At first our family’s decision to homeschool six years ago came from a desire to be with our children more than anyone else was with them, as well as being certain of what they were learning and how. As the years have gone on, I realized how diverse our children and their learning needs are. One of my sons excels in academics and we have the flexibility to move him ahead of grade level in subjects where he needs more challenges. On the other hand, two of my children have severe dyslexia and need more one-on-one time and individualized support. When one of my sons was tested for dyslexia his therapist stated that she was very grateful he was homeschooled, as that is exactly how all of his learning needs will be best met.
Homeschooling allows me to change the learning environment to suit each of my children and their specific needs. If one child learns better with auditory instruction and another learns best by tactile instruction, I can tailor their curriculum to best meet them where they are. They will tell me things they are interested in and we do a deep dive into that subject to learn as a family! Our homeschool community means so much to us. We meet up with other homeschooling families weekly and discuss history and science. The kids themselves motivate each other to learn new things as they share what they and their families have been researching.
Before EFA was an option, homeschooling was a financial burden for our family. It was a sacrifice and took careful planning each year to make sure we could afford all the needed curriculum. That just included books and supplies. It didn’t include anything else that is routinely found in public or private schools. Access to sports, tutoring, art, and music extracurriculars were luxuries we were not always able to participate in.
The financial burden and stress of homeschooling was relieved with the introduction of EFA funds. With EFA our children are now enrolled in music lessons and other enriching extracurriculars that are required for a well-rounded education. My children with dyslexia are being tutored by dyslexia specialists. This is invaluable. These same boys go to speech and occupational therapy to make sure they are meeting milestones as they grow. If EFA funds were removed it would bring that burden back on our family. Our children would have to be taken out of music classes and extracurricular activities would be a thing of the past. The hardest part would be pulling them from their critical tutoring and therapy that are financially impossible to us as a homeschool family without EFA funds. The stress of affording their books would come crashing down on us again.
Educational freedom and being able to choose the route that best serves a child individually is crucial. You cannot place every child in one type of classroom and expect them all to learn the same way. Children are creative and imaginative with original ideas and individual interests. Education should be about giving them the best opportunity to use those ideas and interests to further their future.
Jessi Baker
Conway
