When many parents consider homeschooling their children they often think the
longest about all of the challenges that would face them as homeschooling
parents. Often times the hardships, perceived and real, dwarf the benefits.
Parents wonder how they will find the time to homeschool. They may doubt their
ability to be a good teacher or instructor. Lack of socialization and structure
may also be a concern.
What about the benefits though? Are they receiving the same consideration or do
they get trumped by all of the potential hardships and problems? What are some
of the benefits? Here are few things to consider:
1. Homeschoolers Can Work at Their Own Pace
The public schooling system is often times criticized for its failure to consider
the individual needs and learning styles of each child. In classes with 20 or
more students it is impossible for children to get the one on one attention
they may need and it is easy for a child to be labeled as “slow” or learning
disabled because they appear to be behind their peers academically.
The problem with this thinking this that it does not
consider the very real possibility that they are simply learning and working at
their own normal pace and development. When one standard of excellence is
forced upon all children then inevitably some children will fall behind and be
made to feel inadequate.
Homeschooling can be incredibly liberating for you and
for your child when they are allowed to grow and learn on their own terms and
at their own unique pace.The one on one
time you spend with your child may be just what he or she needs more than
anything else.
2. Homeschooling Is Not Constrictive
Parents of publicly schooled children are all too familiar with pressure. Their
lives are dictated by alarm clocks, bus schedules, lunch money, school
activities, teacher’s conferences, homework, and bedtimes just to name a few.
It may seem that public school is the easiest option for a busy parent but when
all of the demands placed upon parents by the public schooling schedule are
considered it starts to look more like a burden than a benefit. Homeschooling can
be done on any schedule that works for your family.
3. Homeschooling Allows Parents to Teach Family Values
Parents of publicly schooled children will often be the first to tell you about
how the issues that face young children in schools today are of great concern.
Children are exposed to foul language, drugs, smoking, illegal activities, and
sex just to name a few. Most parents would probably consider this peer top peer
education to be inappropriate and lacking. Parents that homeschool are in the
unique positioned to be the able to teach their children about these issues on
their own terms and at the appropriate time without too much outside influence counteracting
their instruction.
4. Homeschooling Can Increase Socialization for the Whole Family
The availability of homeschooling playgroups and support groups and other
homeschooling activities such as travels to museums and historical areas of
interest provide opportunities for socialization for everyone. More and more
homeschooling parents are realizing that they don’t need to stay home and
assist their child with workbook drills. They can take their children out of
the home and benefit from real life experiences, meeting to new people, and
seeing new things and places. The whole family benefits when learning is
expanded in this way.
When considering homeschooling for your child it is easy to dwell on the
hardships that may be presented by this choice but don’t forget that there are
a lot of benefits too.
Do Certain Subjects Require Specific Hours Of Teaching For Homeschooling My Kid?
Do Certain Subjects Require Specific Hours Of Teaching
For Homeschooling My Kid?
Homeschool parents benefit from technology to enhance and
complement traditional ways of teaching on school campus. There are several
educational software and teaching packages that can help develop a curriculum.
The internet is a very useful means that is full of educational resources;
online dictionaries, libraries, encyclopedias and museums.
Depending on your State's homeschooling law, the
following may apply:
1.School
officials can inquire about the parents’ qualifications to instruct or teach
their child; however instructing parents do not necessarily need to have a
particular educational qualification.A
high school graduate or less can instruct the child, provided that she has the
capability and a sound mind.
2. Children in
the elementary level should be taught the following: English, which includes
reading, spelling and writing; math, geography, science, civics, history,
physiology and health, music, physical education and art.
3. Children in
the high school level, should be taught the following: English, which includes
speech, language, literature and composition, science which will include
chemistry and biology; social studies, geography, economics, history of the
U.S.A, world history, mathematics which will include algebra, geometry and
statistics; music, art, physiology and health, physical and safety education.
4.School
officials can inquire regarding subjects that the child should study, demand
the length of homeschool year, and allocate instruction hours for every
subject.
While they can determine instruction hours for every
subject, they should not control the method in which these subjects are to be
taught.
This means that homeshooling parents can determine and
evaluate instruction hours based on their method of homeschool, not necessarily
to be able to imitate the public school, rather equal and match it according to
efficiency and systematic approach.
In homeschooling, it is up to the parent to determine the
child’s intellectual needs.Subjects to
be taught do not require specific hours of teaching, although each subject
needs an allotted time, in order for the child to absorb fully what is taught.
Moreover, schedule keeping is not a significant factor in
homeschooling where usage and understanding of time are so much different.
5. School
officials can recognize and classify instructional materials, only for the
reason of determining the subject and the child’s grade or level.They should not utilize this right to demand
the way or style of teaching, with which subjects are to be taught.
When the child is having difficulty in a certain subject,
for instance in reading, then the parent should allow longer hours for reading
allowing the child enough time to learn that particular subject.
On the subject that the child willingly and easily learns
and grasps, the parent may shorten the time spent on that subject and allocate
the extra hours for subjects which the child finds hard to comprehend, to
subjects that the child poorly progresses on.
At homeschooling, the child can take the time to learn
and explore each subject at his/her own speed, in his or her own capacity.And the parent can find creative ways to make
learning and teaching fun.
A few efficient and helpful teaching materials that are
not tangible, such as community service, travel, visits to parks and museums,
etc., will definitely grant significant learning skills and knowledge aside
from those learned from books.
6. Parents and
school officials must reach an agreement on a system of evaluation or
assessment for the child; either standardized testing, periodic reports on the
child’s progress or dated samples of work.
Determine your child's learning ability and style so
that:
1.You'll know
what approach to use or be well equipped in teaching them. It is a wrong notion
that some parents have, to presume that their kids learn the way they do. For
example, when parents are visual learners, they also expect their children to
be visual learners. Just remember that children are different individuals;
usually having distinct learning styles compared to their parents and even
their siblings. The sooner that you learn and comprehend each child’s learning
style the sooner that you can effectively teach them.
2.You'll be
prepared to decide on a curriculum for homeschooling. If you are not familiar
with your child’s learning styles, there is the possibility that you will
select a curriculum that can not be an effective tool for your child’s
learning.
3.You can better
identify and understand your child’s educational needs. When children fail to
effectively communicate, they, much like everyone else, get upset and
discouraged.However, if you understand
your child’s learning styles, you can be able to assist your child to
understand themselves better, enabling them to interact and correspond better
with their peers.
Understanding their learning styles and their
capabilities will enable you to determine how many hours they need for each
subject; homeschooling does not require strict hours of teaching your child in
any subject.It all depends on how well
your child progresses; if he can do his math in less time in regard to the
curriculum set for him, then good. If you feel he needs to spend more time in
reading, then he should.
Just a little bit about Homeschooling and Routines
Routines for Homeschooling
When one decides to homeschool, there is so much to
consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.Along with being overwhelmed, you may feel confused about what to
expect.How will homeschooling affect
your daily lives?The homeschool family
may choose to create a schedule for everyone to follow, or they may choose a
routine that will be effective for their families
For some people, a set schedule is the best way to run
their lives. For others, however, having everything planned out in fifteen
minute increments doesn’t sound like fun.Where structure might be desired, it isn’t always practical. Conversely,
while being relaxed might be great, some routines are needed to be effective as
homeschoolers.
Schedules and routines for homeschooling are as varied as
the families that homeschool.
Here are a couple of routine types that a family can
follow:
1. School at home would have the children keeping a
similar schedule as those in public school.This would include getting up at a specific time every day and then
starting their day with either breakfast or chores as the first order of the
day.Following that, the children would
be given 45 minutes per subject, just like if they were in public school, and
they would have a printed schedule to go by for their day.
2. If you’re not enthused by this approach, a more
relaxed routine might be more what you’re looking for.If this is the case, you may start your day
whenever one of the children gets out of bed.You can work with that one child, undisturbed, until the other children
make their presence known.This type of
routine would be more staggered, with mom giving special attention to each
child as they rise.
3. Some homeschoolers don’t really have a set schedule or
routine for actual schoolwork. They may allow the children to choose which
subject they want to do first, and continue in that way until all subjects are
covered.This type of routine is great
for those students who are self-starters and can work without supervision.
4. While these routines might be helpful, there are the
people that completely against anything planned and live life by the seats of
their pants.This is the type of person
that allows the day to happen to them, taking each moment as it comes and
living their life to the fullest. They often have more fun, but may have a
little bit of a problem finishing projects and school work.
Whichever routine or schedule you choose to follow, just
remember that all work and no play make Jack a very dull boy.Take some time out of your scheduled day to
enjoy your children.Plan some free time
on your calendar to allow them to just relish in being a child.After all, part of the reason you chose to
homeschool was so you could spend quality time with your children. Let the
schedules and routines slip every now and then.You’ll be glad you did, and your children will thank you for it.
Because homeschooling is new to you, you will probably
have many doubts and fears.You may even
feel overwhelmed with the choices you have to make.You may be wondering how to prepare for the
school year, do you need to buy a specific curriculum, or are there
alternatives available and do you even need one?
The following are a few guidelines to help you;
1. Make sure you know your state’s homeschooling laws.
Every state has its own laws concerning homeschooling. Know, understand and obey the homeschooling
laws in your state.
2. Set educational goals for your child and write them
down.
Knowing your goals for your child will help you with the
choice of a curriculum suitable for your child’s needs. Use these goals as a
guideline to make sure you are on track during the year.
3. Set educational priorities for your child.
Determine what it is that you think is important.
Education involves far more than only academics. Your child does not only need
to accumulate information and be able to write a test. Development of your
child’s personality, your child’s ability to think for himself and the
development of your child’s ability to do research on his own are a few of the
other skills your child will need in later life. Learning by rote has no
meaning. Your child must be able to learn continuously and independently.
4. Decide on the personality your family.
Do you normally schedule everything down to the minute,
or are you more spontaneous.Knowing this
one piece of information can make a big difference in choosing the style or
method of homeschooling you choose.
5. What is your child’s learning style?
Under what circumstances does your child learn the best?
Does your child learn by observing or is your child a doer?Knowing your child’s learning style will help
you determine how to best meet your child’s learning needs and what it is
you’ll need to meet these needs of your child.
For very young children it is not necessary to purchase
the latest curriculum. You do need to know the standard of the skills your
child needs to master though. Spend time with your child help him learn to
write the alphabet, teach him simple math, and prepare him for learning to read
and write.Small workbooks are available
at most discount stores.Use simple
easily available supplies for math like beans or candy or macaroni! Anything
readily available is suitable.Teach
them how to form their letters properly by using rice on a cookie sheet or let
them fill in letters that you’ve drawn for them with frosting on biscuits,
anything goes, as long as they get the idea. Here I really want to suggest a
good crafts book that will give you more than enough ideas.
Remember to make opportunities for fun as well. When you
have taught your child a few of the basics, get together with other
homeschoolers and let the kids play and work of some pent up energy. Join a
support group for homeschoolers. Plan play days and field trips. The support
group will also be able to support you if you have any problems. They are the
best equipped to answer your questions as they are in the same position.
Subscribe to some homeschooling magazines or
newsletters.This will also help when
you have questions because you’ll be able to see how other people homeschool
and learn how they handle the different aspects of daily life while
homeschooling.It will help you to know
that you’re not alone.
During this experience you’ll be going back to school
yourself.Remember, you’re not expected
to know it all now, but, you have to keep learning and you have to keep up. As
your child grows you may need to try a different approach.By reading and learning along the way, you’ll
be better able to make the necessary changes. So you’ll have to plan to stay on
track. Keep reading, keep researching and keep growing.
Making the choice to homeschool can be a very difficult
one. When you realize that you can do homeschooling by following these simple
guidelines, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted yourself. You, your family and
your child can only benefit by homeschooling.Homeschooling is a very rewarding experience for the whole family.
Remember there is enough help available and you’ll never be completely on your
own.
Where can I find people with first hand knowledge on homeschooling?
Hi Everyone,
Have a look at this:
Where can I find
people with first hand knowledge on homeschooling?
Millions of children are homeschooled in the States – and as
circumstances in schools all over the world are deteriorating it is projected
by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) that in the States alone,
the number of homeschooled will reach over 12 million by 2015.
You will be surprised how many people near you are
homeschooling families. To name only a few places, the church for one is a good
place to find people with the same religious morals and standards than you. The
public library is another definite course to find parents and homeschoolers
doing research. The librarian self will most probably know people who
homeschool. Librarians are interested in their users and can also help with
information on homeschooling. This is where you are going to spend lots of
quality time with your child.
Look around you when walking int the park or visiting your
shopping mall. How many children walk around with their parents while they should
actually be in school, most probably all homeschoolers? Standing in a row to
pay or wait for assistance at the dentist or grocery store is a great
opportunity to chat with homeschooling parents or scholars. You can get
acquainted and ask all the questions you need. Meet over a cup of coffee and
let the children exchange views. Always keep and open mind. Remember, you have
one very important matter in common – the best education for your children.
The internet is an indispensable source to track homeschoolers.
You can get connected with other homeschoolers through the common search
engines in your city and if theatdoen’t
satisfy you, expand your search to your county or state. Yahoo homeschooling
groups offer online support to homeschoolers.
If You Love Your Kids, Homeschooling Is The Answer To
Overcrowded Classrooms And Underperforming Teachers. Pioneering New Book Shows
You How Easy It Is To Start Homeschooling. Don’t Take a Chance on Your Child’s
Future!
If your child ever
felt left behind by her friends, I know you would be there to pick her up.
So, why—when you want only the best for your children—would
you leave one of the most important parts of their life up to the chance? Why
would you allow their education to go unchecked in public and private schools?
With classrooms more crowded than they’ve ever been before;
with teachers less prepared than any other time in history; and with funding
for education tied up in political bureaucracy, there is no more important time
or place for you to be there for your child. There is no more important time
for you to take action to protect your child from a failing educational system.
Your child is too important to let chance decide the future.
* It’s time to get
rid of the obstacles to your child’s future.
* It’s time to
take control of your child’s education for the better.
* It’s time to
help your child learn real lessons for the real world.
* It’s time to
give your children the chance for success they deserve now.
It’s time to start considering homeschooling your children.
* More than 2.1
million children are homeschooled in America
alone.
* Homeschool
students regularly score significantly higher than public and private school
kids.
* Homeschooling is
the quickest growing form of education in the U.S.
This is all to say, homeschooling is a very real option for
these very complicated times. Don’t take any chances, protect your child’s
future and consider the benefits of homeschooling.
And, better yet, in 2006 it’s never been easier to start
homeschooling your children.
But, if you’re like most people, you don’t have any idea how
to get started.
You are probably saying: I Want To Homeschool My Children But I Don’t Have Any Idea How To Start!
If you’re considering homeschooling but don’t have any idea
where to begin, don’t worry!
When I started looking into homeschooling, I had no idea
what I was about to get myself into. There was very little information available
to help me learn how to homeschool my children. I searched and searched, but
there was just no definitive guide to show me how to homeschool.
So, after a lot of trial and error, I have finally learned
the ins and outs of homeschooling. And, let me tell you, there is nothing more
satisfying than homeschooling your children.
For years, my friends have asked me to write down everything
I’ve learned about homeschooling. They knew that I had a tremendous amount of
information that should be shared with other parents who were considering
homeschooling their children. So, after many months of additional research and
preparation, I have pulled together for you:
This exclusive e-book offers page after page of incredible
information for parents considering homeschooling their children as well as
hands-on information to guide every parent through the total homeschooling
experience.
In this exclusive 60+ page guide, you'll discover...
* If homeschooling
is right for you and your children
* The essential
fundamentals of homeschooling
* Tips,
techniques, tricks, and strategies for homeschooling success
* How
homeschooling is the answer to the current state of education
* Why
homeschooling may be the smartest decision you’ve ever made
Are You WonderingIf Homeschooling Is Right For You?
Many parents wonder if homeschooling is right for them.
Although the decision is always a person one, there are many reasons why
parents choose homeschooling. My new book, Homeschooling Secrets Revealed,
helps you to decide if homeschooling is right for you, but to help you decide
whether homeschooling is right for you and your child, we’ve created a list of
the Top 10 Reasons Why Parents Choose Homeschooling. Your reasons might be
different, but hopefully this list will help you begin to determine if homeschooling
is the answer for you.
1. Effectiveness
Homeschoolers
often learn a speed that leaves students in private and public schools far
behind. Because you will be able to choose a personalized path that works best
for your children, you can custom-design a curriculum that works best for your
kids’ learning styles and abilities.
2. Get a Jump on
that College Degree
For homeschooled
high school kids, homeschooling allows them to begin taking college courses
early. Because homeschoolers often advance more quickly then their
counterparts, they can take college courses in addition to their high school
classes.
3. Self-Guided
Study
Due to the
nature of homeschooling, many kids become expert researchers. The homeschool
learning environment which encourages natural curiosity and exploration often
leads to highly advanced research skills in homeschooled students.
4. Field Trips
When your kids
don’t see learning as only happening in a classroom every opportunity to get
out and about in the world becomes an opportunity for learning. The entire
world becomes their classroom and they are able to make real-world connections
to their learning.
5. Work Experience
Because
homeschooled high school students are more autonomous and mature more quickly
than their counterparts, they often find better, more rewarding, and higher
paying jobs than others their age. Parents can feel good knowing that their
children are learning how to take responsibility.
6. Time Doesn’t
Matter
Parents quickly learn that lessons can last
as long or as short as necessary. Whereas children have to wait for everybody
to get up to speed in classrooms, the homeschooled student doesn’t have to wait
on anybody. So, if a lesson is learned, the student can move on or finish the
school day early.
7. Family
Perhaps one of
the most common reasons given for deciding to homeschool is the ability for
families to remain close together as the children grow up. This is a powerful
benefit of homeschooling that cannot be underestimated.
8. Money
Homeschooling is
surprisingly inexpensive. Recent reports have shown that homeschooling can cost
as little as $450/year per child. The savings benefits are enormous!
9. It’s Just Fun!
When you get
down to it, homeschooling is just fun for parents and their children alike.
10. Love
You simply love
your children and want to see them succeed and you’ll do whatever it takes to
make that happen!
No matter what your reason, there’s just no better time to
decide to start homeschooling. Ready to make the easiest purchase in your life?
The benefits of this book just keep going and going and
going. I did that on purpose! I wanted you to have a book that you could use
for years, so that homeschooling could be everything and more than you ever
dreamed possible.
Here are a few thought to help you consider whether homeschooling is for you. I think we have established that it is good for your child but, it is no use if you are not up to it. Do not feel bad if you fell you cannot do it, all people are not made to teach.
Homeschool: I know
My Kid Will Benefit From Homeschooling.
Do you feel that your kids will benefit more if they
learn from you? Are you sure that you will be a better teacher than those in
your children's school? Do you think you are up for home schooling?
This article will take you to the world of "homeschooling". Think of
it as a guide which can answer all the previous questions.
First, how do you know if you are ready for it? Consider the following:
1. Are you ready to give up your time?
Remember that home schooling is not just about reading books to your kids. It
means that there will be the usual lesson plans, papers, projects and yes, even
field trips!
2. Are you ready to give up your work?
Yes, once you decide to educate your kids yourself, it means that you have to
surrender your other career. It will be hard to juggle both.
3. Can you still handle the laundry and
other household chores?
If you can, good for you. If not, then you might as well ask for help from a
maid or cleaning service.
4. Is your kid okay with it?
If your child is against home schooling right from the start, then think twice
about it. You might just have a hard time getting your kid out of bed and to
the study desk.
5. Can you teach?
This is the most important question of all. Can you handle the pressures of
being a teacher? Are you patient enough? Try tutors if you are not.
Now, if all the answers are yes then that means you go for it!
Here are the tips you have to take into
consideration once you are officially home schooling your kid:
2. Don't be too hard on him. Be as flexible as you can.
3. Don't be too hard on yourself. There is no perfect teacher.
4. Have faith in your kid. Boost his self-confidence.
5. Let your kids love school. Homeschooling might be able to do just that.
6. Concentrate on the curriculum. Never underestimate it.
7. Be educated on all the homeschool laws. Never break one.
8. The best piece of advice? Don't give up.
But in the end, if you think everything is just too tedious, then why not just
consider other options? Hire a tutor, maybe? Homeschooling does not mean you
have to do it; a tutor can do it just as well. Whatever you decide, remember
there are lots of resources available to you.
Have a look at our extensive site and you will find all
the help you need:
Here are some ideas to make homeschooling fun for the kids:
Make Homeschooling Fun for Kids: Tips on Making
Homeschooling Fun.
We all know that children all say they hate school, if
you are homeschooling you may never hear that! You may be considering
homeschooling for many different reasons. Homeschooling has many benefits over
sending your child to public school.Besides being able to attend school in your pajamas, your child will
have much more freedom to learn than their public school counterparts will
have.
Here we are going to give you an idea of some of the
reasons why kids may love and thrive on homeschooling.
1. Field Trips:
One of the things that can make homeschooling fun for
children is the ability to take multiple field trips throughout the year.
Whereas most public school students are lucky to take one field trip a year, if
they even get to take that, homeschool students have the freedom to go on as
many as their parent or support group can plan.
Field trip possibilities are endless, limited only to by
the imagination of the planner, and funds you’re willing to see leave your
wallet.Some common field trips are
museums, zoos, and botanical gardens.Did you know you can also make a field trip out of a trip to a Krispy
Kreme Donut store?Yep, you sure
can.You can also visit police
departments, fire departments, and local newspapers.In fact, if you can find someone willing to
allow it, you can make a field trip out of almost any business you can think
of.
2. They Can Learn
What Interests Them In A Way That Suits Them:
Besides taking several field trips a year, another thing
that makes homeschooling fun for kids is the ability to learn what interests
them and in a way that suits their learning style.While they will still have to learn the
basics of reading, writing, and mathematics, they may choose to concentrate on
robots, dinosaurs, or some composer or artist.And one of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can combine
coursework into Unit Studies that enable the student to cover the basics all
while concentrating on that one subject.
3. Spend Time On
Subjects That Are Normally Neglected At Public Schools:
It seems that art and music are all but missing from
public schools as educational budgets are slashed each year.If you homeschool, and your child likes
either art or music, you can spend as much time on those subjects as you’d
like.In fact, you can combine art and
music appreciation with many other subjects.Allow your child to try something they’ve never done before.You have that option if you homeschool, and
you don’t have to get permission from the principal to do so.
4. A Learning
Style That Suits Kids Better:
Many children learn best by handling items, whether math
manipulatives, building blocks, or cooking utensils.If you homeschool, you can allow your child
to use those manipulatives if doing so will help them to learn.In public schools, children’s learning styles
often aren’t taken into consideration since teachers have to teach to a whole
group and can’t address students individually.By allowing your child to learn in the way that is easiest for them,
homeschooling will be much more fun for them.
While it’s unlikely that your homeschooled children will
say they “love” school, there are things that you can do to help them enjoy it
more.By allowing them to learn to their
strengths, concentrating on subjects that interest them, and taking them on
field trips, your child will enjoy going to “school” much better.
Remember, even though you need to make sure your kid is
learning all he should, homeschooling must make learning fun. Be flexible,
adjust to your kids varying needs and you should have great success with your
homeschooling. Make learning fun and the kids will thrive!
