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Opting to homeschool your child can be a life-changing decision for you and your child. So, we give you all the information you may need before you take that crucial step.
When it comes to education today, parents have various options to choose from. Apart from traditional schooling, there are other recognised methods of education available to parents and their wards. Homeschooling, while still at a nascent stage, is being opted by many parents in urban India. Such parents have even formed online communities to share resources and feedback, and support each other through the process. According to NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). 0.5 million students take admission every year for homeschooling through Open Schooling of Indian Govt.
As the term implies, homeschooling is the process of teaching one's children at home instead of sending them to a formal school. In this method, learning happens outside of a public or private school environment and more with the resources available in the community of homeschoolers.
Homeschooling in India is a grey area because the subject has been debated by educators, parents and law makers frequently. However, as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which India is a signatory "Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children". India today has many support groups which handhold and guide the parents, like Alternative Education India, Pune Homeschoolers, Swashikshan - Indian Association of Homeschoolers and Cascade Family Learning Society - A Society for Home Schooled Children (Chennai). There are conferences, apprenticeships, and knowledge sharing sessions taking place all over the country constantly.
Of the many education boards available in India, the most popular option available for homeschoolers is National Institute of Open Schooling. NIOS is an open learning institution which supports open and distance learning. It is authorised to conduct exams and provide certifications - just like other national boards. Additionally, students can also opt for Cambridge exams. British Council in India conducts these exams from Kolkata. Parents who want to explore homeschooling for their child can connect with other parents and experts involved in homeschooling through initiatives such as Swashikshan - a not-for-profit association for homeschoolers in India.
But, before you make the decision, read the pros and cons to homeschooling your child.
Alternative education has tremendous benefits and can be of great help to a child, when supported by his parents. If you are looking to homeschool your child, look at all the available options and resources and take a call based on his educational and developmental needs.
Read also:
Are You Planning To Homeschool Your Child? Everything You Need To Know
Open your mind to Open Schooling
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