Homeschooling a child under 18 can be one of the most rewarding and difficult decisions a parent can make. Whether it is due to a family move, a desire to teach specific values or skills, or simply a desire to provide a different learning experience, homeschooling poses a unique set of considerations.
In this article, we will be discussing the basics of homeschooling a child under 18, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of the process. To provide the most comprehensive look at how to homeschool a child under 18, we will answer 15 of the most asked questions about the process.
What are the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling a Child Under 18?
In many states, the legal requirements for homeschooling children under 18 are not particularly onerous. Generally speaking, most states will require parents wishing to homeschool to simply notify their local school district that they are planning to homeschool their child.
Depending on the state, this notification may also require the submission of immunization records and proof of birth. It is worth noting that homeschooling does remain illegal in a handful of states, including New York, Nebraska and South Dakota. Parents who wish to homeschool in one of the states where it is illegal should consult an attorney to determine their options.
How Much Time Does Homeschooling Take?
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer, as it depends largely on the individual child and their level of learning ability and interest. Generally speaking, you can typically expect to allot anywhere from 4-7 hours a day for your child’s studies.
This should be broken down into a variety of activities, such as reading, writing, and math. Most states will have their own guidelines as to what minimum coursework should be covered, as well.
What Resources Are Available for Homeschoolers?
Fortunately, there are many different resources available for homeschoolers, particularly when compared to just a few short years ago. One of the easiest ways to find relevant resources is to join a local homeschooling group or search online.
These resources can range from educational websites to materials to support with lesson plans and more. Homeschoolers should also keep in mind that many local libraries serve as great educational resources and can easily be used to supplement their learning environment.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling a Child Under 18?
The potential benefits of homeschooling children under 18 are numerous! First and foremost, many parents feel that homeschooled children have more personal growth and development than those who attend public or private schools.
This is largely due to the individualized focus that can be given to an individual child’s learning style. This allows for a much greater understanding of the materials being taught, resulting in the child feeling like their knowledge is valued and appreciated. Additionally, homeschooled children often develop a greater curiosity within their subjects, as well as an ability to think more critically and independently.
And depending on the curriculum being used, they can often receive a more advanced and personalized education than what is typically offered in a traditional school setting.
What Are the Drawbacks of Homeschooling?
While there are numerous potential benefits to homeschooling your child, there are some drawbacks as well. First and foremost, parents who choose to homeschool their children take on a considerable amount of responsibility and in many cases, a significant financial burden.
This is because homeschoolers are typically required to not only design and implement their own curriculum, but also purchase or rent the necessary materials needed to teach it. Additionally, homeschoolers can find themselves isolated from their peers in a manner not typically encountered in public or private schools. Additionally, parents who homeschool their children are often unprepared for all of the responsibilities that must be taken on and can find themselves overwhelmed.
This can result in a chaotic and disorganized learning environment, which can have a substantial impact on their child’s educational progress. Finally, it can be difficult to know if the level of instruction that is provided is on par with what would be received in a standard school setting.
Should I Consider a Formal Homeschooling Program?
For parents who are considering homeschooling, but are unsure of how to go about doing so, a formal homeschooling program may be worth considering. These programs typically involve a predetermined curriculum and are often conducted either online or in-person through a variety of educational institutions, such as private schools and non-traditional schools.
The benefit of formal homeschooling programs is that they provide parents with a great deal of structure, sorting through all of the different materials and lesson plans that may be necessary when homeschooling on their own. Additionally, they often employ qualified teachers, and in some instances, may even offer college credit. However, as with most things, there are some potential drawbacks worth noting, such as the cost, lack of customization, and lack of one-on- one interaction between the student and their teacher.
What are the Pros and Cons of Online Homeschooling?
The primary benefit of online homeschooling is that it offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing parents to work around personal and work schedules, as well as the ability to access educational materials from any place with an internet connection. Additionally, online programs often provide ample opportunities for social interaction among students, as well as education resources that may not otherwise be available in traditional schools. Of course, there are some notable downsides to online homeschooling as well.
For starters, there is typically a large financial investment associated with online homeschooling, and parents may find themselves struggling to stay up todate with a curriculum that is constantly changing. Additionally, many parents may find themselves lacking the necessary skills to effectively teach the material or struggling to find time to fully engage their child online.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Homeschooling?
One of the most common misconceptions about homeschooling is that homeschooled children are missing out on experiences they would otherwise receive in a traditional school setting. However, this is simply not the case. Homeschooled children often participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, and many will even take classes outside of their homes.
In fact, many homeschoolers end up joining school sports teams or taking classes at local community colleges. Another common misconception is that homeschoolers lack socialization.
While some parents may choose to isolate their children by homeschooling them, the truth is that most homeschooled children are well socialized —just in a different way. Homeschooling allows parents to ensure that their children are exposed to a variety of different perspectives and experiences, which would otherwise not be available in a traditional school setting.
What Should I Do If I’m Considering Homeschooling?
For parents who believe that homeschooling might be the right choice for their family, the first step should be to determine what resources are available and make sure that they are prepared to commit to the necessary time and effort. Additionally, parents should keep in mind that there are many different curriculums and programs available for homeschoolers, which can be easily tailored to meet the needs of each individual child.
Parents should also take the time to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of both homeschooling and traditional education when making their decision. They should also consult with family, friends, and members of the local community for additional advice, as well as reach out to members of homeschooling support groups or talk to other parents who have made the transition from traditional to homeschooling.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Homeschooling a Child Under 18?
When it comes to homeschooling a child under 18, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First and foremost, parents must be willing to commit to the process and devote a significant amount of time, energy, and resources to homeschooling their child. Additionally, they should ensure that they have adequate access to the necessary materials and information needed to teach the curriculum.
Parents should also ensure that they are able to provide a consistent, yet flexible, learning environment — it is important that the environment is stimulating, yet also allows children to take breaks when needed. Finally, it is important to make sure to set aside time for social interaction, so that children can build the necessary skills required to make and maintain relationships.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child under 18 is an incredibly difficult decision to make and should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, there are a number of resources and programs that can make the process easier, and many parents have found it to be a very rewarding experience. Ultimately, the decision to homeschool or not lies with the parents, and they should take the time to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making any final decisions.