FAQ on Homeschooling YOUR child

Q. What does it mean to homeschool?

A. Homeschooling means different things to different families. While some families feel that, homeschooling means duplicating school at home with all the textbooks, report cards and regularly scheduled field trips. While others feel that, homeschooling is simply a wonderful way to live; with the family living and learning together seamless transitions that would challenge an outsider to determine which was 'home' and which was 'school.' If you think of homeschooling in terms of a wire; you would have some people who believe "school then home" still others that believe, "school and home harmoniously together" and others that are scattered all the way in between. Homeschooling means different things to different families!

Q. What benefits are there to homeschooling?

A. Once a wise man said, "We can teach our children to have courage, faith and endurance; they can teach us to laugh, to sing, and to love." For many families, the most wonderful benefit of homeschooling is the claiming of their families. (What exactly does that mean?) Well, families that homeschool spend incredible amounts of time together simply living, learning and playing. They, in turn, have the opportunity to not only develop a depth of understanding and a commitment to the family that is difficult to attain when family members spend their days going in separate directions, but also the joy of pure discovery. (Honestly have you ever looked at a child discovering a "new" thing for the very first time?)

While many families also like the flexibility homeschooling affords to parenting and children alike. Children (as well as there parents) can learn about things they are most interested in and at a time in their lives when they are ready to learn these things. No "bricked out" schedule forcing children ahead or holding them back. All the while allowing vacations and outings to be planed when the family is ready - and often when the crowds are smaller or the costs are lower. With children having the ability to learn about the 'real world' by actually being a part of it. Children can receive a superior education attuned specifically to their own needs, learning styles, personalities, and interests - at (for the most part) far less cost than that of a private or public school.

Q. Is homeschooling legal?

A. Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. However, every state has there own laws, regulations, and interventions can vary from school district to school district. We always recommend that you read the laws for your state yourself; it is also a great idea to seek out the homeschooling organizations in your state for more information (as well as support). The reference librarian at your local library will be able to help you find this information, as well as a search on the Internet. It is not usually a good idea to ask your local school district or state department for information before informing yourself about the laws. In many areas, local officials and even state officials will not truly understand the laws relating to home education, and may therefore ask for far more information than the law requires. (They also have been known to give incorrect information, as well.)

Q. Is homeschooling expensive?

A. Homeschooling can really be as expensive or as inexpensive as you make it. It often depends on several different factors, which include what kinds of materials and resources you choose to use, how many children you will be homeschooling, as well as whether or not you will be giving up paid employment in order to homeschool your children.

Parents could easily spend a small fortune on all the wonderful learning materials and books available. However, on the other hand, a superior education can also be accomplished using free resources found through the public library, internet, and learning opportunities found in your community, such as museums, trips to interesting places, and the HUGE network of homeschoolers in your local area (which you might be surprised to find out there are so many!). If you have only one child and decide to use real life experiences, the public library, the Internet, garage sales, your local community, and thrift stores for your resources, you may be talking about a couple hundred dollars or much less for an entire year. Now, if you decide to purchase a full curriculum for five children you could possibly be looking at several thousand dollars over that same year.

Q. How do I know which materials and resources to use?

A. This is, perhaps, one the most difficult questions to answer, because if you ask, 10 people every one of those 10 people will have a different answer. Not only that but even your answer for yourself will probably change over time. As well as choices that you make might be choices that won't work out in practice. Before you think about what you need, it might be beneficial to think about what learning means to you. Public and Private School curriculum and methodology have evolved to reflect an environment where 25 or 30 children learn at the behest of one adult. Curriculum for this is developed by "experts" for this usage and has been designed for ease of teaching, but not necessarily for sparking the interest of each individual child.

As a homeschooling family, you can work with as many or as few of these materials as you would like. Some families like the ease and security of having a prepackaged curriculum, still others choose to make their own decisions about what is important to learn when and what is useful and helpful in their daily lives. It's helpful (depending on age) to discuss this with your children. What do they want to do? How do they learn best? Look at sample copies of all materials before you choose a package. As a homeschooler, you will be in charge of your (and your children's) learning - take FULL advantage of all the adventure has to offer!

Q. Where can I get find materials and resources needed?

A. Materials and resources, like children, come in all sizes and shapes - and most don't look 'schoolish' at all. Many families find their most treasured learning resources at a garage sale or thrift shops. Think of building items, needlework materials, cooking tools, books, magazines, motors, gears, etc, the list can go on and on... Other families love frequent bookstores and educational supply stores in their communities or in communities they are traveling to. Still others find videos from the video rental store valuable. Most think either the public library and/or the Internet are the single best resource. Send off for the catalogs that look interesting to you. They are filled with resources that you may find quite helpful. If you are interested in finding out about a more prepackaged curriculum or correspondence schools you can always write for their brochures and informative flyers.

Homeschooling conferences, learning fairs, and your local homeschoolers association are other great places to look for materials and/or for ideas.

Q. What if my child wants to learn something I can't teach?

A. Children have the most innate ability to want to learn about the one thing that we ourselves know absolutely nothing about! It's a universal attribute. Homeschooling families are blessed in having the 'world as their classroom.' There are classes though correspondences, video, support groups, community centers, colleges, etc.. taught by experts, as well as often, in your own neighborhood. Many homeschooling communities have parents with "specialties" which take on the task of teaching all the kids in the community (in small numbers), the subjects. So it becomes much like a high school class, going to several different "teachers" all of whom are also homeschooling parents! However, many children are very capable of teaching themselves and you! The same way adults do when they have something new they want to learn.

The most powerful learning experiences for any child is to have a parent learning right alongside them. Parents, thankfully, do not always have to be the expert in every area. (In fact its actually better for a child to SEE that your not perfect and don't know everything.) Learn with your child, or search your community for resources that will help both of you learn. And when searching for 'teachers,' don't overlook friends, acquaintances, and business people in your community - most people are delighted to have a young person around who is sincerely interested in what they do and know.

Q. How will my child learn to get along in the world?

A. This is the question a lot of homeschoolers often grimace about and call the "S" question (meaning socialization). The real concern, it seems, is whether or not homeschooled children will be able to function out in the world if they don't have the experiences of bonding and playing like "schooled" children have.

But, think for a moment about what public and even private schools really do. They classify and segregate children by age and ability, reinforce class, gender and racial prejudice, and strip from children the right to any real interaction or private life. Socialization, in these terms, becomes submitting one's will to that of the group or that of the person in charge. This is not the basis for healthy relationships. Home-educated children, because they spend so much of their time out in the real world, generally are able to communicate well with both adults and children and to have friends of all ages, skill sets and racial backgrounds. They choose to spend time with others because they enjoy their company or have a similar interest - just like adults.

Q. Will I be able to work at my job and still homeschool?

A. Homeschooling families have often been stigmatized as "Dad goes to work, Mom stays at home with the kids." The reality though, for many families, is much different, you can find, single parents whom homeschool, working parents whom homeschool, dads at home homeschooling, parents with ongoing illnesses homeschooling, ect... Some families even homeschool some of their children while not others. Grandparents even sometimes homeschool their grandchildren. It may take a little creative juggling, but many of the perceived barriers can be worked around with some thoughtful problem solving, shear determination and want!

Q. How do I know if my children are learning?

A. Children, by shear nature, are always learning - they are like sponges, they can't help but it up! Just like back in the day, when they were babies and toddlers, you can discover what they are learning by spending time with them and observing the growth in their understanding of the world. Observation as an assessment (titled 'authentic assessment' and a big educational "buzzword" these days), which acknowledges growth in understanding and skill level. Unlike standardized testing, it doesn't give a 'snapshot' that attempts to quantify learning at one point in time. It is a more fluid and flexible "assessment" and has no preconceived notions about what a child 'should' or should not be able to do. You can, instead look at the whole person and concentrate on what your child knows, instead of what your child does not know.

Q. What about higher education?

A. Hundreds of colleges, universities and vocational institutes all over the world accepting homeschooled students. Most of these institutions are actually thrilled to find these intelligent, responsible, capable young people and many universities actively recruit them. Most of these institutions value ability and attitude over formal transcripts, diplomas or even GEDs. You can find, books, directories and guides, in your local library, bookstore or on the internet that will help the older homeschooler get information and prepare for this next big step. On the other hand, there are many homeschooled young adults that ultimately choose an apprenticeship over formal schooling as a faster and more satisfying entry into their adult lives. (Often they find these apprenticeships though the homeschool experience itself, on one of the many trips that you can take.) Cafi Cohen's book "And What About College?" (Holt Associates, 1998) and Grace Llewellyn's "Teenage Liberation Guidebook" can be a great help to families working through these decisions. It should be noted that college is not necessarily the only or even the best route for every young person. Going to college without a clear idea of what you expect to gain can be a very expensive form of "self-discovery." And for many teens that already know where they are headed, apprenticeship opportunities and other forms of 'on-the-job' training can be a faster and more satisfying entry into their adult lives. Always remember, the decision to forgo college is never irrevocable. Most institutions highly value older students, since they are usually even more enthusiastic and focused on learning.

Q. So how do I find out about homeschooling in my state?

A. The American Homeschool Association maintains files with information about homeschooling for all 50 states and several foreign countries. The files are available at the AHA website.
There is also a complete listing of homeschooling support groups, organizations, listservs, websites and helpful individuals can be found at the Home Education Magazine website.

If you're thinking about homeschooling, contacting your state or local homeschooling support group will be the best place to start. Often local public libraries, or the internet can assist in locating them. The support groups usually have copies of the state laws, as well as, information about getting started, lists of activities and resources. They many also offer a newsletter, magazine, or newspaper as well. Which can offer many opportunities for get togethers with other families and activities for children as well as adults. They also offer advice, help with resource materials and even cooperative classes for children. Some have a purely social focus - others have an academic or religious focus, while even others have a background in them all. Every support group you fine will have a different 'flavor.' So be sure that, if you choose to join one, the one you choose is compatible with your own needs and beliefs. And remember that many families get along just fine without belonging to a support group at all.

Article by:

Jennifer Sprague, co-owner of High Top Baby Designs. She has several years of teaching experience, working with infants through adults and has a passion for helping children live happy, healthy and secure lives. Jennifer has been a nanny, daycare provider, teacher, and is currently studying to become a Doula and a Lactation Consultant.