Homeschooling - The Next Step
by Mimi Rothschild
All right, you’ve heard about homeschooling and are open to the idea. So, what comes next? How do you translate willing potential into successful action? As with most everything, information is power and the more you know about the aspects of homeschooling the better equipped you’ll be to accomplish your goal. Factors to be considered involve the external environment into which you would like to introduce homeschooling, as well the methods and practices of homeschooling itself.
Begin by being realistic about the time factor; homeschooling is not just about doing schoolwork for a few hours each day. You will also have to prepare lessons, grade assignments and exams, do “administrative work”, go outdoors for fieldtrips, physical activity, etc. There will be certain projects and tasks that don’t require your constant supervision, but others that will definitely need your undivided attention. You are the teacher… and teachers do more than teach!
Although research shows that homeschooled students can have the same social skills as their traditionally educated counterparts, homeschooling does require a more conscious effort to provide outside interaction. This should not be a problem, however, for families who are willing to join homeschooling groups, to be actively involved in the church or community, to organize play dates or to make outings with family and friends. A definite advantage when homeschooling is that you are more aware of whom your child is friends with.
Next, discuss with your spouse the financial ramifications. Homeschooling can be far less expensive than conventional schooling, but it does necessitate one of you being at home. For a family that is accustomed to a dual-income lifestyle, some re-prioritizing of expenses may be required.
Also, realize that the home of the homeschooled is not always spic and span. It might not be as easy to maintain a picture-perfect house when you’ve got a child in residence 24-hours a day. There will have less time available for doing chores, and the nature of homeschooling will add its own clutter. Accept this and go with the flow!
Another recommendation would be to get your entire family on board. It is much easier to adapt to homeschooling if both you and your spouse agree to give it an honest try. Make sure you spend some time explaining homeschooling to your child as well. It will be a long and winding road if your pupil is sullen and uncooperative.
Also, remember that endeavoring to homeschool doesn’t mean you can never again put your child back into a traditional school setting. Nothing is written in stone. Take it one year at a time so it’s not overwhelming and be aware that reassessment is always an option.
Apart from external considerations, you should also spend some time researching the various homeschooling approaches. Methods of homeschooling are as varied as the methods used to teach in conventional schools. Familiarizing yourself with the educational philosophies espoused by each approach will ensure you choose the right one for your child’s best interests.
The School-at-Home Method most closely resembles conventional public school methodology. It has a complete curriculum, traditional grading system and record keeping. The Waldorf Education Method places a strong emphasis on spiritual values, freethinking and creativity by balancing artistic, academic and practical activities. The “Unschooling” or Child-led Method is interest-initiated, with the help of parental encouragement and resources. The Montessori Method believes that restrictions should not be placed on a child because learning is a natural process that follows its own inherent laws.
These are but some of the methodologies available to homeschooling parents. Programs can be accelerated or accommodating, unit-based or community-based, structured or an eclectic mix of all the above. The most essential thing to remember is that the program is yours to design. Unlike with traditional schooling, homeschooling provides fantastic flexibility. You don’t need to wait for anyone else to chart a path for your child. It’s a family-fueled effort based on commitment, communication and love. And what better qualities can a parent impart?
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