Homeschooling
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If you're wondering how homeschooling works and what the process involves, here's a look at the basics of homeschooling and what you need to know to get started.
Homeschooling and Its Benefits
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents who want to have more control over their children’s education. homeschooling provides children with a personalized learning experience and allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s interests and needs.
Homeschool can be more affordable than tuition at private school, which averages at least $12,000 per year, and it can give families more flexibility with regard to scheduling. A homeschool schedule can fit around a parent's work schedule, a child's medical needs, or any other circumstance that would complicate traditional schooling.
There are many homeschool programs available, and parents can choose the one that best suits their family’s needs. Some programs follow a specific curriculum, while others allow parents more freedom to design their own program. Some homeschooling families choose to join other homeschoolers in group activities and field trips.
Homeschooling has many benefits for both children and parents.
Homeschooled kids tend to score higher on standardized tests. They may also have better social skills and a higher level of emotional maturity than those who attend traditional schools, since they interact with people of all ages.
If you are considering homeschooling your child, it is important to do your research and find the homeschool program that is best suited for your family. Later in this post, we'll go through some helpful resources for homeschooling families.
There are also many helpful websites that provide information about homeschooling laws in your state. It's imperative that you understand your state laws before committing to homeschooling your own child(ren).
How Does Homeschooling Work?
Homeschooling is a process by which a child's education takes place at home rather than in a traditional school setting. Parents act as the teachers in this type of learning environment and can choose from a variety of homeschooling programs to best fit their child’s needs.
There are many reasons parents may choose to homeschool their children. Some common reasons include dissatisfaction with the local school district, religious or moral beliefs, or the need for a more tailored education that meets the specific needs of their child.
The homeschooling process can look different for every family, but typically involves purchasing or creating a homeschool curriculum and scheduling regular lessons. Many families also take advantage of online resources and community groups to find support and connect with other homeschooling families.
Homeschooling can be a great option for parents who want more control over their child’s education and want to create a customized learning experience that meets their individual needs. It can also be a great way to build strong relationships between parents and children and foster a love of learning.
Homeschool Resources
With so many benefits of homeschooling, there are many reasons why parents choose it for their families. Some are concerned about the public school environment and the negative social pressures that can come with it. Others find the homeschooling approach to be more tailored to their child’s needs and interests. Whatever the reason, homeschooling is a viable option for many families.
Before you begin homeschooling, you'll need to find a homeschool curriculum, materials, and some support.
Luckily, there are tons of great resources available to homeschool parents.
One great place to start is homeschooling websites and online communities. There are many websites devoted specifically to homeschooling, and most of them have forums or discussion boards where parents can ask questions and get advice from experienced homeschoolers.
Another great resource is local homeschool groups. Many areas have homeschool groups that meet regularly for support, encouragement, and information sharing. These groups can be a great place to find curriculum recommendations and swap materials with other parents.
Local homeschooling groups often have annual curriculum swaps where families can find excellent programs and materials at low or no cost. These events are also a fantastic way to get to know your local homeschooling community!
Don't overlook big homeschool events, too!
Conferences, conventions, and meet-ups allow homeschoolers from all over the country to gather and share information, insights, and inspiration. Vendors bring new curricula, give talks and presentations for parents, and put on shows for the kids. There's no shortage of fun!
Finally, don’t forget your public library! Many libraries offer homeschool-specific materials, such as lesson plans, activity ideas, and book lists. They may also have resources on specific subjects or grade levels.
With so many resources available, homeschooling can be a fun and rewarding experience for both parents and children.
Homeschooling Tips for Success
If you're considering homeschooling your child, you may have a lot of questions about how it works and what to expect. Here are some tips for homeschooling success.
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Do your research.
There are a lot of resources available online and in print to help you homeschool effectively. Make sure to read up on homeschooling methods and strategies, and find curricula that fit your child's needs.
Methods include Traditional homeschooling aka Classical method, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Unit studies, and Un-Schooling. Each method uses a different technique and structure to teach students. We suggest investigating each method, exploring some, and choosing the one that best fits your family's needs.
Get organized.
A homeschooling schedule can be as flexible or rigid as you want it to be, but it's important to have some structure in place so that your child (and you) knows what to expect each day. Your homeschool school year doesn't have to be the same August through May as the local public schools. Each day, each year is up to you - as long as you still meet the legal requirement as set forth by your state homeschool law.
Join a homeschool community.
Join or start a homeschool group with other families who are homeschooling their children. This can be a great way to get support and share ideas with like-minded people. When you're a new homeschooling parent, a little extra support goes a long way.
Make learning fun.
One of the best things about homeschooling is that you can tailor lessons to your child's interests and learning style. Make sure to include lots of hands-on activities, projects, and field trips in your homeschool curriculum.
Be patient.
When you start homeschooling, it may take a little time for both you and your child to adjust. Be sure to give yourselves plenty of time to experiment and find what works best for you both. Schedules, curricula, and most anything else can be altered and adjusted as needed.
FAQs About Homeschooling
The following are some frequently asked questions about homeschooling. We hope you find the answers helpful on your path to educating your child(ren).
Who can homeschool?
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and may be conducted by a child's parent, guardian, or certified instructor.
In most cases, homeschooling parents are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Each state has different homeschooling laws, so it's important to research the regulations in your state before making the decision to homeschool. The requirements for Texas homeschooling programs can look very different than requirements in California!
How do homeschoolers learn?
There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Each person learns differently, and it is important to know which style works best for you and/or your child, especially if you decide to homeschool.
Visual learners learn best by seeing things. They might prefer information written out in a clear and concise way, or watching videos or PowerPoint presentations.
Auditory learners learn best by hearing things. They might prefer information explained to them verbally, or songs or stories that teach lessons.
Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing things. They might prefer hands-on activities or practical problem-solving tasks.
It is important to identify your own cognitive learning style because different teaching methods will work better for you than others. For example, visual learners might not learn well in a lecture-style class, but they may excel in a course that uses lots of visuals, like videos or PowerPoints. Likewise, auditory learners might do poorly in a course with no lectures, but they would do well in a course with audio recordings of the lectures.
In this way, homeschooling can benefit learners greatly, since the curriculum can be taught according to the child's learning style and at the child's own pace. This leads to faster learning and better retention.
Can homeschoolers socialize with other kids?
Homeschooled kids can socialize with other kids in a variety of ways.
They can join homeschool groups or co-ops, where they can meet and interact with other homeschooled children. They can also participate in online communities or forums specifically for homeschoolers. In addition, many homeschooled kids get together with friends for field trips, park days, or other activities.
What curriculum do homeschoolers use?
There are a variety of curricula options available to homeschoolers. Some parents choose to follow a specific curriculum, while others create their own lesson plans using a variety of resources. Many homeschool families also use online homeschool programs and resources, such as Khan Academy, to supplement their homeschooling curriculum.
Do homeschoolers need to take standardized tests?
Some states require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing periodically. Statistically, homeschooled students score above the 80th percentile while public school students score around the 50th percentile on most standardized tests. Check your state regulations to ensure you meet legal requirements where you live.
How much does homeschooling cost?
While costs vary widely and parents can spend as much or as little as they choose, the average yearly cost per student for homeschooling is between $700 and $1,200.