There are many reasons for homeschooling in New Zealand and this article will walk you through three of the most popular reasons.
Reduces bullying
Bullying can be a major problem in schools. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to identify the causes or the perpetrators. Thankfully, there are many ways to reduce the effects of bullying. Educators can start by focusing on prevention. There are several strategies that homeschoolers can use to ensure that their children do not have to deal with bullying.
One of the best ways to prevent bullying is to engage children in positive, healthy play and physical activity. This will help children build self-esteem and improve their social skills. Young children should also be taught how to say no to bullies. The Ministry of Education has created resources to help homeschoolers prevent bullying.
While mainstream education has its benefits, homeschooling can also have disadvantages. The majority of guardians who choose to homeschool report that the mainstream education they received did not meet their children’s emotional and social needs. This is one reason why homeschooling may be a good choice for some families. However, research is needed to determine how effective homeschooling is for the well-being of children.
Supports literacy
One of the first steps to homeschooling your children is to understand the requirements of the New Zealand education system. The country has adopted the 1997 International System of Classification of Education (ISCED) classification for education. The New Zealand Curriculum Online website is a good resource for all your needs. It offers news, practical ideas and research reports to support your teaching and learning.
New Zealand schools follow the southern hemisphere school calendar, with terms starting in late January and ending in mid-December. Students can start school at five and continue up to Year 12, although there are some differences between primary and secondary school years. Most children in New Zealand attend state schools, which are well known for their excellent standards. State schools are either co-educational or single-sex and may be either secular or religious.
If you want to homeschool in New Zealand, you must first apply for an exemption certificate from the Ministry of Education. This will allow you to claim a state-sponsored stipend. However, you must prove that you’ll be teaching your child regularly.
Fosters cultural awareness
Fostering cultural awareness when homeschooling your child in New Zealand is a great idea. New Zealand is a multicultural country and its people celebrate and value their diverse cultures. It is also a good idea to introduce your child to the language of the people living in your community.
The New Zealand Curriculum includes a learning area for additional languages, which gives teachers the framework for teaching a second or third language. The ultimate goal is for students to communicate effectively in their chosen language by the time they leave school. The learning area is structured around three strands: communication, language knowledge, and cultural knowledge. These strands are connected.