5 Things to Know When Considering Homeschooling

The number one thing to know about homeschooling is this is a lifestyle. It is a way of life that is different from the norm of society. Since it is unconventional, there are controversies around the topic. That said it is worth it. It has been the right decision for our family.

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is exactly what it sounds like. It is teaching school to your children at home. What that looks like is different for each family. There are different methods that can be utilized to homeschool because each child learns differently. Parents use the method that works best for their children.

Why do parents homeschool their children?

Parents often shared with me that their children had bad experiences in the traditional school environment. This usually involved a bully or peer pressure that led to unresolved issues at their previous school. Now the question of school safety has gone far beyond a schoolyard fist fight. So there are more parents considering the option to school their children at home.

Parents are wanting a better quality of education for their students. This was my case. My daughter was bored and needed more of a challenge. My son had an absent teacher for most of his 1st-grade year, causing him to have to catch up. Caregivers also may disagree with the material or topics being taught at the schools. You control what your student learns from home.

A child may need a more flexible school schedule to allow the time required for sports or other time-sensitive activities. Children with disabilities or health conditions may also require the ability to learn at their own pace.

5 Things to Know When Considering Homeschooling

1: Homeschooling Controversy

I said earlier there are controversies surrounding the topic of homeschooling. Socialization of the children is a big one. Will the student get the social experience needed to be an effective member of society? Yes through outside activities such as community sports, music/art groups, theatre, homeschool groups, church groups, camps, and the list goes on.

Lack of regulations is another hot topic. There are concerns about the safety of the children due to possible unreported abuse. Many reports of abuse come from observations in a classroom setting.

The question of academic standards being met and a lack of state testing requirements was a concern of mine as well. Will the children be ready for higher education requirements? The online school I chose participated in state testing and tracking academic progress.

2: Challenges of Homeschooling Your Student

Homeschooling can be overwhelming starting out. It is a lot of hard work. You are figuring out the curriculum, getting into a routine with the children, setting healthy expectations, and balancing between homeschooling and housework.

Patience is important when teaching your children. As a caregiver and teacher, you experience the wrath of their frustration with a subject more than a public school teacher would. Children also try to manipulate you into less work at every turn. Plus you are around your children 24/7, which is what you signed up for, but you will need a “me day” at some point.

You may have to explain your decision and possibly defend it to friends and family. This is a different way of life. There will be a lot of questions. Not everyone is going to agree with you.

3: How Affordable is Homeschooling?

There is a wide range of curricula to choose from as well as different styles of homeschooling. The curriculum can be free or cost as much as a couple of thousand dollars depending on what you are comfortable with. Supply requirements for lessons vary. In my experience, the cost of supplies was less than I had spent for those needed at the public school my children attended before. A few things to think about are the money spent on clothes, class supplies, lunches, field trips, fundraisers, and after-school care going to public school. Saving that money and cutting out some of the extras in the budget may go a long way in making the decision to homeschool possible. It can be done!

4: How to Prepare for Homeschooling

Research is the first thing you will do and I guess that is what you are doing now!😊 Below are actions that have to be taken before the school year begins or you withdraw a student from public school.

• Look into your state’s requirements for homeschooling.
• Explore the types of homeschooling methods.
• Decide on a curriculum.
• Create a homeschooling space for your student.
• Make a schedule or establish a routine to get lessons done.

5: Types of Homeschooling

Homeschooling allows you the flexibility to customize your child’s learning experience based on what your child needs and what you want your homeschool to look like. Here is a list of homeschooling methods being used today. Research them then pick the one that is right for your family.

• School at Home
• Unschooling
• Classical Homeschooling
• Montessori Homeschooling
• Unit Studies
• Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
• Waldorf Homeschooling
• Eclectic Homeschooling
• Road or World Schooling

Conclusion: Is homeschooling right for my family?

Homeschooling is not for everyone. It is a big commitment to a different lifestyle. It takes time and a lot of patience. You also have to be resourceful in finding activities your children will be interested in that will provide the socialization they need. On the other hand, homeschoolers have a more personalized education, learn time management skills, and are known to do well in college.

If you are considering School at Home as your homeschooling method check out 10 Successful Virtual School Tips for Students and Parents.