There are several myths about homeschooling in New Zealand. For one, children who are homeschooled will be socially isolated and won’t follow the National Curriculum. Another is that it isn’t an educational choice. However, it is a great way for children to gain valuable real-life skills.
Homeschooling is socially isolated
The homeschooling movement gained popularity in New Zealand during the 1970s and 80s. Some families started homeschooling because their children didn’t fit in with their peers at school, or because their child’s learning needs were not being met within a normal school environment. Others were concerned about bullying. Other families homeschooled their children for other reasons, such as family travel or living out of town.
Homeschooling has a range of effects on students, including social and emotional isolation. Although there are some positive aspects of the program, it is still not recommended for students with severe emotional problems or other disorders. For example, it can cause students to lose social interaction with other students and may increase anxiety.
It isn’t compulsory
Homeschooling is an alternative educational option for New Zealand children. It is a legal process in New Zealand, and parents may choose to educate their children at home as long as the process is approved by the Ministry of Education. While homeschooling isn’t compulsory, it is an excellent option for parents who feel confident enough to educate their children.
Public education is free for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and students on a domestic student visa. However, parents may need to pay for extracurricular activities and excursions. In addition, they will need to buy school uniforms and supplies.
It doesn’t follow the National Curriculum
In New Zealand, homeschooling is a legitimate and legal option for parents who wish to teach their child at home. Homeschoolers can either follow a pre-packaged curriculum or devise their own. The process is relatively simple. Some home educators choose to use a combination of both, allowing their children to experience a wider range of experiences.
In New Zealand, schooling is not governed by a nationally agreed body of knowledge. Instead, it is guided by constructivism, which encourages students to create their bodies of knowledge and reject the fixed biases of bygone generations.
It isn’t a good educational choice
Homeschooling in New Zealand is legal, but it can also be challenging to get approved. There are some requirements that homeschoolers must meet to receive approval from the Ministry of Education. For example, parents must prove they have all the necessary educational materials to educate their children in the manner they want. In addition, homeschoolers must provide a general syllabus of the subjects they plan to teach.
Homeschooling isn’t the best educational choice for everyone. In New Zealand, you can only homeschool if you have the correct exemption form and if your child is at least six years old. However, you must be aware that this exemption application process is lengthy and challenging. In addition, while you are waiting for your application, your child must attend school.
It isn’t a blessing
In New Zealand, homeschooling is not only a legal option but is also supported by a small government allowance. In 2021, 8306 registered students in the country are homeschooled. This is just over 1% of the total number of students in the country’s schools. Since its introduction in the 1970s, homeschooling has gained popularity in New Zealand. Up until recently, the number of homeschooled students had been steady. However, following the Covid pandemic, the number of homeschooled students jumped dramatically.
New Zealand homeschoolers are very friendly and have a stellar record in school. Parents should consider this when deciding whether to homeschool their children.