Back to school for home schooling families

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Back to school season is here, but not all students will be heading to a traditional classroom setting. As her daughter gets ready to hit the books, Tanya Wilson a home school mom is making the transition from mom to teacher.

"I'm a teacher right now. I'm not mom and then you know you have to set those boundaries and make sure that they're aware. Just basically setting the tone early, setting those foundations."

Wilson says that it is nice not having to stick to a strict 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM schedule because it opens the door for more opportunities for her daughter to do the things she loves such as gymnastics or spending time in the outdoors while learning important life lessons. They are also able to do class in different settings either at home or out and about in places like the park.

"You just kind of make it flexible for them and it's not always just within the four walls. You take it out in kind of more life skills and hands on. We do everything we're supposed to do it just looks a little different."

Wilson says overall one of the biggest perks of home schooling is getting to spend more time with her daughter. Another big benefit is being able to focus on the topics her daughter needs more help with, since she is home schooled, she is able to work to meet her daughter's needs.

"The benefit would be to answer it simply is just being able to really focus on what needs to be focused on at that time and maybe rabbit hole into other things if need be."

In addition to becoming a teacher during the school year, Wilson also runs two Facebook groups, The Champaign Homeschool Group and C-U Homeschool Co-op giving parents in Champaign more resources when it comes to home schooling.

"It is the Champaign homeschool group. It is basically resources and a way to get involved."

While Wilson is working to make sure that parents know their options when it comes to home school, her daughter Josie is excited to continue learning from her mom.

"It's awesome. we get to end early, and we don't have to stay a long time its super fun."

Kids that are being home schooled in Champaign are able to take part in a meet up once a week on Fridays and take field trips together. For more resources on programs available to kids and parents check out the Wilson's Facebook pages.