Homeschooling in Singapore is an educational option that is gaining attention as parents seek alternatives to traditional schooling. This approach allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to a child’s unique needs, interests, and pace. However, homeschooling comes with its own set of challenges and considerations that parents must navigate to ensure a well-rounded education.

So, what made you decide to homeschool your children?

I wanted to be more present in the household. After growing up battling one medical condition after another, I realized nothing matters more than quality time with my family.

By homeschooling my children, I get to invest that time in their education, and not just academically. I also focus on imparting life values and skills, character development, and entrepreneurship.

Did you face any challenges initially?

My parents and parents-in-law were initially apprehensive about our decision to homeschool our children. They were concerned about keeping up with the school curriculum and social skills. But seeing how confident my wife and I were about this endeavor, they eventually gave us their support.

How do you apply for homeschooling in Singapore?

When the twins turned six years old and it was time to register for primary school, we applied for homeschooling with the Compulsory Education (CE) unit in MOE. An officer from MOE would interview us to assess if we were suitable to homeschool our children.

We had to prepare our curriculum plan for the next three years, including a plan for National Education, and Character and Citizenship Education. It was a very rigorous process, but it helped us to structure and plan the learning journey properly.

What curriculum do you follow?

I plan the curriculum as per the MOE requirements. It is quite manageable as the MOE syllabus is very structured. We mainly follow this syllabus, using all the usual textbooks and workbooks. We also make use of other relevant assessments and resources that cater to their learning journey.

As for extra resources, we have no lack of them in bookstores, online platforms, and the National Library. Also, we often go out on field trips to the zoo, museums, and Science Centre for a more interactive approach.

What about school exams and national exams?

My children are required to sit for the Primary Four year-end exams and PSLE. Other than these two examinations, we also need to submit an annual report to MOE to assess their learning journey year after year. I conduct my own tests and exams at home to ascertain their level of learning on a semi-annual basis.

What do you need to prepare at home?

Must-haves include good textbooks and assessment books for academic learning, and a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books to cultivate children’s love for reading and thirst for knowledge. It’s also useful to have a nice whiteboard, educational games, and online resources such as maths manipulatives to illustrate mathematical concepts.

What does a (home)school day look like?

I dedicate about two to three hours every morning to plan, teach, and oversee their studies. My wife then takes over the teaching, as I head off for work. We cover the main MOE subjects — English, Chinese Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science.

In the afternoon, the children go for their sports lessons and take part in social activities with other homeschooled kids. They may also meet regular school-going children when my wife meets up with other friends and families.

How about non-academic subjects and CCAs?

We make it a point to enroll our children in extracurricular activities. My girls learn gymnastics, swimming, and other sports lessons. They have music and ukulele lessons too. We encourage them to take up leadership positions in such settings and present themselves confidently.

What if I’m not good at a particular subject? How can I teach my child?

Parents ought to have the mentality that they are learning together with their child. If necessary, we can engage tutors to reinforce subjects they are weaker in. There are also homeschool co-ops, where homeschooling parents help to teach a subject or topic they are good at.

It’s a common misconception that homeschooling is a taxing job for the parents. That it might take too much of their time or that they might neglect the academic syllabus the child needs to learn. As long as the parent and child remain focused, it is actually very manageable. Often, we can cover the syllabus faster than students in conventional school settings.

Is it difficult to teach your own children?

Personally, I feel that children need a fixed routine every day, whether they are homeschooling or in public school. With set expectations, children have stability and predictability in their lives. This naturally helps in their focus and attention span.

Also, the synergy and cooperation between both parents is very important. They must be of one mind so that the child can’t manipulate parents with differing views. A strong and united parental structure will greatly help to communicate a consistent message to the children. That studies are important, to demonstrate discipline, and keep to the routine.

What about your children’s social lives?

Another misconception is that homeschooled children will lack in social skills as they do not go to school. Actually, children homeschooling in Singapore have a lot of bosom buddies too.

We have a close-knit community of homeschooling parents and children. Covid-19 aside, we often meet for social and outdoor activities. Our kids engage with children from different social and cultural backgrounds. They stay close growing up because they will always be ‘schoolmates’, while regular school-going kids may grow apart when they move on to different schools.

What are some pros and cons of homeschooling in Singapore?

Pros:

• Flexibility in time schedule
• Able to capture learning moments throughout the day
• Be deeply involved with your child’s education
• Able to cater to each child’s learning style
• Able to impart character values and life skills

Cons:

• Lack of economies of scale in certain activities such as sports, excursions, and experiments
• May not have as diverse exposure to varied personalities