Deciding where to educate your children is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. In today’s saturated education market, parents have myriad options when it comes to educating their children and homeschooling is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices. Homeschooling gives parents flexibility to customize their curriculum and an opportunity to provide personalized and prolonged attention to the needs of their children.
If you are considering homeschooling your child, here are fifteen questions you should ask yourself to ensure you make the best decision for your child.
1. What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling gives parents more flexibility and control over their children’s education. Typically, homeschool classrooms are smaller and less chaotic, providing an opportunity for more one-on-one time between the teacher and student and allowing for the option of personalized curriculum.
This can be beneficial for students who may have difficulty learning material in a traditional classroom setting. Home schooling can also provide more socialization opportunities, allowing students to work with and learn from peers in their own home, as well as through extracurricular activities. In addition, homeschool can allow families to travel more.
This can provide students with a greater understanding of different cultures and increase their global awareness. Though parents often feel guilty about taking their children away from their studies, the educational benefits of travelling can be immense, providing students with a greater appreciation and understanding of the world they live in. Moreover, there are numerous online resources that can compliment traditional homeschooling.
This can provide even more customized and innovative educational experiences.
2. What Steps Do I Need To Take To Begin Homeschooling?
Every state has different requirements for homeschooling, so it is important to understand the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. Generally, most states require that a yearly notification of intent to homeschool is filed with the state and that a specific curriculum is followed. Home schoolers are also expected to keep detailed records of their student’s educational progress and submit mandatory assessments or have their children participate in other types of objective assessments to ensure appropriate academic progress is being made.
You should also decide what type of learning approach fits your family best before beginning. There are a variety of approaches to homeschooling, including structured curriculums (like online curriculums), classical approaches (like the Trivium based on age), and unschooling (interest-based learning).
Take the time to research and discuss different educational approaches with your spouse and any other adults involved in your children’s education. Determine which approach is best for your family and the type of environment you want to create in your home.
3. How Will I Balance Life and Homeschooling?
Large families or families with parents dedicated to their careers may have trouble balancing life and homeschooling. That is why it is important to manage your time wisely and create a schedule that works for both you and your child. Establish a homeschooling space and designate a specific time for teaching and learning.
During this time, turn off all distractions and focus solely on your child’s lesson. Designate a specific amount of time each day (or week) for hands-on learning activities like field trips, music lessons, sports, or art classes.
Additionally, don’t forget to factor in family time, time for parents to recharge, or time for outside activities and groups. If possible, find a support group of other families who homeschool to connect with; this can make a big difference when it comes to staying organized and motivated.
4. What Resources Will I Need To Homeschool?
Before beginning to homeschool, become familiar with the types of resources available. Many curriculum options are now available both online and in bookstores. You can also create your own curriculum by utilizing both online and print resources.
Good sources for books and printable materials include your local public library, online bookstores, and online resource sites like the Home School Legal Defense Association. Make sure that your educational materials adhere to your state’s curriculum guidelines and are age appropriate.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune on educational materials. Consider looking for materials at secondhand bookstores or online auctions, or repurposing materials that you already own. Make use of free online resources and resources offered by your local library.
5. What Are The Common Misconceptions About Homeschooling?
There are many misunderstandings and misconceptions about homeschooling. Many people think that homeschooling equates to isolation, however this is far from true.
Today, there are many homeschooling social outlets, including homeschooling co-ops, enrichment groups, and field trips. There are also several online communities where homeschool parents can connect and share resources and ideas. Another common misconception is that homeschooling requires parents to have teaching credentials.
While some states do require specific teacher certification, many do not; state regulations vary. Additionally, some parents mistakenly believe that homeschooled children are unable to receive traditional diplomas. However, most states allow a Certificate of Completion to be issued to homeschooled children when they finish their studies.
6. How Can I Help My Child Socialize?
Homeschool can provide numerous opportunities for socialization, such as local homeschooling groups, online groups, and taking advantage of activities that are offered in the community. Emphasize extracurricular activities such as sports, art classes, 4-H clubs, and drama clubs to help your child build relationships. Additionally, make an effort to connect with other homeschooling parents and discuss hosting weekly learning sessions that mimic a traditional school setting.
It is also important to remember that in addition to learning life skills and socializing, children also need time to just relax and be kids. Provide your child with opportunities to interact with peers in a casual setting by arranging play dates and attending neighborhood events.
Get to know your child’s friends and their parents, and make sure your child has alone time to explore and reach their own social and emotional milestones.
7. How Can I Stay On Track With My Curriculum?
It can be easy for a homeschooling parent to get overwhelmed when it comes to keeping up with the curriculum. Consider seeking help from a qualified tutor or seeking out online support groups and forums to ask questions and discuss ideas.
Additionally, look into online curriculum websites. These are easily customizable and can offer structure by providing parents with a stepped-by-step approach to teaching their children specific subject material, as well as assessments and tests to keep track of the educational progress of the students. Another way to stay organized is by creating a daily schedule and taking regular breaks when needed.
Prioritize tasks, make a list of what needs to be accomplished, and stick to the plan. Take advantage of educational apps and digital platforms to play educational games or manage your child’s educational materials.
Many websites and digital platforms also offer grade tracking, as well as assessments and quizzes.
8. What Are The Top Reasons Parents Choose To Homeschool?
Every parent’s reasons for choosing to homeschool are unique and personal. Some parents choose to homeschool for the opportunity to provide their children with a customized and personalized learning environment, and the ability to teach their children religious or spiritual beliefs.
Others may choose homeschooling to better provide resources and special needs supports to their child. Homeschooling can also provide parents with more flexibility when it comes to lifestyle. For example, some families with a parent who travels frequently may find that homeschooling creates a more conducive environment for their family’s educational needs and lifestyle demands.
Other parents choose to homeschool to protect their children from bullying or isolated school situations and to have more control over their children’s daily environment. Some parents may also choose homeschooling because of the opportunity to bring their children’s extracurricular activities into the home. For example, families that are involved in sports or the performing arts may find that homeschooling allows their children more time to pursue their interests and passions.
9. What Are My State’s Homeschooling Requirements?
As previously mentioned, it is important to become familiar with your state’s laws and regulations before beginning to homeschool. There are numerous online resources that can provide you with information about home schooling regulations in your jurisdiction.
The Home School Legal Defense Association offers an online index of state laws that provides detailed information regarding your state’s homeschooling rules and regulations. The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) also offers a directory of State Contacts for the Protection of Pupil Rights. If you are not sure what your state’s requirements are, it is important to contact your local school district and the FPCO for more detailed information.
Additionally, most states have homeschooling advocates or support groups that can provide additional guidance and resources.
10. How Much Will It Cost To Homeschool?
The cost of homeschooling can vary depending on the curriculum chosen and the materials needed. Though some families do choose to purchase commercial curriculum packages, you can still homeschool without spending a lot of money. Most homeschooling families will spend around $200 to $300 on educational materials each year.
Resources that are free or low-cost include your local library, online resources, and the aforementioned curriculum packages. Other costs to consider include extracurricular activities, field trips, and events.
Though this cost can add up, there are also ways to save money on these items. Many local businesses offer discounts to homeschooler families, and homeschoolers can take advantage of free or discounted field trips at museums and other educational facilities. Additionally, homeschooling parents can receive free or discounted tickets to plays, concerts, or lectures.
11. Will My Child Have Access To Standardized Tests?
Most states allow homeschooled students to take state-mandated standardized tests in order to ensure that the homeschooling program is meeting the state’s educational standards. It is important to research the testing requirements in your state prior to beginning to homeschool. Regular testing can provide constructive feedback on your child’s academic progress and make sure that your homeschool program is meeting state standards.
If your state does not provide homeschoolers with permission for state testing, there are other options available. For example, many online curriculums provide free diagnostic tests that can help assess your child’s academic progress.
Other tests, such as the Iowa Basic Skills Achievement Test, are available in most states and can provide you with an idea of where your child stands academically.
12. What About College Admissions?
Homeschoolers may face more obstacles when applying for college than their traditionally schooled peers. Generally speaking, homeschoolers face more scrutiny when it comes to college admissions, as admissions counselors are tasked with trying to determine if a homeschooled student has received a comprehensive and equitable education.
This is why it is important for homeschoolers to take “college prep” courses such as math, science, and English and to look into other educational opportunities such as dual enrollment in local colleges, internships, and/or employment opportunities that may provide letters of recommendation or portfolio materials for college applications. Additionally, many colleges now offer special orientations for homeschooled applicants, providing insight into the home schooling and college application processes.
13. Will I Need To Monitor My Child’s Online Activities?
Parental controls are recommended for all homeschool families, even when the children are not on their computers. There are numerous tools available to help parents monitor and control how their children access and use the Internet. Parents should also consider setting rules and expectations for online behavior and enforce them when necessary.
It is important to remember that it is not only your child’s online activities that need to be monitored, but also their use of digital devices such as smartphones and tablets. Parents should also be aware of cyberbullying, and educate their children about the negative effects of such behavior.
The National Center for Education Statistics offers numerous resources for parents and schools to help prevent cyberbullying and other potentially damaging online activities. Additionally, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association offers legal advice and materials for parents who encounter any issues with cyberbullying, school search histories, or other online issues.
14. What Are the Challenges Of Homeschooling?
As with any educational process, there are numerous challenges involved with homeschooling. Parents should remember that they are not just educators but also parents, which means they need to be prepared for the issues that arise with raising children. It is important to remember that every home and every family is unique.
That is why researching and understanding all of the options associated with homeschooling is essential. Another challenge that homeschooling families often face is the stigma associated with homeschooling.
Homeschooling can be thought of as “non-traditional” and even “unorthodox”, and this can lead to apprehension or judgment from family, friends, or other community members. Additionally, the stresses of home schooling can sometimes raise tensions between family members, so it is important to establish ground rules and discuss expectations frequently and openly to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
15. How Can I Find More Homeschooling Resources?
There are countless resources available to homeschooling families, both online and in your local community. As mentioned previously, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides parents with resources regarding legal matters and educational policies. In addition, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) offers comprehensive statistics and data related to homeschooling.
The Home School Foundation (HSF) and the Home School Legal Association of California (HSLAC) are two other online resources that offer useful resources and materials for homeschooling families. Additionally, the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) offers research papers, data, and programs for homeschoolers.
Your local library and/or community classes may also offer educational materials.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be both a rewarding and challenging experience, and it is important for parents to do their research and prepare themselves for the process. Before beginning, it is important that parents become familiar with their state’s regulations and determine what type of curriculum fits their family’s needs and lifestyle.
Additionally, parents should factor in their budget and the ability to balance life and homeschooling. Make sure to take advantage of free and low-cost educational resources, and don’t forget to factor in extracurricular activities and socialization. With the right resources, collaboration, and dedication, homeschooling can be an extremely positive experience for both parents and children.