Military families in the US frequently have to contend with relocating from time to time because of deployments. One of the most pressing concerns of frequently moving around is the constant disturbance in children's educations. In recent years, military families are turning to home schooling for its schedule flexibility. However, there may be more to it than just convenience that parents need to be prepared for.
Allotting Time For Childhood Education Is Critical
Constant relocation is a factor that could disturb a child's progress in school. Most military families that move a lot often enroll their children in schools nearby their new home. Children often need to adjust to their new surroundings, curriculum and environment and this could lead to educational disorientation.
Fortunately, more and more military families are embracing home schooling in favor of traditional schooling for their children. In US military families, there are over 1.2 million children and more than 6 percent of these kids are home schooled. Education Week reports that home schooling is becoming a trend and more active-duty military families are finding it more favorable in supplementing children's education.
"The tough thing as you move from state to state ... you can miss fundamental concepts," said Chief Executive Officer Mary Keller of the Military Child Education Coalition. "You can move and miss fractions just because your sending school hadn't gotten there yet and your receiving school has already done it."
Home Schooling Military Kids Is More Beneficial
Aside from the fact that kids get to enjoy continuous education despite frequent location, there are many more benefits of home schooling. Active-duty military parents can schedule days off together so they can spend more time together. Additionally, kids will no longer be subjected to physical and emotional adjustments in a new school.
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Possible Roadblocks of Home Schooling
Military Times reports that there are different home schooling laws by state. Military families should be aware of the set rules. Home schooling can also be expensive. Parents may need to spend thousands of dollars for educational materials and supplies they need in order to home school their children. Additionally, pro-home schooling groups are encouraging parents to become certified teachers.
While socialization is a concern for others, an expert says that home schooled kids grow to be well-adjusted adults. Children can socialize through various church groups, other home schooling cliques and other groups.
"Socialization is usually one of the first things people ask you about," the expert said. "But that actually becomes one of their strengths."
