Dealing with Opposition from Those Against Homeschooling
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With at least 2 million children being homeschooled today, we don't hear half as much opposition as back when the movement was new, but still, many do question the validity of homeschooling as a respectable alternative to formal education, and worse yet, some will point fingers and claim you are doing your children a disservice.
When the criticism comes from a stranger, it is fairly easy to ignore, depending on how confident you feel about your choice. If the criticism isn't easy to ignore then you probably should read some of the better books about homeschooling and check in with your homeschooling support group. You will feel better and the next time criticism comes, you may just have a question for the finger pointer, such as "Why do you think that public schools do a good job of socializing children?" Regardless of whether you have a comeback or not, once you are confident in your choice, the criticism from the typical nay saying strangers and acquaintances will run off you like water off a duck.
However, when those against your homeschooling are friends or family, the opposition is much more difficult to deal with because you can't just walk away, end of subject. Often times it's just that they don't know evena small percent of what you know about homeschooling. You may just need to provide some literature to assuage their fears. Be sure to include articles that dispel myths, such as "homeschoolers can't get into college" or "homeschoolers miss out socializing."
Give them fact sheets that exemplify homeschooling success. You can create these by putting together facts you have uncovered in your homeschooling research. Fact sheets will more likely be read than a stack full of printed out articles. Remind the doubters that homeschoolers are accepted into colleges, many colleges, including Harvard, and that on average homeschoolers do better oncollege entrance exams.
Also include on your fact sheets results of studies, such as ones that point to homeschooled children's emotional and social happiness. On the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, for example, half of the children attending public or private schools scored at or below the 50th percentile in self-concept, while only 10 percent of the home-schooling children did so.
With the help of Google put together a list of famous homeschoolers, like Thomas Edison and children who win essay and spelling contests.
If you live in a state that requires periodic testing, show them the scores. Even if testing isn't required, you may want to do this just to have in your homeschooling file. While some of us feel that too much weight is given to test scores, many are more convinced by homeschooler's test scores than anything else. If your children perform well on tests, then those scores and the fact that the children appear happy and busy with outside activities will likely carry enough weight to put worries to rest.
Should the criticism still continue, just chalk the homeschooling issue up to a scapegoat for the criticizer's own issues, and refuse to discuss the matter any further. Then relax in the confidence of knowing you are giving your children a wonderful gift.
Enjoy your Homeschooling.
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Home Schooling Guidebook
You are probably asking yourself the question ”Is Homeschooling the Right Choice for Our Family?“
Studies show that the average homeschooled 8th grader performs four grade levels above the national average.
So now you’re wondering if there is a downside?
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Homeschooling is not a new concept - have a look at the impressive list of well know Homeschoolers:
- Thomas Edison
- Agatha Christie
- Benjamin Franklin
- And remember, basically all our Founding Fathers were educated at home.
Today, Homeschooling is so much easier and better than in the olden days. With our computers and technically advanced equipment, homeschooling offers students a far more creative and stimulating way to learn.
In spite of that, parents still find the decision to homeschool their children a difficult decision to make!
Although studies prove that the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh those of our private and public schools, only after pulling together information that paints a complete picture can you decide if homeschooling is right for your family.
With Homeschooling You Can:
- Adapt your children’s studies to fit your children's learning style
- It gives you control over what your children are learning.
- It puts the enjoyment and passion back into learning
- You get the opportunity to build close and meaningful relationships with your children
- You can provide in-depth, personal attention for the subjects your children struggle with
- Customize a schedule that fits the needs of your family
- Nurture your children's interest in subjects they love and excel in
- Turn outdoor activities and family vacations into character building experiences
Finding a complete resource or guide that explained all the ins and outs of homeschooling, which would help you decide if it is right for you, can be very difficult and even impossible!
That can lead to EXTREME FRUSTRATION!
This is the reason for this guide. The guide shares all that the writers have learned with others and help people find the homeschooling answers that they are looking for.
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Here are some of the questions you may be asking yourself:
1. Are my kids going to get a better or equal education?
This guide covers the four significant reasons why most parents opt for home study and covers the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling.
2. Will I have the right attitude and dedication to homeschool?
Here you'll find out exactly what you'll need to do. What time commitment is necessary, and how much time you'll need to spend teaching each specific subject.
3. Will my children be socialized enough?
You'll learn how to incorporate social activities or extracurricular sports into your program. (Did you know that many states allow homeschooled children to participate on public school sports teams?)
4. What costs are involved in homeschooling?
You'll see how the cost of homeschooling compares to our public and private schools. How best to manage homeschooling costs? And discover the hidden traps that could eat up your money.
5. What can be done to homeschool on a budget?
This guide will show you where to find inexpensive teaching materials (books, curriculums etc) as well as how to homeschool effectively, especially on a tight budget.
6. What type of state laws or state approval do I need to be aware of?
You'll learn about your state's guidelines and what criteria have to be met... and if any special skills are required in order to homeschool in your state.
7. Must I let my state know I'm homeschooling?
You'll know all your state requirements and the rules you must follow when homeschooling.
8. How will I be treated by the state or school administrators?
You'll understand how the state really feels about homeschooling and what they are prepared to do to help you.
9. How can I determine my child's learning style and the best way to teach them?
This guide will help you identify your child's learn style and give you pointers on the best way to teach him or her.
10. What kind of record keeping is required?
You'll find out how to grade your child's schoolwork. You'll learn how to submit evaluation scores and what type of records you must keep.
11. How will the state accredit my children's grade level?
You'll understand the grading process and how the state will evaluate your child's education level.
12. What options for college will be available? Will my children be eligible for grants and scholarships?
You'll discover why homeschooled children have a greater advantage when it comes to getting grants and scholarships.
13. What attitudes can I expect from other people? What can I tell my family and friends to support my decision to homeschool?
You'll hear the truths and myths about homeschooling (supported by statistics that prove - if it's done properly - it's a superior educational option.)
14. How do I get started? What start up costs can I expect?
You'll learn about preparing a plan for structured teaching. Know at what age your children can start homeschooling, and where to find the appropriate start-up materials.
You will also find out where to go for additional support... and MORE!!!
This comprehensive "Homeschooling Guidebook" comes complete with information, tools and support.
So If You:
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