The Case for Homeschooling By Anna Dusseau

“Many children’s lives are so busy with school journeys, subject changes, after-school clubs, and homework that they have little time to think or to take ownership of the life they are leading. They spend an awful lot of time being ‘processed’ by well-intentioned adults.... I will happily home educate my children all the way through their education, if that is what they want to do. They always have free choice, and we take their thoughts and feelings into account with every decision regarding their future.” —Anna Dusseau

A must-read for homeschooling parents and families considering teaching their children at home, even after schools reopen. In this timely and acclaimed guide, teacher turned home-educator Anna Dusseau explores the benefits of home education, the ways children come to understand the world and how homeschooling can cultivate true creative learning for life. Her gritty, wisdom-filled approach shows how homeschooling can work brilliantly for families in post-lockdown times.

Alongside practical tips for getting started and answers to key questions, you will find a wealth of tried and tested activities. Here are carefully picked home learning resources and up-to-date legal advice. The informative, honest accounts of homeschooling show different approaches so as to help choices.

C O N T E N T S:

1. The Purpose of Education
Love of Learning – Emotional Education – Life Skills – Finding your Strengths – Engaging with the World – Creating Space for Childhood – Embracing Autonomy – Becoming Trustworthy

2. How Children Learn
Learning through Wonder – Observation – Experience and Apprenticeship – Free Play – Conversational Learning – Natural Curiosity – Kinaesthetic Learning – Recognition – Mixed Age Play – Time to Digest

3. The Benefits of Home Education
Tried and Tested – Living Better – Finding Your Comfort Zone – Avoiding Tribalism – Freedom from Bullying – Finding Focus – Whole Family Benefit – Learning Without Boundaries – Stories of home educating by 14 families 

4. Key Questions
The Law – Local Authority Involvement – Socialisation – English and Maths – Special Educational Needs – Addressing Distraction – Finances – Teaching Toolkit – Homeschooling Terminology – Parent Self-Care

5. 101 Ideas for Homeschooling
Concrete Activities to Explore – The Highly Sensitive Child – School vs. Homeschool Schedule Comparison – Common Arguments for Sending Children to School