Homeschooling can support children's needs

More South African families are choosing to teach their children at home, making homeschooling a fast-growing alternative to regular schools.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

Homeschooling gains popularity as parents seek flexible, child-centred learning.

(PHOTO: PEXELS)

Many parents say they prefer this option because of safety concerns, crowded classrooms, and rising education costs.

Shevon Brymer, a mother of four, said she decided to homeschool her children about nine years ago.

"My oldest in Grade 3 was struggling with mainstream schooling and making friends and was pretty lonely. My youngest son is ADHD and later we discovered he has dyslexia; he was going from grade R to grade 1.

"I didn't feel he was ready, but the school said he has to go through even though they can't guarantee he will cope.'

She said when her husband lost his job they decided to homeschool their eldest son.

"We let our youngest son finish grade R at his school and proceeded to start homeschooling the next year, and I let him repeat Grade R."

She said the following year she started homeschooling the other two as well.

When asked how she balances academics and downtime, Brymer said they have a structured routine.

"We would put in three to four hours of schooling per day. We didn't have a hectic structure because the workload is less than in mainstream schools. We focused on what is important per grade. Every day we would do a subject. Once school was finished, they would do what they felt like in the afternoon."