Homeschooling

If you are considering homeschooling, you may be worrying about things like whether you have the qualifications to teach your children and how you will accomplish the tasks of someone trained to be a teacher. The two terrors that keep many a hopeful homeschooling parent tossing and turning at night seem to be teaching and testing.

Public school educators would have you worry about this; while some of the best private schools in the nation, ones only the very wealthy can afford, have no certified teachers on staff. The truth of the matter is that a certified elementary teacher is no more qualified to teach your children than you are.

When it comes to specialized subjects taught in the upper grades that you don't know, you have several options...

Learn the subject with your child:

Secondary school teachers who teach outside their area of expertise do this all the time. I learned many subjects with my child, including basic algebra (he wanted to learn this in grade 5) for which we used a great little guide I found at Borders. However, when he asked "why" questions I couldn't answer, I searched online and finally paid a middle school teacher who did tutoring on the side (who incidentally could only answer, "Because that's the way it's done.")

Hire a tutor:

Due to the above, take your time finding one that is a good match for your child's learning style and goals. A bright high school student who excels in the area you need help with teaching is often a great choice. Check references, and arrange for a trial meeting.

College courses:

Some community colleges offer free tuition to those of any age who want to learn a subject and don't need the grade or transcript. Or, your high school homeschooler may want to take a college course for credit.

Home Study Course:

These often come in packages with DVDs or CDs and textbooks, and they can often make learning a subject easier than a textbook alone. Many foreign languages are learned this way.

Cyber School:

Most of these serve the high school level and offer diploma programs, but some will allow you to pay for just one or two courses. With a cyber course, your child has access to a teacher.

Remember, children by nature want to learn. Schools often kill that inclination. If you can keep your children's love of learning alive or rejuvenate it, and provide your child with help, and your child finds the answers he or she seeks, then you are a good teacher.

There's also the well documented fact that many children start their formal educations before they are ready, which leads to big problems for them, such as frustration, tuning out, acting out, developing learning disabilities, and developing attitudes towards reading and learning that are not easily, if ever, unlearned. Boys who in their early years, developed slower than girls, are especially vulnerable.

As a homeschooling parent, you also have the advantage of a class size limited to the children in your family, and also of knowing those children and being able to adapt the teaching style so that they understand.

When it comes to testing, you can make up your own tests based on material your child has covered, or if you're using a pre-packing curriculum, the testing materials will likely be included. There are also standardized tests that you can hire someone to give. Your school district should have a list of neutral testers in your area. You can buy or borrow, from the library, study guides for SAT, GED, ACT, etc. Also, keep in mind that some homeschoolers don't do any testing, or no more than is required by law, especially those who subscribe to a more holistic approach.

Finally, as with most areas of homeschooling, you can find lots of support and solutions through a good homeschooling support group.

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Enjoy Your Homeschooling!