A little bat virus, with astonishing mutation capabilities, has brought the world to a standstill. Often overcrowded and bustling with laughs and noises, the lively schoolyards suddenly stand empty. While some kids enjoy more time on the X box, most miss the pleasure of meeting & playing with their friends. As we fight this invisible monster behind closed doors, the most obvious thing that all parents realized was that their education suffered. Unimpressed by the idea of sending their kids back to school in the near future, many have started looking for a long-term solution.

If Darwin says something, you better believe it. Evolution and adaptation is the only way forward for mankind. As the pandemic increasingly replaced whiteboards and school campuses with screens and bean bags, the shift to online education has also brought up deep-rooted inadequacies of the traditional schooling system. Keeping their health and safety needs in mind, along with their children's socio-emotional and educational needs, American parents believe that education at home is a great alternative to the neighborhood school.

According to U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, families opting for Homeschooling in the U.S. more than doubled over the first six months of the academic year 2020-21. Experts predict this number is only going to grow, and here's why:

Flexibility
Homeschooling presents the opportunity to chalk out a schedule that makes sense for the whole family. From academic goals to study breaks, parents decide how and when of their children's education. Rather than hectic mornings where the kids miss breakfast or forget to carry that important assignment, homeschooling mornings give the freedom of choosing a schedule that works best for the kid.
 

Closer families and fewer chances of bullying
1 in every 5 high school kids in the U.S. reports bullying. Ever heard of a kid bullied in the presence of an adult? That's rare. Most of these incidents happen in bathrooms or hallways, during lunch, or on the bus. In Homeschooling, children don't have opportunities multiple times a day to bully someone. Due to quality time spent together, homeschooling families are closer, and children feel safe enough to talk about any uncomfortable situation. As soon as it is recognized, parents can nip the bullying element in the bud.

Sustainability
In the light of the current pandemic, Homeschooling has become an affordable and sustainable solution for the long run. With a curriculum designed for all ages and abilities, home-educated students spend less money on their education. They are still well prepared for life in college, university, and beyond academics.

More real-world skills
Traditional schools put 30 kids of varied interests in the same room under the divided attention of a single supervising teacher, for long hours, day in day out. This shuts them out to life beyond the classroom, and they are less aware of things outside the textbooks. However, Homeschooling is deeply integrated into home life and leaves ample time for children to learn handy skills like cooking or fixing things. In addition, parents have the opportunity to teach them gardening or how to build a playhouse in the backyard.

Research says that Homeschoolers do better in tests, are more independent and turn into happier and more productive adults than students at public or private schools.

In the midst/background of a deadly pandemic, Homeschooling is the logical next step. While the switch to Homeschooling may not appeal to all at the start, more and more Americans are turning to it as a sustainable and feasible solution. According to a survey by EdChoice, as of February 2021, 63% of American parents favor Homeschooling.

Student years are formative years. Kids' sense of logic and understanding takes shape in this time. To develop them into aware, responsible, and contributing citizens of the world, they must be taught the right way. While we all stay home and adapt to the "new normal," there is no denying that with physical schools partially or wholly shut, kids' education has taken a hit. The Math experts at Cuemath ensure that this transition to the new order is smooth and fruitful. Their world-class teachers curate a personalized curriculum for each student to nurture their inner genius and bring out the best in them. Cuemath conducts Live Online Math classes.

As we wait to be able to hug each other in these testing times, informed parents have to ensure that our children are headed on the right path, especially when it comes to education. Homeschooling is a giant step in that direction.

-By Abhishek Deswal
Abhishek is an engineer with a math-focus outlook on life. Through his writing at Cuemath, he puts forward his belief that life makes more sense when seen through numbers. A former analytics professional, he enjoys theatre, football, and long runs.