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Parentpedia
Homeschooling
What Experts Say
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular method of educating children. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, more than 1 million children were homeschooled in 2003.
Many parents have turned to homeschooling because of concerns about the environment in the schools, because of dissatisfaction with the quality and content of instruction, or because they would like their children to receive religious/moral instruction. There are now many resources available for parents who are homeschooling their children; the Internet is a good place to start.
There are two important things you should consider before making the decision...
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Homeschooling is a choice for parents who want another option for their
children besides the traditional local public school system, private
school, parochial school, or charter school. If you are a parent fed up
with traditional schooling, there are many homeschooling options that
could be right for you.
Each state has its own laws and requirements for homeschoolers, ranging from no requirements at all, to fairly stringent testing and reporting requirements. That being the case, there is a wide range of homeschooling "styles," a few of which are outlined below.
1. Traditional school-at-home. This options involves setting a schedule for your children, much like a school day, and following a curriculum. Many people purchase full curricula for their children each year, and some parents create their own curriculum.
2. Eclectic. Many homeschooling parents adopt an eclectic teaching style: involving their children in homeschooling co-ops; using *some* curricula; and/or choosing an unschooling style.
3. Unschooling. Also known as child-led learning, unschooling allows children to learn what and when they want. This style leaves children free to follow their passions and does not impose any rules on learning.
Questions to Consider
Some questions you may want to ask yourself when considering homeschooling are:
* What are your state's laws?
* What are your children's learning styles and can you work with them effectively?
* What homeschooling style is best suited for your family?
* If you choose a "school-at-home" style, do you - and your children - have the discipline to stay on task?
* Are there homeschooling groups (social, co-op, support) in your area?
* Are you confident your children will have outlets for social interaction?
One of the misconceptions about homeschooling is that children who are homeschooled are not socialized like kids who go to school institutions. That is simply not correct. With the recent burst of homeschooling throughout our nation, there has also been an increase in homeschooling communities where homeschooled children work in groups with other homeschool kids in their neighborhood. In addition, homeschooled children tend to be involved in outside community activities such as local church groups, sports, theatre, music etc.
Finding More Information
There is a vibrant community of homeschooling parents and resources online, so the Web should be one of the first places to look for answers. This community of homeschooling parents can provide advice and recommendations based on their own experiences, as well as assist you in determining the homeschooling laws in your particular state.
Styles of Homeschooling
Each state has its own laws and requirements for homeschoolers, ranging from no requirements at all, to fairly stringent testing and reporting requirements. That being the case, there is a wide range of homeschooling "styles," a few of which are outlined below.
1. Traditional school-at-home. This options involves setting a schedule for your children, much like a school day, and following a curriculum. Many people purchase full curricula for their children each year, and some parents create their own curriculum.
2. Eclectic. Many homeschooling parents adopt an eclectic teaching style: involving their children in homeschooling co-ops; using *some* curricula; and/or choosing an unschooling style.
3. Unschooling. Also known as child-led learning, unschooling allows children to learn what and when they want. This style leaves children free to follow their passions and does not impose any rules on learning.
Questions to Consider
Some questions you may want to ask yourself when considering homeschooling are:
* What are your state's laws?
* What are your children's learning styles and can you work with them effectively?
* What homeschooling style is best suited for your family?
* If you choose a "school-at-home" style, do you - and your children - have the discipline to stay on task?
* Are there homeschooling groups (social, co-op, support) in your area?
* Are you confident your children will have outlets for social interaction?
One of the misconceptions about homeschooling is that children who are homeschooled are not socialized like kids who go to school institutions. That is simply not correct. With the recent burst of homeschooling throughout our nation, there has also been an increase in homeschooling communities where homeschooled children work in groups with other homeschool kids in their neighborhood. In addition, homeschooled children tend to be involved in outside community activities such as local church groups, sports, theatre, music etc.
Finding More Information
There is a vibrant community of homeschooling parents and resources online, so the Web should be one of the first places to look for answers. This community of homeschooling parents can provide advice and recommendations based on their own experiences, as well as assist you in determining the homeschooling laws in your particular state.
Add A Resource
Helpful Resources
Homeschooling: Key Facts and Resources
Great, balanced guide to the basics (and not-so-basics) of homeschooling.
August 09, 2007
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Free Teaching Tips and Parent Workshops
This ministry offers free creative teaching tips, workshops, and advice for educational resources.
July 07, 2007
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Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades
This one-of-a-kind book is filled with creative teaching tips for home educators.
July 07, 2007
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Add Your Story
Tell Your Story
Homeschooling can be the Best for your Family
We started homeschooling when my son was in sixth grade and never looked back. He graduated this past June, 2007, at the age of 20, from the University of California, Irvine, with a degree in computer science. He now works as a software... read more
Parentpedia > School Age > Learning > Homeschooling
(10) The only drugs my children receive in school are Tylenol and Motrin.... read more
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February 27, 2008
A Matter of Necessity
We began home schooling when our children were very young. I was the room mother for each of the children, and every time I visited the classroom, I found myself literally reteaching the material to my children and also to other students. The final straw came when a teacher praised my... read moreNot Acceptable?