Although still a minority, the number of Muslim families choosing to homeschool their children (by choice) is rising. Why parents choose to homeschool their children is always unique and personal.
Educational Quality
As schools struggle to obtain desired outcomes and with class numbers growing, parents are reacting by taking charge of the quality of their children’s education. The one size fits all system of public education is something which does not work for every child and is not set out to inspire a child’s innate curiosity and love of learning.
Homeschooling allows parents to control the curriculum and pace of education. They can tailor the curriculum to their child’s interests and instil a passion for learning that will serve the child well throughout his or her lifetime.
Home schooled children frequently outperform traditionally educated peers on tests proving that homeschooling if done correctly can prepare a child successfully for their life both with their faith and academically.
Preserving Values
Most Muslim families want to impart Islamic values in their children. That is often a battle when children are exposed to multiple cultures, religions and lifestyles. Although children may have received excellent guidance at home, it’s difficult for anyone of school age to withstand peer pressure.
A capitalist culture encourages greed and competition among children for the latest materialistic object and teachers who mean well may discuss sexual issues in class that inevitably conflict with Islamic beliefs. Identity confusion and exposure to drugs, alcohol and social media are all factors which may lead children away from their faith and ability to learn which is why many Muslim parents are choosing homeschooling.
Avoiding Misconceptions
As a Muslim parent it can often get tiresome explaining that your child needs special provisions when going to the toilet. That they are required to fast and preserve energy in the holy month of Ramadan or that they will need to be excused from class on every Friday for prayers. Muslim homeschooling allows for a harmonious schedule for Muslim life without the need of avoiding conflict with ‘the system’.
Incorporating Islam into Daily Life
Homeschooling also gives Muslim parents the chance to connect Islam intimately with their children’s daily lives. Many Muslim homeschooling families begin and end the school day by memorizing the Quran. Arabic language lessons may also be incorporated into the school day so that children learn the essentials early on, along with mathematics, science, history and more.
Making the Decision
In the UK it is a parents prerogative as to whether they allow their child to remain in the traditional school system or choose to homeschool. With Coronavirus causing disruption to school life as we know it Muslim parents are picking up the courage to homeschool given that in the previous lockdown there was no choice but to do so and they have seen the benefits and wish to continue.
You can teach your child at home, either full or part-time. If you do decide to homeschool and your child is currently at school, you are required to inform the school who may or may not object if you want to do a mixture of both methods. An educational establishment cannot refuse if you are choosing to homeschool full time.
Whichever method you choose it is clear that Muslim parents can benefit in many ways from choosing to homeschool their children.
Are you thinking about or currently homeschooling your children? What are the biggest perks and pitfalls? Let us know in the comments.
