Are you a teacher? Of course you are. Do you have a degree in education? Perhaps not.
People have odd perceptions of homeschooling, and one of them is that you need some background in education to teach your kids. Do you really? Of course not!
What are the advantages of being a parent-teacher?
While teachers have the advantage of being at arm’s length from your child, thereby having some far-away authority, you have the advantage of being connected to your child.
You understand your child. It is true that teachers and other adults often see things in your child that you do not see. That’s why I have my daughter in classes – I believe that she should have a diversity of teachers. However, I do think that I have a good understanding of her personality, her interests, and how she likes to learn. After all, I’ve logged quite a number of hours with her over the last 5 ½ years – more than any other adult, that is for sure.
I know that my daughter is really doing well at phonics and beginning to blend sounds more quickly to make words. I know that she loves space and rockets right now and that she has been very interested in birds for over a year. I know that she wants to be a vet and a doctor and a sushi chef when she grows up. (Secretly I am voting for the sushi chef – yum!).
Every year, your child’s teacher has to spend time getting to know your child and many, many others. This is a challenge. You may not know about the interests of 30 children. You may not have a degree in education. However, you do have an advantage. You have a degree in Your Child, and that is just as significant as a teaching degree, even if it is very different.