I know that each parent can determine what is right for their own child˳ My job is to support independent homeschooling, however˳ When I get questions about alternative education programs, I do not want parents to feel that I am being judgmental˳ On the other hand, I do try to point out alternatives that retain independence, so you can ensure the successful education of your child˳
Online and alternative education classes may be appealing because they are often free˳ The big problem is that this kind of material is only financially free – there are other costs involved˳ Online classes with accredited programs often are rigid and inflexible, with strict rules requiring certain things˳ That can limit your ability to teach your child in the way they learn best˳ It is important to recognize that while classrooms progress in a plodding, standard speed, children do not learn that way˳ Kids learn in spurts˳ In classroom setting (physical or online classrooms) kids may get frustrated when the class goes to fast or bored when the class goes too slow˳
If you are feeling tempted by online science materials, consider free materials that are available to independent homeschoolers˳ There are many colleges that offer online classes in a variety of subjects˳ MIT is just one example, with their free online classes called “Open CourseWare”
You can also find high quality science lectures in the library˳ Although not a lab science, the learning is fabulous!
A simple Google search of “online virtual labs” will provide abundant material for every branch of science, with labs tied to many different books˳ Some online virtual labs are intended for high schools, and others are tied to particular textbooks˳ There is some amazing free material that anyone can enjoy!
I have recently had a few clients contacting me about alternative education and accredited programs˳ A few of them have had their children fail online classes due to illness, and are now facing a devastating-yet-official grade point average˳ One mother paid for an expensive program, and her daughter earned a 1˳75 GPA for her first year of high school˳ Ouch! The appeal is easy to see, but the costs may be hidden until a year later˳ My advice is to tread carefully, and search for alternative that support your independence as a homeschooler˳
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?The-High-Cost-of-Free-Homeschooling&id=5236161
