I recently read an article that showed the results for a survey taken by families during the pandemic concerning schooling choices for next year. It was quite revealing.
69% of school parents were “somewhat concerned” or “very concerned” that their child is missing valuable instructional time during the pandemic and 48% of school parents were “very concerned” that their child may be exposed to COVID-19 at school.
Furthermore, a whopping 52% of school parents who were polled had “more favorable” opinions regarding homeschooling because of COVID-19.
(https://www.edchoice.org/engage/polling-american-k-12-school-parents-about-covid-19/)
It seems to me that parents are clearly concerned that their children are not getting the instruction that they need. Not to mention that there is an obvious safety factor in play here. Schools are not a place that social distancing is a favorable or easily completed task. I’m surprised that there are so many families considering homeschooling but I am not surprised why.
Personally, I have been jumping back and forth between homeschooling and public school for the past few years (please, spare me the judgment…) so homeschooling is not a new endeavor for our family. However, I know that there are thousands of families who are seriously considering homeschooling for the first time coming this fall.
To make this journey just a bit less stressful for my new homeschooling friends, I have compiled a list of some terms and resources that should be useful.
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What is homeschooling?
- Homeschooling is “the education of children at home by their parents.” (Oxford) There are several deviations from this in the homeschool world, but at its essence, it is mainly schooling done within the home.
How do I homeschool?
- Many states have varying requirements and guidelines for parents to teach their children. HSLDA.org is an excellent resource to find information about your state’s rules and laws regarding homeschooling. Here is a link for laws in Tennessee: https://hslda.org/legal/tennessee.
- There are several techniques for homeschooling. Homeschool.com outlines eight methods that are the most popular. They are: school-at-home, unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, relaxed/eclectic, classical, Waldorf, and multiple intelligences homeschooling.
- Curriculum and materials will be something you’ll have to think about as well. The best advice I can give here is to figure out what techniques you think you will be using and find a curriculum that fits that method.There are literally hundreds of options for homeschooling curriculum, so choose wisely. And please, research your choice as much as you can. Watch Youtube videos, read reviews, check out Facebook posts and ask other homeschoolers for their opinions.
Do I have to homeschool during the typical school year?
- No. Most states do not have any stipulations when you must complete your homeschool instruction. It is best to check with your state, though, in case they require you to complete school records such as attendance, grades, and more. Otherwise, you are free to homeschool any time of the year you’d like!
Does homeschooling my child give them an inferior education?
- Absolutely not! I have met quite a few very successful homeschoolers who got where they are because of their stellar education. Some parents drop the ball when educating their children which has given homeschooling a bad rap. But, typically speaking, most homeschooled students are able to graduate with either a diploma or G.E.D., are able to enroll into colleges and universities and are able to find well-paying jobs and careers after they have finished their homeschooling.
Are there options and programs for my child to enroll in while homeschooling?
- Yes!! One of the best benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility in the schedule. Because you and your child will no longer be constrained to the hours of “school” time, you will have plenty of time to engage in other enriching activities. Many recreational venues offer discounts and times just for homeschool families to participate. There are also co-ops and tutorials that your child can enroll in to further their social experiences and broaden their knowledge. These options vary from state to state and even within communities.
There are lots, and lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of resources for new homeschooling families.I kid you not, this article could be over 50 pages long just trying to paint a broad picture of what this endeavor entails. The teacher in me wants you to do some homework and research so that you can become better acquainted with homeschooling. When you have a few minutes, look up the following terms and take notes about what is offered in your area.
Co-Op: ________________________________
Tutorial: _______________________________
Field trips: _________________________________
Support groups: _____________________________________
Learning resource store: ________________________________
This year is a new and uncharted territory for many families who are beginning their homeschooling adventures. Make sure to give yourself and your children grace in this strange time. The best reward from this decision is that YOU are making the choice to keep your child safe and attempting to give them a “normal” life and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! Stay safe, my friends and happy homeschooling!
