Parents who are worried about their children attending in-person schooling this term due to the pandemic (or for any other reason) can consider homeschooling as an option. If this arrangement is new to you, here’s what you need to know:
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is another type of independent education where parents (or a person they have designated) deliver instruction to their children. They can hire a tutor, name another family member (for example, grandparents) to provide instruction, or even enroll their child part-time in a private school. Parents may consider a child-centered, structured or blended approach to learning. A good first step is to learn more about homeschooling in Manitoba to know how to start and where to get resources. Go to Homeschooling Planning and Reporting to know more details.
Welcome to Homeschooling, Manitoba Government
A crucial part of homeschooling is developing a program outline that best fits your child. For this, you have to consider their interests, skills and abilities to create a child-centered program and set appropriate learning goals. You can use a combination of one-on-one instruction, hands-on activities and field trips. You can even consider requesting your local school to accommodate your kids in part-time courses or extra-curricular activities (at the school’s discretion). It is recommended that you speak with the school principal as early as possible if you wish to enter into a part-time educational arrangement with them. One important thing to remember is to include the required subject areas in your plan. These are:
- Language Arts (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
It is also recommended that you add physical education, arts (music, drama, visual arts, dance), other languages, and career development in the program. As mentioned in the video above, parents can consult homeschooling liaison officers when choosing their programming.
Considerations
Requirements
Parents must inform the government if they want to start homeschooling their children. They need to do this on or before September 1 or within 30 days of establishing a homeschool. If you are withdrawing your child enrolled in school, you have one month to inform the school and government. You can get the homeschool forms here.
Costs
Homeschooling in Manitoba is not funded by the provincial government. Parents are responsible for all costs related to resources, activities (for example field trips) or tutorial services that may be required in their education plan.
Supports
You can always contact the Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Homeschooling Office for questions or additional support. If you need resources for teaching and learning, you can access some from this link.
You can also join homeschooling support organizations in the province. Connect with other parents to get advice, resources and other supports:
- Manitoba Association of Schooling at Home (MASH)
- Manitoba Association of Christian Home Schools, Inc. (MACHS)
- Westman Homeschool Connection
Other links for more information:
- Schools in Manitoba – Homeschooling Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary of Legislation regarding homeschooling
Sources: Considering homeschooling brochure, Manitoba Government; Schools in Manitoba Homeschooling FAQs, Government of Manitoba; and Manitoba Private Schools, Our Kids. Accessed October 27, 2023.