by Emily Tuuk

Created on: September 30, 2008

Being homeschooled all my life, I have seen firsthand the benefits of homeschooling. When I was younger, I wanted to go school so I could sit in a class, have a teacher who would write things for me on the big board at the front of the room, and carry a backpack full of school supplies.

I then realized how nice it was to be homeschooled. I began to observe my public-schooled friends and acquaintances, and I realized that I had so many opportunities that they didn't have, and I had so much more freedom! I got to do so many things that other kids couldn't do because they were in school! I also noticed that the students weren't the only ones affected by limitations. Their parents were too! The entire family was affected by the limitations that came from being in school.

Out of these observations, these are what I have found to be the top ten things that homeschoolers get to do while everyone else is in school: They get to...

1) Spend more time with family.

Homeschoolers are able to spend more time with their families than other kids that go to school. So many public-schoolers are almost like strangers with their families. Their daylight hours when they are awake and conscious are spent mostly at school. Homeschoolers are able to see their families every day while they do their school work.

2) Choose what to study.

There are only so many choices at your local public, or even private school, but in homeschooling, you have virtually limitless choices. You can choose what to study personalize it, specialize it, make it unique, or tailored. Not every child has the same needs, an not every child will need the same stuff.

Not only do homeschoolers have the option of choosing which subjects to study, but they also get to choose which curriculum to use as well, unlike at a school, where things are pretty much set in stone.

3) Study anywhere.

There are always those days when you just want to be outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Unfortunately for those in school, they can't. They have to sit in their classrooms and study. Fortunately, though, for homeschoolers, school can be anywhere! In your room, at the kitchen table, in a special school room, and yes, even outside!

School can also be on-the-go. You can take your "classroom" virtually anywhere, since it is not a specific, tied down area.

4) Take a break be flexible with time.

Formal school takes place five days a week every week, for several months out of the year, excepting a few holidays and brief, designated breaks.

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