An alternative for parents who have Covid-anxiety
FOR parents who have the time and means, homeschooling is probably an attractive option. However, navigating the homeschooling minefield comes with challenges.
Louise Schoonwinkel, the general manager of home education provider Impaq, said learners who joined an accredited home education provider followed the same Caps curriculum as their school-going peers, and should also fall under examination bodies overseen by Umalusi.
Once the recommendations were met, learners could exit or return to a traditional school at any time.
Parents should also note:
More responsibility: “You will be taking control of your child’s education, and it might seem like an impossible task. However, the right provider will give you a schedule and structure that tells you exactly what you need to do and when,” said Schoonwinkel.
Support: “Home education parents get very detailed facilitator guides, which tell them how to teach a subject. These guides don't just communicate what a learner needs, but also what the parent needs to know about teaching a particular subject.
“In addition, there are working groups where parents – with varying knowledge sets – can assist each other in understanding how to teach different subjects.”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: “Many parents find it easier to teach an early grade syllabus such as Grade 1, but As children progress to higher grades, most parents will typically need to seek the assistance of a tutor.
Follow the rules: “According to law, you also have to register your child with the Department of Education.”