Once upon a time homeschool moms had to teach every subject to all of their children. Now, we have the blessing of multiple curriculum options, co-ops, online classes and much more. Throughout our homeschooling journey, I’ve found that the benefits of using online classes in your homeschool abound!
Homeschooling is a lot of work and when you are the one managing all of your child’s classes this feels like even more work. Using online classes in your homeschool is a great way to give your child a great education while taking the stress of classes you may struggle with yourself off of your plate.
8 Benefits of Using Online Classes in Your Homeschool
- Take some stress off the homeschooling parent
As a homeschooling parent, you have a lot of responsibilities. Taking advantage of online classes allows you to take some of that off your plate so you can focus on other things. Online classes are a great tool for helping you keep up and get everything done. Not every lesson for your homeschooled child has to be taught by you to count. While you can take advantage of co-ops and other programs, online classes are a more convenient way to share the teaching workload.
- Online classes provide a flexible schedule for homeschooling families
One of the best things about homeschooling is the freedom to work learning around the rest of your family’s everyday life. Online classes have greater flexibility than in-person classes allowing you to better integrate online classes into your homeschool routine. While many classes have short live lectures, most give a lot of freedom to work as you have time during the week allowing you to make the most of classes.
- You can get help anytime
With online classes, students can work at their own pace with a teacher who is always available to help. Because most communication is done via message boards in online classes your child can ask a question when they are working and find the answer next time they get on. No having to book an appointment to see the teacher, or wait around after class to get help when needed. This helps fit learning into your everyday schedule to fit your needs so your student and your family can have an active and full life while taking advantage of the extra help with your child’s education.
- The curriculum is designed with the student in mind
Depending on the online class your child is taking, your child program can be the perfect fit designed to fit their needs. When choosing an online class for your homeschooler look for a class that teaches in a way that fits your child’s learning style and can keep their interest. Online classes allow you a wider variety to choose from so you can find the perfect fit tailored to your child and even your faith.
- You will have access to resources that aren’t available in traditional classrooms
When your child takes a class online they have access to everything they need right at their fingertips. The ability to use online tools, books, and other resources during coursework without having to wait for class to be over can be a great benefit to your child. Instead of waiting until class is over to ask what something means or to look it up for themselves, they can look up the information in real-time allowing them to understand the lecture or class better.
- You’ll be able to take more variety of classes available to take
Many homeschooled children are ahead of their peers and ready for more advanced learning or interested in more advanced topics. Online classes offer a wider range of classes and more advanced options than locally run classes are capable of due to limited interest and teaching staff available. With the advancement of online courses, your child can learn anything from basic math to advanced robotics without ever leaving the house. These offerings can be a life-changing opportunity for kids that live in a community with limited educational offerings. Online classes provide valuable resources without geographic limitations, meaning they’re accessible no matter where you live.
- There are many free courses available online
There are many free online classes available to kids now making it easier than ever for families to take advantage of online-based classes in their homeschools. Parents can sign their kids up for free classes that help cover needed subjects allowing one child to work online while another gets one on one help from mom or dad. Free online classes are a great way to reduce curriculum costs for your homeschooler rather than paying a large sum for a program that can teach the same thing.
- Online college courses allow your child to earn college credits
After your child is old enough in your state they can sign up for online college classes where they can earn college credits. These credits can be put towards their degree allowing your child to finish some college and high school at the same time many homeschoolers graduate high school with an associate’s degree and online college classes level the playing field for this no matter where your student lives. This opportunity allows your homeschooler to make the most of their homeschool education.
What benefits have you found for using online classes in your homeschool?
