Reva gets to meet kids her age when she joins classes of art, painting, or any other activity she finds interesting. Also, comparison steps in when you allow it. We have always focused on enriching our learning experience and not completing the syllabus. We do not go by the curriculum of the school. Even if she learns one chapter per year, it is fine for me as long as she knows what she has learned.”
Every child has a unique learning ability and pace. The schooling system tends to teach the whole class similarly. Whereas in homeschooling, every child gets a unique method of learning.
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Children learn to value that by identifying their uniqueness instead of comparing themselves. Connection is more important than comparison. Inculcating the value of becoming the best version of herself, identifying her unique self, and helping others identify their unique self builds a strong foundation. Ms. Meghna feels thankful and happy to have the privilege to opt for homeschooling. She further shares,
“Whether you go for a school or decide to homeschool, every path has its challenges. However, I feel at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of a parent to make sure that their kids learn properly and grow up to become the best version of themselves.”
Homeschooling is a way of life that nurtures the kids and helps the parents grow with them! Do you advocate homeschooling?