Whether or not to homeschool over the summer is a decision many homeschooling parents face. Some families love the flexibility and consistency of going year round. Others find a longer break works best for them. While there are no “right or wrong” answers, here are some of the pros and cons to homeschooling over the summer months.
Pros: Why Homeschooling Over the Summer Is the Way to Go
Less Summer Learning Loss
There have been a number of studies done about just how much kids “forget” over a long summer break. Some studies show students lose up to two or more months of what they learned during the school year over the summer! By homeschooling during those months you won’t have to worry about a backward slide.
Learning Can Happen Anytime
Education doesn’t have to be tied to an antiquated, agrarian-based calendar system. In the real world, learning can happen any place at any time. In fact, the summer months can be a great time to get outside and use the outdoors as a classroom or laboratory, which depending on where you live, might not be an option in the winter months.
You’ve Got a Good Thing Going
Routine can be a good thing. Hopefully, you’ve gotten into a groove that works for you. By homeschooling year round, you don’t have to worry about your schedule and structure going out the window over the summer months.
You Can Take Time Off Whenever Best Suits You (And Avoid the Crowds!)
Let’s be honest, summer months can be crazy crowded, everywhere from the zoo to parks to vacation destinations. One benefit to homeschooling is that you’re not tied to the traditional school calendar. By homeschooling over the summer, you can take a few extra weeks off here and there as fits your lifestyle and not need to worry about needing to make up for missed time.
Cons: Why You Might Want to Take the Summer Off
Everyone Else Is Off
If your kids have a number of friends, cousins or peers in traditional school, your kids (or you) might want them to spend the summer days playing or “hanging out” together. Getting your kids to do schoolwork while the rest of the neighborhood is playing outside your window can be a challenge.
You Need a Break
While it’s rewarding, homeschooling can be a lot of work for you. And learning can be a lot of work for your kids. There’s nothing wrong with needing some time off. The summer months can be a great time to take the opportunity to recharge.
There’s No “Beginning” or “End”
When you follow the standard school calendar, it’s easy to bookend the school year with an official “start of the school year” and “end of the school” year that feel very distinct. When you school year round, it can kind of feel like one grade rolls into the next.
Of course, with all things homeschooling, the “best” thing to do is what works for you and your family! Maybe you’