Making the Decision to Homeschool

Are you thinking about homeschooling your child? If so, I know that making the decision to homeschool can feel overwhelming and even alarming. I asked a group of homeschooling parents what they, in hindsight, would have liked to know when making this decision. Here, I share with you some great parenting and teaching secrets that we wish we'd known from the beginning.

Homeschooling Families

The first and most important step is to find homeschooling families near you. You will need their knowledge and support in the decision-making as well as in your homeschooling journey. I live in a small, rural town, and I assumed that I'd be doing this alone, and that was a frightening thought. I was shocked to find at least 4 local homeschooling groups in my area. Reach out via social media, look on your library bulletins, and talk with friends to locate a group near you.

Homeschool Laws

Each state has it's own set of homeschooling laws. You'll need to look up the laws in the state you live in and familiarize yourself with them. Don't let this intimidate you, however. Often, the legal jargon makes it sound much more complicated than it really is. The best way to understand your state's laws is to talk with parents who are homeschooling in your state.

Teaching Philosophies and Curriculum

When researching homeschooling, you'll come across a lot of philosophies you may not be familiar with, such as the Charlotte Mason method or the classical education method. You will also discover a plethora of curricula options, and all of this new information can feel overwhelming. It's a good idea to do an overview of the philosophies and styles to discover what might be a good fit for your child, but you don't have to stick with one certain method. As you educate your children, you'll naturally discover what they need.

In regard to curricula, if you can visit a homeschool convention, this would be of great help to you. There, you can look through various curricula as well as attend lectures and classes for new homeschoolers. If you can't get to a convention, ask other homeschoolers what their choices are. There are also curriculum review websites that offer an abundance of information.

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Social Life

If you're concerned about socialization, don't be. Anywhere people congregate, socialization happens. There is no rule that states this has to be done in a school. In fact, in his research summary for the National Home Education Research Institute, Dr. Brian Ray says, "The home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem."

Your local homeschool group will likely offer plenty of opportunities for your child to play and learn with other children, but if they don't, you can take the initiative and make it happen.

Higher Education

What about college and ACT/SAT scores? You can rest easy here as well as research again indicates that homeschoolers' scores are typically higher than that of their public school peers. Not only are homeschoolers accepted into college, but colleges are seeking them out! Jon Reider, a Stanford University admissions officer said, "Homeschoolers bring certain skills, motivation, curiosity, the capacity to be responsible for their education, that high schools don't induce very well."

Finally, understand that this transition will take some time. There will be a lot of trial and error, and it won't always go smoothly. If you decide to homeschool, give it a good trial run, and don't be too quick to give up. It took most of us in my group at least 1 to 2 years to get our feet firmly underneath us.

Lean on people who support and encourage you in your endeavor. There will be naysayers, and it's especially difficult if your family members or friends do not agree with your decision. But in the end, you have to do what you feel is right for you and your family.

As William Butler Yeats once said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." Homeschooling offers an opportunity to discover and encourage your child's passion and creativity, thereby lighting the fire and fanning the flame so that it burns bright throughout childhood and onward through life.

Sources Cited:

http://www.nheri.org/research/research-facts-on-homeschooling.html

http://www.families.com/blog/homeschoolers-at-harvard-colleges-seek-homeschoolers