Many parents of school-age children now have the option of homeschooling their kids as an alternative to traditional classroom-based learning. With homeschooling, parents can customize their children’s education to suit the individual, taking into account the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
With so many different curriculums available, however, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some of the best homeschool curriculums for 2017 and answer 15 key questions that all prospective homeschoolers should consider.
What Are Some of the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling?
The decision to homeschool a child does not come without its pros and cons. One of the main advantages of homeschooling is that the child can be taught at their own pace, adjusting both the rate and the difficulty of learning to the student’s specific abilities. Kids also can benefit from spending more time learning from and with their parents, and from having more control over the topics and subjects they cover.
On the other hand, one of the biggest disadvantages of homeschooling is the added burden on the parents’ time, since they must manage the curriculum while also handling all of the other demands of being a parent. In addition, the lack of social interaction with other kids may also be of concern.
What Are the Different Types of Homeschooling Curriculum?
There are several types of homeschooling curriculum available. Traditional forms of structured curriculum provide a step-by-step approach with pre-set learning objectives, allowing parents to track their children’s progress.
These are generally textbook-based, duration-based and grade-based. On the other hand, unstructured curriculum is more open-ended and child-centric. Unstructured curriculums often allow for more creative analysis and process-based learning.
Traditional and unstructured curriculums can also be combined to let kids work at their own pace and learn from their individual interests.
What Are Some of the Best Homeschool Curriculums for 2017?
The best homeschool curriculum for 2017 depends on the child’s individual needs and learning style. A popular traditional curriculum is the Abeka curriculum, which offers an extensive library of textbooks covering topics ranging from language arts and mathematics to sciences, music and art.
Abeka’s rigorous program is designed to prepare students for college and students consistently score higher than their non-homeschooled peers on college entrance exams. The Abeka curriculum also provides a weekly schedule and assessment tools to ensure that students are meeting their goals. K12 is another popular homeschool curriculum for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
K12’s award-winning program provides lesson plans and activities as well as books, videos and other resources to help kids learn. It also offers online courses, allowing kids to access an interactive learning environment and make friends with their peers around the world.
Khan Academy is a free online platform that offers interactive lectures, activities and assessments in a range of subjects. Khan Academy lessons are tailored to students’ individual needs and it also provides reviews and progress reports to help parents track their children’s progress. The Oak Meadow curriculum is another popular choice for homeschoolers.
This comprehensive curriculum offers both structured and unstructured lessons as well as an array of activities and projects to keep kids engaged. The curriculum is available for students from pre-K to 12th grade and can be customized to a child’s individual needs and interests.
Are Homeschool Curriculum Materials More Expensive than Traditional School Supplies?
In general, homeschool curriculum materials are not more expensive than traditional school supplies. Many homeschool curriculums are available for purchase as e-books or as physical materials that can be delivered to the home. Online curriculums, such as Khan Academy and K12, are generally free and do not require parents to purchase additional materials.
What Are Some Methods of Teaching and Evaluating Homeschooled Children?
Homeschooled children can be taught and evaluated using traditional methods, such as weekly tests and quizzes, papers and group presentations. In addition, parents can take advantage of the wealth of online educational resources available, such as educational apps and online learning platforms.
Homeschoolers can also benefit from field trips and other experiential learning opportunities. Finally, homeschoolers can also be evaluated with assessments and standardized tests.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling provides parents with the opportunity to customize their children’s education to meet their individual needs. Homeschooling also allows parents to teach their children in an environment free from the distractions, peer pressure and bullying that are sometimes found in traditional school settings.
Finally, homeschooled children often have more time for extracurricular activities, community service and travel.
What Are Common Challenges for Homeschoolers?
Common challenges for homeschoolers include managing the curriculum and teaching material, having enough time to cover all the subjects and finding opportunities for social interaction with peers. In addition, homeschooling can be isolating, since the homeschooler is not in the same physical environment as the students in a traditional school setting.
How Can Parents and Homeschoolers Get Support and Guidance?
Parents and homeschoolers can find support and guidance by attending homeschool conventions and workshops, participating in homeschooling support groups and online discussions, and consulting with local homeschooling organizations. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a good resource for homeschoolers, providing guidance and support in navigating the legal issues of homeschooling.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling?
Legal requirements for homeschooling vary from state to state. In general, though, parents are usually required to notify their school district of their intent to homeschool and to have their child evaluated annually to ensure that the child is making educational progress. In some states, parents may also be required to follow a certain curriculum, teach certain subjects and have their child tested periodically.
Are Homeschoolers Critiqued Differently for Post-Secondary Applications?
Homeschoolers are not critiqued differently for post-secondary applications. As with traditional students, post-secondary schools look at grades and test scores when evaluating homeschoolers.
To strengthen their applications, homeschoolers can also list extracurricular activities and volunteer work they have participated in.
Where Can Homeschoolers Find Scholarship Opportunities?
Homeschoolers can find scholarship opportunities through local homeschooling organizations, online resources and University websites. The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) provides a list of available scholarships for homeschoolers, and homeschoolers can also take advantage of scholarships available to all students, regardless of their educational background.
What Is the Difference between Standardized Tests and Performance-Based Assessments?
Standardized tests measure what students have learned in a particular subject, while performance-based assessments measure the student’s ability to apply what they have learned. Standardized tests are structured to assess skills and knowledge in a particular subject and they often involve multiple-choice or true/false questions.
Performance-based assessments, on the other hand, involve real-world tasks that require the student to use their knowledge and skills to solve a problem or complete a project.
Conclusion
Choosing a homeschool curriculum for one’s child is not an easy decision, but with the right research and preparation, parents can make the most informed decision for their child. The best curriculum for 2017 depends on the child’s individual needs, learning styles and interests, so it’s important for parents to consider all their options before committing to a curriculum. With educational resources becoming more accessible, the world of homeschooling has opened up to parents, giving them the opportunity to create an effective, personalized learning environment for their child.