When to Consider Live Online Homeschool Classes

​One of the perks of homeschooling is that it gives parents full control over screen time. As public school students spend more time online, homeschoolers can offer their children an alternative. We are all for it.
 
But at the same time, every student should participate in live discussions — and it is not always easy for a homeschooler to find a discussion partner nearby.
 
In this article, we will look at some ways that homeschoolers can facilitate discussions on their own. We will also answer a question we often hear from parents: are live online homeschool classes right for my family?
 
The Importance of Live Class Discussions
 
Have you ever felt like you know something, only to be stumped when a friend asks you about it? That is natural, and it is why discussion is the key to good academic work.
 
When you read something in a book, it comes to you in its most straightforward form. After all, the author has explained it as clearly as they can. When you set the book down, you feel like you fully understand the topic. But in reality, you have only seen it from the simplest angle.
 
When you try to persuade someone to agree with you, things are not so simple. They are likely to ask the toughest questions they can as they try to understand your position. In the heat of a live discussion, you often discover that you do not know your topic as well as you thought you had.
 
If you only understand the simplest version of an idea, you do not truly understand it. You have to look at it from many different angles to fully process it.
 
That is why the Socratic Discussion sits at the heart of the humanities. When you discuss a topic with people who are searching for the truth, you are forced to turn it around in your head and figure out exactly what it is. Only then can you start to build an argument that might convince someone to agree with you.
 
How to Facilitate Live Discussions for Your Home School
 
In the best case, a classroom offers students the opportunity to discuss difficult topics face to face. But as we all know, that best case is hard to find in the real world.
 
Luckily, homeschoolers have found creative ways to foster discussion and debate outside the traditional school system. For example:
 

1. Parents using our homeschool history curriculum have formed co-ops with like-minded families in their area. They meet once weekly for Socratic Discussions and debates.
2. Other parents have developed the skill of asking hard questions. When their students prepare an argument on a topic, these parents play devil’s advocate to make sure that all the claims made are backed by evidence. If not, it is time for more reading.
3. In some areas, families can sign up for live homeschool classes that give students an opportunity to participate in Socratic Discussions without all the trappings of mainstream school.

 
Sometimes, none of these three options make sense. That is when online homeschool programs might be the right solution for your family.
 
Adding Live Online Classes to your Home School
 
Many parents approach us about our live online homeschool classes because they want their students to participate in discussions led by a knowledgeable teacher. In our courses, the teacher:
 

1. Imparts critical thinking skills.
2. Clears up difficult topics from the reading.
3. Announces who won our debates.

 
That being said, our teacher’s main job is to facilitate the Socratic Discussion. Instead of leading through lectures, he leads through questions. This challenges students to think independently and express themselves on the spot.
 
As for screen time? Our history classes meet once a week, and our literature classes meet once a month. That leaves the majority of the week open for reading, research, and independent study.
 
If our classes sound like the best online homeschool programs for your family, head over to our About the Academy page to learn more. ​