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Writer's pictureKelly Oldford

A Balanced Approach to Learning

Too much of life it out of balance. Too much in our American culture swings from one limit to the other. Too much in our American politics goes from right to left and back again.


Our human nature craves the symmetry of balance.


When we cannot find balance, we are left without direction. It is too exhausting to take any steps, in any direction, so we take no steps at all. Imbalance leaves us stuck and unable to catch our breath. It's unhealthy, and it is unstainable.


As we search for balance, consider hybrid education. Education is an enormous part of our lives. For 12 or more years, it is a daily influence for both parents and children. Choices in education shape our children's influences, the routines in our homes, and the stress of among our family members.


Too many parents do not realize they have a choice in education. They are, unfortunately, too imbalanced in their own lives to take a measured account of the imbalance and stress in their homes. Far too many parents are far too busy running their own rat races. Their children are placed in other child-rearing centers - day cares, preschools, traditional education, latchkey, summer camps, and more - because parents can't be with their children.


Hear me: there is a time and place for these types of programs. They serve a purpose; no parent can be expected to spend 24/7 with their children. That simply promotes the opposite extreme. However, it is time to step back and evaluate the balance in our homes.


Are parents too busy that cannot even raise and influence their own children?


So how is hybrid education so different? We find the answer in balance.


Hybrid homeschooling is a co-teaching-centered model of home-based education.


Families maintain the flexibility and creativity of homeschooling three days per week. Want to give yourself a snow day or a beach day? Traveling out of town? Have special subject matter you want to teach your kids? Your time is still yours to determine and organize. It is energizing not rushing out the door five days per week. You direct your household; the schedule does not direct you.


However, students are in structured classes two days per week. Hybrid students learn from experienced, classroom teachers, as well as their fellow classmates. This does create some routine to the week, without over-burdening a family. It allows for very purposeful socialization, while still equipping parents to be the main influence on their children. Having in-classroom structure encourages group activities, such as athletics, field trips and volunteer work as part of the school experience. However, classes are still small; the attention is personalized; and the school experience is not overwhelming.


Students thrive under a hybrid homeschool program. It just makes sense because it is inherently balanced. It is symmetrical. In a world and a culture of immense anxiety, a hybrid education re-balances students' learning, curriculum, work loads, and social activity.


Bring peace into your home with hybrid homeschooling. Huron Academic Endeavors is here to help!

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