Tips to Keep in Mind
April 19, 2010
Homeschool Tips to Keep in Mind
Homeschooling is the original way children were educated. Only in modern times has the State stepped in to do the job. The key issue of homeschooling is WHO IS IN CONTROL, not necessarily where it takes place. Schooling done at home under the direction of a public school program is not true homeschooling because the program administrators are in charge. School District alternative education programs are useful, but they should not be confused with independent homeschooling by which the parent maintains complete control over schedule, standards, and curriculum.
- Homeschooling is not just a way to educate your child, but rather a type of family lifestyle. You are not only teaching academic information, but also transmitting values and developing character.
- If your child was attending public school before you decided to home school, it could take a year for both of you to adjust to homeschooling. This is normal. It is also borne out by research that in the first year, the student’s test scores are not as good as in all the subsequent years. Therefore, don’t judge homeschooling by your first year’s experiences.
- Homeschool students find various ways to study and learn. Students have studied well leaning on the kitchen counter, lying in front of the fireplace, sitting in a tree, pacing around the family room, kneeling at the beach (observing sea life or shore birds), sitting in back of the office or family store, and even riding in the car.
- Public or Private School may last from 8:30 to 3:00, but homeschooling often takes a much shorter time. Homeschool students are often finished with their basic academic subjects by noon. The afternoon can be spent on other subjects such as art or music, on free time for reading, on hobbies, or on jobs. On the other hand, for parents involved in Unit Studies, a project may last all day or all week. Or, for unschoolers, the time is fluid and unplanned.
- There are plenty of opportunities for your child to interact with other people. You may just prefer that they interact AFTER they study, not while they study. There are homeschool play groups, volunteer opportunities, church activities, scouting, 4-H, and after-school sports through the park department or other private classes. In fact many homeschoolers feel they have too many activities.
- Parents who have successfully homeschooled their children may not have had high levels of education themselves. Many parents who are not confident about their abilities in certain subject areas form cooperative arrangements with other parents who are knowledgeable about that subject.
- Homeschooling does involve much financial sacrifice. Usually one parent stays at home with the child, and there is only one wage-earner. Also, curriculum costs can be quite substantial. Financial circumstances, parents’ health, and many other factors may make homeschooling difficult, and homeschooling may not be the best solution at times. We can only try to do what is best for the child under the circumstances.
- The public schools have alternative education programs which can help parents with curriculum, classes, and sometimes money. Some families may find that these programs suit their needs, however, students who participate in these programs are no longer defined as “homeschool” students under the law. The ultimate control shifts to the school district, away from the parents in these cases. Some examples of these programs are: the PAL program, Off-Campus, Contract Studies, and Homeschool Resource Center. These programs have been developed by school districts to retrieve homeschool students. Please keep in mind that homeschooled students already have the right to access classes and services on a part-time basis without enrolling in an alternative education program.
- There are also private “umbrella” organizations which can offer curriculum help. By going through them, you can maintain your independent status. Some examples are: Family Academy, Hewitt Homeschooling Resources, and many others.
- Public school staff may not welcome the idea of independent homeschooling. That’s to be expected. If you would like to find out more about homeschooling, rather than ask a public school official, please consult a local homeschool group or the Washington Homeschool Organization.
Tags: homeschool
Homeschool Tips to Keep in Mind
Homeschooling is the original way children were educated. Only in modern times has the State stepped in to do the job. The key issue of homeschooling is WHO IS IN CONTROL, not necessarily where it takes place. Schooling done at home under the direction of a public school program is not true homeschooling because the program administrators are in charge. School District alternative education programs are useful, but they should not be confused with independent homeschooling by which the parent maintains complete control over schedule, standards, and curriculum.
- Homeschooling is not just a way to educate your child, but rather a type of family lifestyle. You are not only teaching academic information, but also transmitting values and developing character.
- If your child was attending public school before you decided to home school, it could take a year for both of you to adjust to homeschooling. This is normal. It is also borne out by research that in the first year, the student’s test scores are not as good as in all the subsequent years. Therefore, don’t judge homeschooling by your first year’s experiences.
- Homeschool students find various ways to study and learn. Students have studied well leaning on the kitchen counter, lying in front of the fireplace, sitting in a tree, pacing around the family room, kneeling at the beach (observing sea life or shore birds), sitting in back of the office or family store, and even riding in the car.
- Public or Private School may last from 8:30 to 3:00, but homeschooling often takes a much shorter time. Homeschool students are often finished with their basic academic subjects by noon. The afternoon can be spent on other subjects such as art or music, on free time for reading, on hobbies, or on jobs. On the other hand, for parents involved in Unit Studies, a project may last all day or all week. Or, for unschoolers, the time is fluid and unplanned.
- There are plenty of opportunities for your child to interact with other people. You may just prefer that they interact AFTER they study, not while they study. There are homeschool play groups, volunteer opportunities, church activities, scouting, 4-H, and after-school sports through the park department or other private classes. In fact many homeschoolers feel they have too many activities.
- Parents who have successfully homeschooled their children may not have had high levels of education themselves. Many parents who are not confident about their abilities in certain subject areas form cooperative arrangements with other parents who are knowledgeable about that subject.
- Homeschooling does involve much financial sacrifice. Usually one parent stays at home with the child, and there is only one wage-earner. Also, curriculum costs can be quite substantial. Financial circumstances, parents’ health, and many other factors may make homeschooling difficult, and homeschooling may not be the best solution at times. We can only try to do what is best for the child under the circumstances.
- The public schools have alternative education programs which can help parents with curriculum, classes, and sometimes money. Some families may find that these programs suit their needs, however, students who participate in these programs are no longer defined as “homeschool” students under the law. The ultimate control shifts to the school district, away from the parents in these cases. Some examples of these programs are: the PAL program, Off-Campus, Contract Studies, and Homeschool Resource Center. These programs have been developed by school districts to retrieve homeschool students. Please keep in mind that homeschooled students already have the right to access classes and services on a part-time basis without enrolling in an alternative education program.
- There are also private “umbrella” organizations which can offer curriculum help. By going through them, you can maintain your independent status. Some examples are: Family Academy, Hewitt Homeschooling Resources, and many others.
- Public school staff may not welcome the idea of independent homeschooling. That’s to be expected. If you would like to find out more about homeschooling, rather than ask a public school official, please consult a local homeschool group or the Washington Homeschool Organization.
Tags: homeschool