Homeschooling in the UAE has become a popular option for many families, but it is not without its critics. Homeschooling parents often face questions and comments that can be discouraging, but it is important to remember that every family has their own unique reasons for homeschooling and to have confidence in your decision. In this blog post, we will discuss some common criticisms of homeschooling and how to respond to them.
Here are the 10 common myths about homeschooling and their answers:
“Homeschooled children are not socialized.”
Homeschooled children are not isolated from society. They participate in extracurricular activities, sports teams, and community events, which allow them to interact with a wide range of people. In fact, homeschooling provides opportunities for socialization that can be more diverse and meaningful than those found in traditional schools. Homeschooled children also have the opportunity to interact with people of all ages, which is not always possible in a traditional school setting.
“Homeschooled children lack structure.”
Homeschooling parents have the flexibility to create a structure that works best for their family. Some homeschooling families follow a traditional school schedule, while others opt for a more relaxed approach. Homeschooling parents can also tailor their curriculum to their children’s interests, which can lead to a more meaningful and engaging educational experience.
The iCademy, the Best American School in Dubai is a popular online education platform that offers a range of courses and programs, including those for homeschooling. The American School of Dubai has a presence in the Middle East and is known for its affordable pricing. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the best platform for homeschooling will depend on the individual needs and preferences of each family and student. Factors like course offerings, curriculum, and the quality of instruction can all play a role in determining which platform is the best fit.
If you’re considering ICademy for homeschooling, it might be helpful to do some research and read reviews from other families who have used the platform. You could also reach out to American School in Dubai directly to ask about their homeschooling programs and see if they would be a good fit for your needs.
Homeschooling is not accredited:
Critics argue that homeschooling is not accredited, which means that homeschooled children will not be able to go to college. However, many colleges and universities accept homeschooled students, and homeschooled children can take the same standardized tests that traditional school children take. Homeschooling parents can also choose to have their children take accredited online courses to further their education.
“Homeschooling is not affordable.”
Homeschooling can be affordable, especially when compared to the cost of private schools. Homeschooling parents can purchase curriculum materials, attend classes and events, and participate in extracurricular activities, all while keeping expenses in line with their budget. Additionally, homeschooling families have the freedom to use free resources like libraries and online resources, which can reduce costs even further.
“Homeschooling parents are not qualified to teach.”
Homeschooling parents do not need to be certified teachers to homeschool their children. Homeschooling parents are often passionate about their children’s education and have the flexibility to tailor their curriculum to their children’s needs. Additionally, many homeschooling parents have advanced degrees and professional experience that they can use to enhance their children’s education.
“Homeschoolers lack discipline.”
Homeschooling parents can choose to structure their day as they see fit, instilling a strong work ethic in their children.
“Homeschooling is not as rigorous as traditional schools.”
Critics argue that homeschooling is not as rigorous as traditional schools and that homeschooled children are not getting the same quality of education. However, homeschooling parents have complete control over their children’s education and can tailor their curriculum to meet their children’s individual needs and interests. Homeschooling parents also have access to a variety of resources, including online classes and tutors, that can help their children receive a rigorous education.
“Homeschooling is not a safe learning environment.”
Critics argue that homeschooling is not a safe learning environment, as homeschooled children are not protected from abuse or neglect by their parents. However, homeschooling parents are subject to the same laws and regulations as traditional schools, and homeschooled children are protected under the law. Homeschooling parents also have the opportunity to be more involved in their children’s education, which can help prevent abuse or neglect.
“Homeschooling is only for religious families.”
While some homeschooling families are religious, others choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons, such as individualized attention or flexibility.
“Homeschooling is too expensive.”
Homeschooling can be done on a budget and can often save families money compared to traditional education costs.
In conclusion, homeschooling can be a wonderful option for families, and it is important to have confidence in your decision. If you face criticism or questions about your choice to homeschool, remember to focus on the positive aspects of homeschooling and how it is working for your family. Homeschooling provides opportunities for socialization, structure, affordability, and personalization that are not available in traditional schools. So, do not let the critics discourage you, homeschooling is a great choice for many families!