Homeschooling is an educational alternative that many families are turning to, allowing them to customize their child’s learning experience and give them a more individualized instruction than they may receive in a traditional classroom setting. Even adults are exploring homeschooling opportunities and educational options for themselves.
As more people are interested in learning and educating themselves independently, many questions have arisen, such as how to get started, what kind of materials to use and how to determine the level of difficulty for courses. To help you better understand the fundamentals of homeschooling yourself, these 15 questions will be explored and answered.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a method of education where the student is taught at home, often by a parent or tutor, in place of attending a more traditional school. This can include a combination of traditional textbooks and digital materials like online classes, videos, and discussion boards.
Although homeschooling has grown in popularity in recent years, it has actually been around since the dawn of time and has been used by many of our country’s most influential leaders. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to customize the learning process to fit the student’s individual needs.
Who Can Homeschool?
Homeschooling is available to anyone, of any age and from any background. Families who homeschool their children are part of a growing community, with an estimated 5 million K-12 students currently homeschooled and approximately 27% of those between the ages of 15 and 24 having participated in some form of homeschooling at least once.
Popular reasons for taking up homeschooling include medical and religious reasons, convenience, addressing special learning needs, and dissatisfaction with other forms of schooling.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
While there are numerous reasons for homeschooling, the most popular benefit is being able to give the student an individualized education, focusing on their individual strengths and interests. This encourages exploratory learning and can offer students a more flexible curriculum.
Homeschooling also allows parents to be more involved in their children’s education, giving them more control over their learning environment and the ability to set their own schedules. Finally, homeschooling can help save money as students do not have to pay tuition fees, purchase supplies, or purchase lunch tickets.
What Materials are Needed for Homeschooling?
First, it’s important to understand the local homeschooling laws in your area before beginning. Once laws have been reviewed, the materials needed for homeschooling can be determined. For curriculum, textbook materials, online classes, and educational videos can be used.
It’s important to purchase materials that are comprehensive and engaging. Depending on the student, additional materials like art supplies, computers and calculators, and books may also be needed.
What is the Difference Between Homeschooling and Public School?
The main difference between homeschooling and public school is how the student’s education is delivered. Public schools are typically taught by trained teachers in a classroom setting with a set curriculum, while homeschooling takes place at home and can be tailored to a student’s unique needs and interests. Another difference is the relevance of the curriculum.
In public schools, the material is typically chosen according to state educational standards, while in homeschooling, the curriculum can be determined by the parent. In addition, homeschooling allows parents to provide religious instruction if desired, while this is prohibited in public schools.
How to Choose the Right Curriculum?
Choosing the right curriculum for your homeschooling requires careful consideration and planning. First, the parent should review their child’s age and abilities, as well as their interests. With these factors in mind, curricula that are tailored to individual needs can be narrowed down.
Digital media, textbooks, and hands-on activities can all be used to tailor lessons. It is also important to consider the format and level of difficulty, as well as any legal requirements in the area.
How to Measure Educational Progress?
Measuring educational progress is an important part of any homeschooling endeavor. Assessment tools can be used to measure student’s progress and understanding throughout the year, while also assessing the parents’ teaching effectiveness. Assessments can take the form of short quizzes, exams, projects, discussions, and other assignments.
Additionally, keeping track of grades, student feedback and conversations, time logs, and any other paperwork help parents and students alike assess the student’s progress over time.
What are Some Good Ways to Motivate the Student?
Motivating students in any educational setting can be difficult, and is especially so in a homeschooling setting. First, identify what interests the student as this can help focus their attention. Give the student tasks that will challenge them and be rewarding when completed.
It can also be useful to find activities that can be done outside the home, such as field trips and volunteering, as these can give the student something to look forward to. Finally, recognize progress and provide rewards for completing tasks or attaining milestones to help the student stay motivated.
How to Prepare for Exams and Tests?
Taking exams and tests can be a nerve wracking experience, regardless of age. As such, it is important to prepare the student by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Depending on the type of exam, studying strategies, such as taking practice tests, can be employed to help the student feel more confident and prepared.
For standard subject tests, utilizing resources such as online classes, lectures, tutoring services, and texts can also be beneficial. Finally, providing the student with a quiet and comfortable environment to study in can also help them achieve their optimum test taking abilities.
How to Find Tutors for Homeschooling?
Homeschooling doesn’t always require the help of a tutor; however, having outside help can be beneficial, especially in difficult or specialized subject areas. Tutors can be found in a variety of ways, such as through word-of-mouth, online search engines, and through group organizations and events.
When searching for a tutor, parents should ensure that the tutor is experienced and knowledgeable in the subject area, as well as trusted by the family. In addition, they should be willing to review the parent’s homeschooling approach and curriculum.
How to Choose the Best Homeschooling Structure?
Choosing the type of homeschooling approach that is best for the student and family is a personal decision and should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Popular homeschooling structures include traditional homeschooling, online homeschooling, and unschooling. In traditional homeschooling, a set curriculum is followed, similar to that of a regular school; online homeschooling provides students with an online classroom and interactive learning experience; and unschooling allows students to take the lead and direct their own education with parental guidance.
How to Handle Socialization in Homeschooling?
Parents often worry about their homeschooled child’s social skills, as socialization is a vital component of learning. To ensure that their student is still receiving socialization, parents should create a balanced plan that includes both in-person and virtual interaction. Informal playdates and field trips with other homeschoolers can help provide a social outlet.
If a parent wants more organized interactions, they can turn to organized online or in-person classes, extracurricular activities and community events.
Where to Find Free Homeschool Resources?
Finding free homeschool resources presents another challenge for parents, but luckily there are many options available. From textbooks to online courses, there is something for everyone.
Popular options include free online classes through websites like Khan Academy and Coursera, free materials through organizations such as Khan Academy and the Home School Legal Defense Association, and free curation of material through sites such as YouTube and iTunes U.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for College?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for college admissions, and even have the potential to become valedictorian. However, each college has their own admissions standards and policies, so it is important to look into this before enrolling.
Many colleges offer special programs and services for homeschooled students, such as the Homeschooling Success Program at Hofstra University. Additionally, ACT, SAT, and other tests are available for homeschooled students.
What are the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be an excellent educational experience for some students, but as with any educational program, there are pros and cons. On the plus side, homeschooling alllows for individualized attention and learning, flexibility, and lower financial costs.
On the other hand, there can be parental stress involved, as well as social and cultural isolation. There may also be issues related to accessing large-scale standardized testing, as well as locating and purchasing the necessary materials.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be a viable alternative to traditional school and is a great way to provide students with the individualized education and attention they need. However, it’s important to do your research and understand the laws and regulations in your area before starting. Finding resources, understanding curriculum, and providing your student with motivation and socialization can also help ensure that the homeschooling experience is successful.
With these 15 questions answered, parents and students alike can feel confident in their ability to homeschool.