SingaporeMotherhood | Parenting
October 2024
Worldschooling: Taking Homeschooling to Another Level
Raymond Lim is an inspirational speaker, trainer, and coach, and the founder of RL Consultancy. At the same time, the 47-year-old is a dedicated dad who together with his wife, Diane, homeschool their two young children. The ambitious pair are also taking their children’s education international by incorporating worldschooling as much as possible. We ask Raymond all about worldschooling and he gamely shares his experiences.
(See also: From Gambling Debt to Devoted Dad: A High Stakes Learning Journey)
Going Against the Grain
First and foremost, what makes parents decide to homeschool their children in Singapore? Especially since “every school is a good school” *wink wink*
My wife proposed the idea initially when our first child, Timothy, was about three years old. We spent six months discussing and evaluating the pros and cons, guided by advice from fellow homeschooling parents. Ultimately, we wanted to provide a personalised and flexible education for our children, where we can also spend a lot more quality time with them too.
Our parents and relatives — aunties and uncles from both sides — initially did not understand our decision to homeschool. They often discouraged us, telling us not to “be crazy”, while urging us to send our kids to conventional school. However, we remained committed to our choice, knowing it was the best path for our family.
Dividing the Daily Duties
So how does it work on a day-to-day basis?
Diane handles the teaching, focusing on academic subjects, while I contribute through play and logistics. For instance, transporting the children to various activities, signing us up for forest school, and organising weekend family hikes. We follow a structured schedule with dedicated periods for academics and life skills, as well as weekends and school holidays.
Our children have adapted well to the routine. They understand that most of their classes take place on weekdays, with intensive learning sessions lasting two to three hours each day. After school hours, the remainder of the time is dedicated to play and hands-on outdoor activities, which they thoroughly enjoy. Also, we have dinner together almost every night.
(See also: Homeschooling in Singapore – Pros, Cons, and How It’s Done)
Meeting Academic Standards
Given Singapore’s competitive education scene, how do homeschooling parents ensure that their children are at least on par academically with conventional school-going kids?
Homeschooling in Singapore is becoming more common, and we have access to experienced mentors and resources. We also use past years’ exam papers and workbooks to ensure our children meet Singapore’s rigorous educational standards.
We even do hands-on science classes at home, where we study the likes of frogs and stingrays. These included conducting dissections to observe their anatomical structures firsthand, which helped our children understand the complexity and beauty of these creatures.
For now, our goal is to complete primary school and the PSLE. We will evaluate our approach and make decisions about secondary and tertiary education as our children grow. Currently, Timothy is eight and our daughter Mikayla is four, so we have ample time to assess their needs and plan accordingly.
Going Beyond the Classroom
But if homeschooling just replicates what kids learn in school and prepares them for national exams, what’s the difference?
Well, structured syllabus and classroom restrictions don’t hamper us. For example, after the dissections, we transitioned into practical life lessons — preparing the frogs and stingrays as food. This experience was invaluable as it connects science with everyday life.
The children learned about the importance of sustainable practices and respecting the food we consume. They participated in the preparation and cooking process, which taught them culinary skills while instilling an appreciation for the food chain and our ecosystem.
Another standout lesson is our involvement in canoe polo. This sport not only offers physical exercise but also teaches teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. Through these activities, our children gain a diverse range of skills and experiences that go beyond traditional classroom education, enriching their overall learning journey.
(See also: Find the Best Sports for your Child to Pursue and Excel in, based on their Chinese Zodiac)
Worldschooling – What’s That?
What does worldschooling mean, and how do children benefit from it?
Worldschooling is an extension of our homeschooling. Due to the nature of my work as a coach, trainer, and speaker, we have the opportunity to travel with our kids as a family. These trips are usually shorter than a week, and mostly involve traveling to neighbouring countries with similar time zones.
Further afield, they’ve visited places such as Hong Kong, as well as Perth in Australia and Tokyo and Okinawa in Japan. For longer trips we once had an enriching experience in Toronto, Canada, where we visited farmers’ markets, indigenous communities, and pre-gentrified neighbourhoods.
Worldschooling is incredibly valuable in today’s globalised world. It allows our children to learn firsthand about different cultures, lifestyles, and understand more about other religious beliefs. By experiencing diverse environments and interacting with people from various backgrounds, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world, something that learning from books or classroom lessons alone cannot achieve.
Experiencing the World
Then how is worldschooling different from taking children on family vacations?
Often, outdoor adventures overseas provide our children with learning experiences that are not possible (cannot buy or experience) within the urban environment of Singapore. We emphasise the value of hands-on, experiential learning, allowing them to develop a deep connection with nature and an appreciation for the diverse world around them.
Here are some examples:
Bintan, Indonesia: This trip included a stay at a coastal resort, where we watched fireflies light up the night sky. We spent our days exploring the beach and observing the waves. This experience sparked our children’s curiosity about marine life and the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
Okinawa, Japan: We stayed in a cosy hut at a forest campsite, and enjoyed barbecuing with the Airbnb owner. Immersing in nature, our children learnt about local wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats. The different plants and animals fascinated them, and they loved the sense of adventure that came with forest living.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Visiting an elephant sanctuary was a highlight for our family. The children learnt about the lives and habitats of elephants, as well as the efforts being made to protect these majestic creatures. Interacting with the elephants up close was a humbling experience for them, and it further reinforced the importance of wildlife conservation and respect for all living beings.
Perth, Australia: We stayed on a farm and visited some of the region’s famous huge trees. The farm stay provided our children with hands-on experiences in agriculture, from feeding animals to understanding crop cycles. They were amazed by the size of the trees and enjoyed the sense of freedom that comes with open spaces.
(See also: How Children Benefit When You Travel As a Family)
Fulfilling Social Lives
It sounds exciting, but don’t homeschooled kids miss out on other things by not attending regular school?
My kids have many friends and social activities to occupy them purposefully. Sometimes, they seem busier than me! In our neighbourhood, there are many children who attend regular schools, and our kids frequently play with them after school hours and on weekends. They never feel like they’re missing out.
Besides, the homeschooling community, even in Singapore, is quite large and vibrant. There is a common misconception that homeschooled children lack socialisation, but this is far from the truth. Our children have plenty of opportunities to interact with their peers through sports, games, and practical lessons. They enjoy a rich and fulfilling social life.
Wearing Multiple Hats
Working parents already struggle with juggling their parenting duties. Is it really possible to balance careers and parenting, while being teachers too?
I focus on work and business, while my wife takes on the primary role of teaching the academic part. Then I contribute in terms of physical activities and outdoors education. In our case, this division of responsibilities allows us to manage both our professional and educational commitments effectively.
That said, playing both teacher and parent roles can be challenging, especially for Diane who primarily handles the teaching. It requires a constant balancing act to manage both roles effectively. When done right, however, the results can be deeply rewarding.
For parents who are considering homeschooling (and worldschooling), it’s important to do your research. Read up on all the pros and cons, exploring homeschool consulting and coaching. Engage in deep discussions with your spouse and ensure thorough preparation to understand the commitment and responsibilities involved.
– Raymond Lim, RL Consultancy
(See also: “Working Mum or Stay-home Mum: Which Should I Choose?”)
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