After the conclusion of our homeschooling journey, I asked my students to reflect on their education and list several things they appreciated and enjoyed about being homeschooled. This post is their perspective as homeschooled students and its benefits.

1. Not having to catch an early morning school bus.

The bus route for the public school in our area comes by our house at 6:10 am, and the students riding the bus are at the bus stop no later than 6:00 am. For an adult, that is early. For a child, to be ready for the bus to arrive shortly after 6 am is a challenge. My students greatly appreciated not having to structure their morning to be prepared to catch the bus.

2. Feeling well rested.

Our homeschool day began at 9:00 am. Before school, my students had to complete morning chores that involved feeding the chickens and cleaning coops, making up their beds, eating breakfast, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. To complete their task list, my students set their alarms for 7:30 am, a later wake-up time that allowed them to feel well-rested and ready for the day. As a parent, I noticed they were much more alert and attentive, given the extra rest.

3. Not having to deal with bullies.

Homeschooling removed my students from the public school environment and eliminated many childhood trials that many students face. With the arrival of social media, cyberbullying is just as damaging and impactful on a student’s ability to concentrate and learn. My students recognized this benefit and found a reprieve from not having to face this issue.

4. No overwleming amounts of homework.

The homeschool environment allows students to complete most tasks during class time and reduces the need for large amounts of homework. Classwork not completed during class can be tabled for the following school session. The ability to work at the student’s learning level further eliminated the need for homework. My students greatly appreciated this aspect of homeschooling. While many of their friends had large amounts of schoolwork, my students were free after our school day.

5. Having a flexible schedule.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the inherent flexibility to roll with the punches and seize opportunities as they arise. In the event of an unexpected circumstance, we could accommodate it without much warning or planning. If our library hosted an event we wanted to attend, we adjusted our homeschool schedule to participate. My students greatly appreciated the flexibility in our homeschool schedule to make time for events that interested them.

6. Having time to pursue hobbies and interests.

Eliminating the need for homework and shorter school day allowed my students more free time to pursue hobbies and interests. My students voiced their appreciation for this aspect of homeschooling and the free time and flexibility to create time to learn things separate from academic coursework. This free time to explore leads them to passions they plan to pursue in their occupations and further education. Students allowed to explore subject matter on their terms positively impact their career path, and facilitate self-teaching, with individual growth. Missing in many public school settings, this aspect of personal growth sets homeschool students apart from their peers in ways that benefit homeschool students.

7. Low-stress environment

Structured in a familiar and comfortable environment homeschooling reduces stress and facilitates clarity and the ability to focus. As my students advanced in academics, they appreciated this low-stress mode of education and the ability to focus on their academic goals. Homeschooling allows students to learn in an environment where they feel safe and can nurture the desire to learn.

8. The ability to learn difficult subjects at one’s preferred learning pace.

As we entered high school and subject material became difficult, my students were able to learn challenging academic material at their own pace. In the public school setting, students cannot afford this latitude. However, in the homeschool setting, students can gauge their learning style and speed tailored for them. Subjects such as Chemistry and advanced math homeschooling allow my students to take their time with concepts before moving forward. This pace-appropriate learning style removes much of the frustration students experience with these advanced subjects.

9. Three-day weekends

As a homeschool educator, I can create a lesson plan that works with our family dynamic. I structured our academic year on a four-day schedule with a three-day weekend. I taught classes Monday through Thursday, taking Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as a weekend. We worked hard for four days, reserving the weekend for social activities and participating in functions we wanted to attend. My students appreciated this schedule because it allowed them time to participate in activities they were interested in and allowed us a long weekend for relaxation. Many school systems are beginning to adopt this four-day-a-week school plan as the benefits are numerous.

10. Three-month summer vacation.

Quite possibly, my student’s favorite part of homeschooling was the three-month-long summer vacation. I worked my students hard during the school year. I used the summers to plan next year’s classes, curriculums, and lesson plans. I wrote most of the curriculums for my students much of my preparation time was best utilized during June, July, and August. Their peers and friends started school at the end of July, but we did not start till the beginning of September. Shopping for school supplies did not signify the beginning of the school year but rather the midway point of our summer. My students used the summers to participate in library reading programs and work on many of their interest areas. Although extended, our summers were productive and facilitated the coming homeschool academic year.

Homeschooling is more than an education plan but a lifestyle. As a homeschooled family, we make education our focus in ways that are beyond the textbook. Family vacations have an educational component as we tour museums or stop and take in fascinating geological features. Family game night focuses on various aspects of education or life skills. Errands and grocery shopping can be a teaching opportunity as we prepare our students for life. Anything can be a teaching opportunity; all you need to do is look and encourage a sense of wonder in your students.

In addition to being an accomplished homeschooling mom, I am a published author, multi-disciplinary writer, and website content creator. If you like this post, please visit my portfolio of work and other blogs.

The Works of Noelle K. Moser – writing portfolio

Coffee and Coelophysis – A blog about dinosaurs!

The Kuntry Klucker – A blog about the adventures in keeping backyard chickens.