Some Basics To Homeschooling

Homeschooling is not easy for introvert parents like me. I attended 'History Activity Day' organized by a group of homeschooling families today. Although it was a small scale event, it was good enough to demonstrate its potential in education. The group consists of families who are also members of the   Yahoo Singapore Homeschool Group. I was told that I should only join after my homeschool has been approved. The parent who spoke to me said they want to make sure the participants are genuine homeschoolers and not just free loaders from mainstream. I don't really agree with that perspective but it's too soon for me to make judgements.

I also met parents who are very friendly and willing to share what they know about homschooling. CK said that these are the ones who either have gone through the tough phase of researching on their own or have benefitted from such kind and generous homeschoolers themselves. I have done my fair share of researching on my own, so I am willing to share whatever I know. I am also lucky enough to have met kindred spirits who share information freely. Still, it's very important to expand my homeschool network if I want to survive our homeschool plans. And this is a good place to start. 

Singapore Homeschooling Support is another worthy place to check out although I haven't seen much of it myself. I am more acquainted with MOE website at this stage, specifically the MOE Compulsory Education and the MOE syllabus. Homeschooling is considered an exemption from compulsory education so it has to be applied and approved. Typically, you have to make a call to the Compulsory Education Branch and speak to the officer about the intention to homeschool. Then, an application form will be mailed to you. On the form, you will be advised on the documents and education plans to submit. After you have submitted your application form, you will be contacted and a home visit will be arranged. You will know if your application is approved 2-3 weeks after the home visit.

It is important to establish the reason and motivation behind your homeschooling intention. Once you are certain that homeschooling is what you want, you need to think about the curriculum and how to execute it without compromising your sanity. In my opinion, homeschooling is probably easier to get approved than unschooling. At the end of the day, they really just want to see that you are sincere about educating your children on your own, you have the means and ability to do a decent job and your children aren't been abused or wilfully isolated from the rest of the world.