Will You Homeschool?

Is your little one almost ready for school? Are you planning on taking the homeschool route? MH finds out what you need to know before taking that step. 

- Cherylene Renee

If you are like most young parents in Singapore today, you might have picked out your child’s kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools way in advance (or even before they were born!) A lot of times, this causes much stress to Mum and Dad — there might be limited placements in the school of your choice, and you might even find yourself volunteering at the school to chalk up points and help your child earn a spot. But while a large majority of parents send their children down the conventional public school route, there is a small handful who opt for their little ones to be homeschooled. In 2013, 47,113 public school students sat for the Primary School Leaving Examination; in stark contrast, there were only 37 homeschooled students that year. However, while the numbers are small and the homeschool route may still be considered off the beaten track, it is undeniably rewarding for the parents who carve their own homeschool paths for their little ones.

Homeschooling is a Commitment

Justina Tey, mother of three boys and a girl, and a mummy blogger at MakingMom.blogspot.com recounts that she and her husband decided to explore homeschooling with her eldest boy, as they wanted him to have more time for his own reading and playing. “We discussed [the option of homeschool], and felt that it would be a viable and suitable option to allow the kids to learn and grow at their own time and pace.” The flexibility of homeschooling would sanction their little one the chance to learn at a comfortable rate. “They like it that they can learn things in their own time, and we don’t spend our mornings rushing out the door,” adds Justina.