How do parents help their kids learn once they reach middle school or high school level and the materials get more challenging?
I understand that many good online courses exist but they are not full substitutes of in-person discussions and personalized feedback for essays, for example. It can take quite a bit of time to understand or even review materials. Some families might not have the necessary background as well.
Personally, my mother was good at writing, so she taught that subject until I was 12. After that, there was a local writing teacher who taught an equivalent of comp 1, and comp 2.
My father taught math and programming. We did a mix of typical tutoring, and self study. Lots of self study since I had a natural aptitude for it.
From my experience, the horror stories you hear about kids being stuck in the middle of nowhere with only a bible to read are not the norm, and not what most "homeschoolers" advocate for. Even the word homeschool is a misnomer, a large amount of my time was spent at a local co-op with other "homeschoolers". My wifes youngest brother spends 4 out of 5 days split across two local co-ops. Her eldest brother is in a PhD program after the same experience. Most of the homeschoolers I know are more than able to function in modern society. Homeschooling simply allows for a much more tailored and less systematized schooling experience, making each family educational experience more akin to a startup in its ability to be nimble and respond to individual needs.
You learn with them, basically. Or you find other people in your community that can help. I’m not sure about others but most people don’t homeschool in isolation.
I understand that many good online courses exist but they are not full substitutes of in-person discussions and personalized feedback for essays, for example. It can take quite a bit of time to understand or even review materials. Some families might not have the necessary background as well.