I have been writing on a continuing theme here the last few months, with the emphasis being on the many perks of homeschooling. But, before I get to the next Perk of the Month, feel free to read through the previous homeschool perks, listed in my top ten format, under related articles at the bottom of this post.

Homeschool Perk #5 – No Longer Be a Slave to Grades

Homeschooling is all about flexibility, and one of the greatest flexibility perks happens to be the option of being able to teach to your child’s specific learning ability – no matter what their grade level. You can have a 4th grader doing 5th grade math, or a 7th grader writing at a lower grade level depending on their capabilities. Often, in a school classroom, financial cut backs and lack of teacher’s assistants often create an environment that makes this kind of flexibility rather difficult if next to impossible. Providing a learning environment for your child that allows them to work on par with their learning abilities, fosters self esteem and builds confidence in the homeschooled student. There is less emphasis on pass or fail and more emphasis on obtaining understanding.

In addition to being freed from the restraints of grade levels, homeschooling can also free the student from grades themselves. After all, letter grades were designed for a classroom not a homeschool. In homeschooling, the emphasis shifts from doing what it takes get the best grades, and either feeling like a winner or a loser as a result, to becoming self motivated individuals who are truly excited about learning.  My kids have never been ‘graded’, yet they seem to have a natural desire within themselves to master material. They don’t turn a blind eye to the errors on their math sheet, or mistakes made in a spelling test. In fact, I have had to help them to not be so hard on themselves. Whether or not this kind of self motivation is a result of a personality type, or the fruit of a homeschooling environment, I’m not really sure. What I do know, is I am thankful for the opportunity to see my children bloom without the added pressure of an outside measure.

Of course, grades become inevitable if/when the homeschooled student chooses to attend high school, college, or university – and absolutely necessary if there is a desire to obtain scholarships. This post isn’t about whether or not grades are useful, but rather their seemingly uselessness in a homeschool environment. However, even some universities are rethinking the value of a graded system, and in essence, trying to avoid students from placing a higher level of importance on grades, rather than the education they are supposed to represent.

Even though homeschooling can provide a learning environment less restricted by grades and grade levels, there is still a delicate balance between being able to provide the homeschooled student with a measure of academic victories, and challenges. Eventually the homeschool parent finds this balance, and because we typically have the same student(s) with each consecutive year, the homeschool parent begins to recognize their children’s academic strengths and weaknesses – simultaneously helping them to develop or overcome them. This is indeed, a gift for which I am truly thankful.

Cheryl has been married to her ‘do all’ husband for 13 years. They live in British Columbia, Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Cheryl has been homeschooling their two daughters ages 9 & 11, for 6 years. Her approach to homeschooling is mostly ecclectic with a dash of Classical & Charlotte Mason. She used to be one of those parents who thought they could never homeschool – boy, was she wrong! She enjoys blogging to encourage others that they too can homeschool if the desire is upon their hearts. She homeschools simply because – her kids are worth it. Please visit Cheryl at HomeSchool Journey.