14 Great Benefits of a Home Education Group

What is a Home Education Group?

If you’re looking to home educate, you’ve probably heard, or might even know, of Home Education groups. They’re pretty self-explanatory, but if you’re still unsure about what they do or involve, here’s what you need to know.

A Home Education group is almost like a mini community of home educators. They provide guidance, create friendships and promote the exchange of ideas and resources. And more importantly, they help you and your child to connect with like-minded individuals.

And no two Home Education groups are the same. Each one will have different values and characteristics. Some can be more formal, whereas others are more social. Some groups may be activity or age specific, so it all depends on what you’re looking for. Typically, you will find Home Education groups in your local area, but some groups may even offer gatherings and welcome people from all over; which is great if you’re a family that loves to travel. 

What do Home Education Groups Do?

• They run throughout the year, usually on a weekly basis
• They combine learning and socialisation
• They can be subject or age specific
• They bring together ideas and provide resources
• They support home educators
• They organise activities 

14 Benefits of a Home Education Group

1. Community

When you join a Home Education group you join a community. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded home educators who share your values. As for children, they get the chance to meet new people all the time. The great thing about a Home Education group is that there will always be someone to confide in, both in person and also online. 

2. Socialisation

Socialisation can be a worry, but it’s more of a big deal to people who don’t understand Home Education. In fact, you could easily argue that home educated children are more sociable than those in public school because of the amount of exposure they get in the real world and with people of all ages. 

A Home Education group is centred around socialisation and meeting new people. They bring everyone together, which helps to expand interests and experiences. 

3. More personalised learning

Home Education groups often personalise learning to specific interests. One week your children could be learning about how to grow flowers and the next week they could be building model aeroplanes! The difference in interests offers children the chance to learn more and develop new curiosities. 

Some extra benefits include:

• Focusing on children as individuals
• More one-on-one opportunities or smaller groups
• Freedom of learning
• Greater scope of topics
• Parents taking turns in leading and teaching the group

Learning can also be adaptive and flexible, or (depending on the group) it might have more structure to it. Often groups will figure out what works best for everyone, whilst exploring new methods to suit individuals. 

4. Children mix with different age groups

Unlike in a public school, where children are more likely to only socialise with others their own age, Home Education groups include children of all ages. And because these groups are often on a smaller scale, they actively encourage children to interact with people both older and younger than them. This mix of ages is hugely beneficial for children as they all learn valuable skills from each other. 

5. Provide support and advice

Home Education can be really daunting, and often we feel like it’s all on us, but that is not the case. Home Education groups are there to support you and your child along your journey. They’re there for that extra bit of guidance, for questions that need answering and resources that need sharing. 

Other home educators are always willing to share their experiences and from them we can learn so much. The best thing is that although our boats might be slightly different, we’re all in one. 

6. Collaborative and experimental learning

Learning in a Home Education group is as unique as the children themselves. Parents can get involved with the learning and teaching; children can voice their interests and collaborate together; everyone can bring something valuable to the group. Often you find that there is more emphasis on experimenting with learning. Home Education groups are the perfect mix of education and fun. 

7. Gets both adults and children outdoors

Home Education doesn’t have to be restricted to a desk or inside four walls. Even if your child enjoys sitting and doing worksheets it’s beneficial for both them and you as the parent to get outdoors. 

Home Education groups are great for both people with schedules and those without. In fact, getting outside or even in a different environment is often the break we need.

8. Flexible schedules

Whilst there are often Home Education groups every week or month, you’re not restricted by a timetable or a set schedule. Every time you turn up, the day will look different to the one before. The great thing about a Home Education group is that they are both parent and child-led, meaning that they can work around everyone. 

9. Reduced financial burden

Although you might have to pay for some Home Education groups, many of them can help you save money, especially with educational resources or days out as costs are split between the group. 

10. Enrichment activities

Home Education groups can offer children more extracurricular activities than you thought possible. There always seems to be a more active approach to learning and enrichment activities can really bring out the best in children. 

11. Exposure to culture and diversity

As well as being exposed to different age groups, children are exposed to people from different cultures and backgrounds. And this isn’t just within the Home Education group — it’s also through visiting new places and having new experiences. 

12. Reduced isolation

It can be easy for parents/carers to feel isolated whilst trying to figure out Home Education and therefore they worry about isolating their children too.

But when you join a Home Education group you’re joining people who have likely been through the same. It’s also much easier to make friends because you’re all there for the same reasons. 

13. Networking for parents

Home Education groups are the perfect place for parents/carers to network, whether it be socially or professionally. A lot of home educators can choose to meet up outside of the Home Education group and do their own thing. They really do bring all kinds of people together. 

14. Long-term friendships

If there’s anything that you can cherish from a Home Education group, it’s a long-lasting friendship (for both parents and children). 

How to Find a Home Education Group

Finding a Home Education group can be as easy as looking up “Home Education (your local area)” on Facebook. A quick search on the web will also bring up a list of groups. 

When looking for a group, keep in mind what you want your child to gain from it. And remember, if you can’t find a Home Education group tailored to your specific wants and needs, then you can create your own!