I had recently polled kids in my surrounding area of Richmond, VA to find out what they believed to be the benefits of homeschooling.  They managed to come up with some pretty neat responses.  I think it is important to get a kid's perspective on homeschooling because often times parents make the decision to homeschool, but we don't take the time to ask our kids if they see the benefits.  Let's take a look at what they said.  These responses are not in any particular order.

*One reason kids like homeschool is because they can take field trips to great places and take as long as they like at their destination.  Public schools need to leave by a certain time to get the kids back to school.

*Older kids really liked the fact that they can learn subjects that interest them instead of following what every student has to learn at the same time in public school.  An example of this includes learning about the Bible.  Some teens who want to become a minister or a missionary can study this during their high school years, whereas you cannot do this in public school.  It gives them a head start on their career much quicker.

*Kids like the fact that they can master a subject in homeschool before learning something new.  In public school, the teacher pretty much has to teach a concept, especially in math, and move on to a new concept within a time frame in order to complete a curriculum on time.  Sometimes kids will ask for their parents help, if they did not understand a concept, and other students will not, and end up with a poor grade.  With homeschooling, you have the opportunity to master a concept before learning new things.  You can basically work at your own pace, and kids like that idea.

*One family shared that they consider a birthday a holiday in their home.  If someone's birthday falls during the week, they don't have school that day.  It is a day set aside to make that person feel very special.  When their child's birthday falls in the summer, that child gets to pick a day towards the beginning of the school year to make his day off.  So, it all works out.

*Taking a vacation mid-year is something a lot of homeschooling families take advantage of.  They are able to rent places to stay during off-season for better prices, and they have the ability to see the sites without bunches of crowds.  It is really cool to be able to go somewhere really fun and enjoy it feeling totally relaxed.

*If an emergency arises at home, homeschooling families know that they have the flexibility to take care of the situation, and school will not suffer because they can make it up easily, or just treat it as an off day.  Homeschooling is a way of life, so it does not have "set hours" that work has to be done by.  Flexibility is something kids really enjoy.

*One child shared that his dad is the "principal" of his school.  That is true for many homeschooling families.  I think that is pretty neat to have a principal who can hug and kiss you, and say "great job."  And just think...you don't have to wait for an appointment to see your principal.  He is always there for you!

*One family gave their homeschool a name.  They put this on letters to the Board of Education, and they display it in their "school room."  They found a way to make their homeschool personal.  Not many students get to name the school that they attend.

I bet you and your kids can think of more advantages to homeschooling.  It is a neat opportunity, and I feel blessed every day that I can teach my kids and enjoy their company 24/7.  How about you?