How does the idea of providing sophisticated yet meaningful education to your kids through homeschooling appeals to you?
Though popular in many countries, of late the concept of homeschooling is picking momentum in India at a steady pace. The success story of Sahal Kaushik who cleared the IIT JEE after being home schooled at the age of 14, created headlines in 2010 and established the concept of homeschooling more firmly to Indians.
Back in the day, we had Gurukuls. Not schools and big institutions. Just a Gurukul, that sheltered a few students and a Guru (teacher/mentor/guide). There was no monetary system and the master was paid in kind.
Slowly and gradually, we came up with a system to make an institution and gather all the little humans in one place. With time these institutions grew to become bigger and more expensive and soon became an important part of the socio economic status. Though there is no doubt about the infrastructure or the qualifications of the educators, modern schools also come with huge fee structure, social economic status and sky high expectations, which is not a bad thing, as our children have dreams and goals and a good education is what will get them to the top.
On the other hand many modern couples are opting homeschooling to regular schooling. We don’t just need professionals, but we also need good human beings; children who are spiritual, grounded and connected to their roots.
Why is it important to revisit our roots? Let’s find out…
1. Complete Homeschooling
The Good News is, homeschooling is legal in India! There are a number of success stories in India, who found NOIS (National Institute of Schooling) and made their dreams come true. Why not use this opportunity to create something new! With open access to endless information both online and offline, sky is the limit for the kids of this generation can stop at nothing.
With the help of homeschooling your child, you can get to spent more time with them. Engaging your child in activities such as music, self-defence classes, traveling, arts and crafts are much more of a self confidence booster than you may think.
Many unorthodox couples are now shifting away from cities to the peaceful mountains to live with the locals. In fact I have met quite a few families who settled in the mountains decades ago and are raising their children in the most charming way. These children carry water from fresh springs, participate in local festivities, take complete care of household chores and go to school and most importantly are aware of the benefits of staying in contact with nature.
During one of my visits the most sweetest thing I ever heard from a child say was
“…today on my way to school, I saw a wild animal, and he looked back at me.”
I couldn’t help but wonder – Did I ever have a day like this?
Children need to play with soil and mud which is scientifically proven. Playing with hands, outdoors improves their overall well being; needless to say, it makes their immune system stronger.
2. Children need to be outside
About two years ago, I had the opportunity, to bring my children (children I’ve been working with for over 10years) for the first time to any mountain. I was then living in Kausani, Uttarakhand, with the most majestic Himalayan view I have ever seen.
22 children (5 to 18years) and 6 adults. These children saw the complete Himalayan Range, went on treks, learnt new things about Nature and were extremely grateful. As they walked scared on a steep mountain, I hear a voice behind me saying
“I didn’t know, we could climb mountains”,
followed by hysterical laughter. They fell and got hurt, they were scared and crying, but they never gave up.
We reached to the top, and enjoyed complete silence. We also ran around like wild animals on the loose… and we laughed to our hearts content.
This was perhaps the first time they understood the true essence of the quote- “Never give up” practically.
3. An end to rat race
Imagine yourself, when you were 4 years old. Now, imagine what you enjoy doing the most? I’m sure the answer didn’t surprise you. The learning capacity of the brain is at maximum at a young age. A child’s age. They need stimuli and motivation in order to make their minds filled with some very creative ideas.
Kids need discipline, a routine and that does not need to be harsh and accompanied with competition. Negative reinforcement is not the best way to deal with children. Homework, exams, pressure, stress and never ending competition is not what childhood is all about. Getting your child admitted in a school based on reputation and high fees is not going to do any good and will eventually push your child in the rat race, which, unfortunately we all are part of.
Children love to play, they love to explore and ask questions. As an adult the best we could do is, is to just let them be children! Homeschooling your child is a great opportunity for stay at home moms and the child to engage in activities together.
You too can enjoy your child’s childhood, and maybe learn a thing or two from them. Engage your child in household chores, making them responsible and involving them in your life by taking their opinions on important decisions.
Over to You
There are plenty of institutions which support homeschooling in India. Additionally you can join forums, read blog posts and connect with parents and resources in internet in case you want to learn more about this topic.