Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for families from all walks of life across the United States. As school systems have been navigating remote learning since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more parents are considering homeschooling as a potential long-term option for the education of their children. Homeschooling may be the right choice for many families, but it is vital to understand every aspect of this educational method to make the best decision for your family.
Here, we discuss what it takes to homeschool your child, including curriculum options, state requirements, support networks, and more.
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the practice of educating your child at home, instead of sending them to a public or private school. Generally, one parent serves as the primary teacher, although there are also homeschooling cooperatives, where families come together to homeschool their children.
Homeschooling gives parents the chance to customize the curriculum to fit their child’s individual needs and interests, providing more one-on-one attention and more flexibility in the learning process.
Is homeschooling legal?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Every state has its own requirements for homeschooling, and parents must satisfy those requirements to ensure that their homeschool program is compliant with state regulations. Generally, all states require an affidavit from the parents, an immunization record from the student, and attendance records, among other things.
Can I use public school curriculums to homeschool my child?
Yes, a public school curriculum can be used to homeschool your child. That said, most public school curriculums are designed with the highly structured, large classroom model in mind, so it may take some adjustment to use them for homeschooling. The best approach is to modify the curriculum to fit the needs of your child and to create your own unique learning environment and style.
Is homeschooling expensive?
Homeschooling can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you make it. There are plenty of free online or printable resources you can use, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can create your own curriculum from scratch.
That said, there are also options for buying pre-packaged curriculums, textbooks, and more, and these materials can add up quickly. It’s also worth noting that certain states require homeschoolers to use certain curriculums, which may require additional purchases.
Do I need a degree to homeschool my child?
No, you do not need a degree to homeschool your child. Depending on the state, there may be educational requirements to serve as a homeschooling teacher, such as having a high school diploma, or a certain number of college credits, but these requirements vary from state to state.
Can I work full time if I’m homeschooling?
Yes, it is possible to work full time and homeschool your child. That said, depending on the age of your child, it may help to have someone else in the house to help with instruction and to provide supervision. If possible, it’s best to make sure one parent can be present for most of the school day to provide assistance with school-related tasks.
What curriculum options are available for homeschooling?
There are a number of curriculum options available for homeschooling, including traditional books and textbooks, online courses, and more. Traditional textbooks can be bought from a variety of sources, and many public school districts are happy to provide these books to homeschooling parents. Online courses are also widely available, and many states offer programs specially designed for homeschoolers.
What other resources are available for homeschoolers?
In addition to textbooks and online courses, there are a variety of other resources available to homeschoolers. Field trips, co-op classes, homeschooling conferences, and libraries are all excellent resources.
Field trips serve to supplement your lessons, while co-op classes provide a chance for your child to interact with other students and give your child the opportunity to learn from different teachers.
What about socialization for homeschoolers?
Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled children are often socialized better than their peers in traditional schools. This is because homeschooling families often participate in local homeschooling groups, cooperatives, and special activities, which provide social opportunities. That said, it’s important to actively cultivate social opportunities for your homeschooler, as it’s still important for children to make friends and develop appropriate social skills.
Do I need to know all academic subjects to homeschool?
No, you do not need to be an expert in all academic subjects to be a successful homeschooling teacher. Many parents choose to focus on certain core subjects, such as reading, math, and science, while using outside resources to teach other subjects.
It’s also possible to hire tutors or virtual teachers to teach certain subjects to your child.
Do I need to create lesson plans?
Yes, it’s a good idea to create lesson plans for your homeschooled child. This will help you keep track of what you’ve covered with your child, and it will help you plan ahead for what needs to be accomplished. Writing out lesson plans also helps to give structure and focus to the homeschooling day, which can be beneficial for both you and your child.
What support networks are available for homeschoolers?
There are plenty of resources and support networks available for homeschoolers. Local homeschooling groups, online communities, and even homeschooling blogs are all great places to get advice and find tips and resources.
Many of these groups also organize activities and events, which can be a great way for homeschoolers to socialize and meet other homeschooling families.
Are there any special considerations to keep in mind?
Homeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to be aware of the challenges that may arise. Homeschooling is a lot of work, and it can be draining and isolating for both parents and children. It’s important to be mindful of burnout and to stay positive.
It can also be helpful to plan breaks and vacations throughout the homeschooling year to give everyone a chance to recuperate.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an increasingly popular option for families across the United States, and it can be an excellent way to provide your child with an individualized, customizable education. That said, it’s important to understand the nuances of homeschooling, including the state requirements, curriculum options, and support networks available to parents and homeschoolers alike.
With the right knowledge and attitude, homeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.