Advice History
Homeschooling
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.
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