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I have had a number of friends approach me over the last several years with questions. Maybe they have seen what the life of a homeschool family can look like, maybe they are dissatisfied with their current educational choice, maybe our current public school education has left them wanting.
Whatever the reason they have begun searching. They all seem to have some of the same questions, I had them as well. So I am going to attempt to put forth some answers to some of the basic questions I often hear.
Whatever the reason they have begun searching. They all seem to have some of the same questions, I had them as well. So I am going to attempt to put forth some answers to some of the basic questions I often hear.
1. It isn't difficult and you don't need to be brilliant in every subject
One of my biggest hangups when we began our journey into homeschooling was the concern that I had a gifted child, about to enter middle school, and I was HORRIBLE at math. How was I ever going to teach her upper level mathematics when I barely passed them myself? Even in college I had a tutor that aided me in making it through the math portion of my degree (luckily my degree had very little math involved but still!)
From one homeschool parent to a hopeful, it can be done. I just located a program for us that did all the teaching, took out the guess work, and removed me as the teacher. I don't do this in all subjects but math was my biggest concern. My piece of advice, though homeschooling does not have to be expensive, spend the most on the subject you are least proficient in.
From one homeschool parent to a hopeful, it can be done. I just located a program for us that did all the teaching, took out the guess work, and removed me as the teacher. I don't do this in all subjects but math was my biggest concern. My piece of advice, though homeschooling does not have to be expensive, spend the most on the subject you are least proficient in.
We went with a program called "Teaching Textbooks" for our math. All the instruction including practice is captured on computer dvds that are interactive. My children watch illustrations on the lesson and then have a chance to practice, if they get a problem wrong, they have a chance to click and see the entire problem worked out for them. Another bonus? The program is self grading so all I have to do is log on and I can see on any given lesson what percentage they got right/wrong, if they looked at the step by step answer for wrong problems and how they do on all tests. It has been a lifesaver! Teaching Textbooks is useful for all grades (we use it now from elementary through highschool) and each grade corresponds with the number (i.e. Math 4 is 4th grade, Math 7 is 7th grade) Love this program!
2. You SHOULD NOT recreate standard school in your home
Let me, and any other veteran homeschool mom for that matter, warn you. DONT DO IT! You may be tempted to buy cute little desks and dedicate a room as the "school room" in your home complete with a teacher desk and chalkboard but most (if not all) the veteran homeschool moms will tell you that re-creating school in your home sucks the life out of you and also removes the spontinaity and creativity you are afforded in your homeschool ventures.
After removing 3 of my 5 children from the public school system this was a hard won lesson to learn. I had been taught in public school and that was what I knew. I thought I had to recreate the skeleton thereof complete with recess and gym class. What I failed to realize was that I was boxing myself into a corner. We now (through much trial and error, mostly on my part) have come to a much happier place where we have structure and form to our homeschool day but we make it our own.
If we want to read literature aloud over cocoa and coffee (mine of course) for our history, we can do it while sitting on the trampoline outside in the sun.
If we have trouble focusing (mostly my boys) on a task, sometimes a quick "gym class" of laps up and down the driveway makes focus a whole lot easier.
When we want to allow a nature walk to find some of the insects we are learning about in science, we can take off.
This is what works in our homeschool, each of us has to find what works and step away from the idea of how we are supposed to do it. There really aren't rules to the manner in which you teach, it is what suits your students best.
After removing 3 of my 5 children from the public school system this was a hard won lesson to learn. I had been taught in public school and that was what I knew. I thought I had to recreate the skeleton thereof complete with recess and gym class. What I failed to realize was that I was boxing myself into a corner. We now (through much trial and error, mostly on my part) have come to a much happier place where we have structure and form to our homeschool day but we make it our own.
If we want to read literature aloud over cocoa and coffee (mine of course) for our history, we can do it while sitting on the trampoline outside in the sun.
If we have trouble focusing (mostly my boys) on a task, sometimes a quick "gym class" of laps up and down the driveway makes focus a whole lot easier.
When we want to allow a nature walk to find some of the insects we are learning about in science, we can take off.
This is what works in our homeschool, each of us has to find what works and step away from the idea of how we are supposed to do it. There really aren't rules to the manner in which you teach, it is what suits your students best.
3. REACH OUT: find a local homeschool group and plug in
Homeschooling can be a bit lonely if you let it. This is a recipe for disaster. We need encouragement, we need creative ideas, we need affirmation. Find a homeschooling group that you can mesh with (you sometimes have to look hard) and make some friends. This may take awhile. I know that when we first stated homeschooling and I began looking for such a group I was inundated with a number of places and people to become involved with.
What I quickly learned though was there were some groups that were helpful and others that I really didn't fit with. I am homeschooling with a Christ centered base so I did not fit into a secular homeschooling group. I didn't have time to commit to a co-op so i forfeited that as well. I settled on an amazing local group that offers moms nights out as well as field days and all manner of organized field trips. It is free, full of like minded moms and it helps us.
The other HUGE benefit to becoming involved in homeschool groups is the ability to get first hand reviews of curriculum you may be considering. One of the best things was when I started homeschooling this group's leader invited me to her home and showed me all of the curriculum she used. I asked questions, I thumbed through pages, I talked to the kids. I found that some of it would not be a good fit for us but some of it was SPOT ON. This was such a help to me when I was but a newbie. Find other moms like this.
What I quickly learned though was there were some groups that were helpful and others that I really didn't fit with. I am homeschooling with a Christ centered base so I did not fit into a secular homeschooling group. I didn't have time to commit to a co-op so i forfeited that as well. I settled on an amazing local group that offers moms nights out as well as field days and all manner of organized field trips. It is free, full of like minded moms and it helps us.
The other HUGE benefit to becoming involved in homeschool groups is the ability to get first hand reviews of curriculum you may be considering. One of the best things was when I started homeschooling this group's leader invited me to her home and showed me all of the curriculum she used. I asked questions, I thumbed through pages, I talked to the kids. I found that some of it would not be a good fit for us but some of it was SPOT ON. This was such a help to me when I was but a newbie. Find other moms like this.
4. Attend a Homeschool Convention
.There will always be a reason not to go. Not enough money, no babysitter, too far away. Let me tell you that especially if you are new to homeschooling, this may be the single most important thing you do. You don't have to spend ANY money, just go to look if need be.
If you need to save money HERE is a post I did for another blogger regarding how to do that.
If you need to attend a convention with children HERE is a post I did for another blogger regarding how to do that.
Even I still make a point to go yearly HERE is why.
If you need to save money HERE is a post I did for another blogger regarding how to do that.
If you need to attend a convention with children HERE is a post I did for another blogger regarding how to do that.
Even I still make a point to go yearly HERE is why.
5. Start By Learning the Laws in Your State
Sounds daunting doesn't it? It isn't. Every state has their own set of rules/regulations when it comes to homeschooling. Some are more lenient (for example TX, OK, MO, IA, IL, IN, MI, ID, AK, CT and NJ do not require ANY notification by the parent of their decision to homeschool) All the other states have varying degrees of restriction/expectations.
Even if your state is one that requires more of homeschooling parents, know that it is legal in all 50 states to homeschool your child. There are even a number of legal defense advocacy groups just to protect that right.
The laws really aren't difficult to navigate, HERE is a listing of all 50 states, click on any state for details.
Even if your state is one that requires more of homeschooling parents, know that it is legal in all 50 states to homeschool your child. There are even a number of legal defense advocacy groups just to protect that right.
The laws really aren't difficult to navigate, HERE is a listing of all 50 states, click on any state for details.
6. Recognize the Difference Between Parent-Driven Curricula and State-Driven Online Curricula.
This one confuses most people. Online schools are the buzz word right now, they are touted as an amazing way to homeschool your child for nearly free as the books, curriculum and computer are all provided to you free of charge. But...someone is paying that bill. This is what I like to call State-Driven online public school.
The technicality of it is that yes, your child is at home. However, know that the entity providing the materials is the one in charge. Meaning, if you don't want public school indoctrination and you want say, a creationary standpoint discussed in the education for your children, this may not be the option that would best suit you.
The second option is what I call Parent Driven Curriculum. This is where the parent chooses either a particular company to adhere to either on a per subject basis or an all-inclusive grade level basis. Or, totally different than that, the parent develops their own curriculum to teach their child. This is where the homeschool resurgence began, with parent driven curricula, however the public schools losing money as children began staying home for school are now offering their own brand of homeschooling, via the online avenue.
The technicality of it is that yes, your child is at home. However, know that the entity providing the materials is the one in charge. Meaning, if you don't want public school indoctrination and you want say, a creationary standpoint discussed in the education for your children, this may not be the option that would best suit you.
The second option is what I call Parent Driven Curriculum. This is where the parent chooses either a particular company to adhere to either on a per subject basis or an all-inclusive grade level basis. Or, totally different than that, the parent develops their own curriculum to teach their child. This is where the homeschool resurgence began, with parent driven curricula, however the public schools losing money as children began staying home for school are now offering their own brand of homeschooling, via the online avenue.
7. Educate Yourself
A very good place to start is with some amazing resources available that will encourage you, educate you, and help you on the rough days. Google information such as "test scores of homeschoolers as compared to public schools," Learn about the move of Ivy league colleges to begin recruiting homeschooled students. Talk to other moms who have taken the plunge into homeschooling and not looked back.
Then begin reading...There are a number of books I read when I began this journey, I gleaned bits and pieces from each of them and I felt better about my decision after each read. Here are a few of my favorites.
Then begin reading...There are a number of books I read when I began this journey, I gleaned bits and pieces from each of them and I felt better about my decision after each read. Here are a few of my favorites.
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The Way They Learn By Cynthia Tobias |
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The Big What Now Book of Learning Styles By Carol Barnier |
8. Give Yourself Grace
Homeschooling has a definite learning curve. What works for one child, may not be a perfect fit for a sibling. That is the beauty of homeschooling. You can adjust your schedule, curriculum, and teaching methods as often as needed.
During the learning curve though, know that a bad day here and there, or even a bad week for that matter doesn't define your homeschool. We all have rough spots, even teachers in traditional school settings will tell you that, just ask any teacher who has taught a classroom full of children the week before Christmas Break and the week before Summer break.
Do know that if you jump on this train, and you stick with it...you will begin to see amazing results. It may not be immediate, but then again nothing worth having ever is. You will get to know your children better than you ever have, you will see relationships in your home in an entirely new light, and you will be amazed at just how much you too will learn along the way. Give yourself some grace if you begin this journey, you have to. It isn't easy, but it is SOOOOO worth it!
During the learning curve though, know that a bad day here and there, or even a bad week for that matter doesn't define your homeschool. We all have rough spots, even teachers in traditional school settings will tell you that, just ask any teacher who has taught a classroom full of children the week before Christmas Break and the week before Summer break.
Do know that if you jump on this train, and you stick with it...you will begin to see amazing results. It may not be immediate, but then again nothing worth having ever is. You will get to know your children better than you ever have, you will see relationships in your home in an entirely new light, and you will be amazed at just how much you too will learn along the way. Give yourself some grace if you begin this journey, you have to. It isn't easy, but it is SOOOOO worth it!
