Last week, in part one of our series on alternative schooling methods, you learned a little bit about homeschooling, in addition to some other non-traditional types of learning.
If you’re interested in homeschooling, you’re in good company. In 2007, it was reported that 1.5 million people are homeschoolers, and some reports say that rates of homeschooling are up as much as 61% in the past 10 years.
Still, many people have doubts about homeschooling. There are many myths that surround homeschooling and keep parents from pursuing this type of education. The information below helps to dispel some of the common myths about homeschooling.
1. Socialization: “Homeschooled kids are weird!”
While it’s true that some children who are homeschooled enter the wider world a little more naïve than they otherwise would, the level of their awkwardness is totally dependent on the lengths to which their parents go to provide social interaction.
“Get involved in homeschooling groups…let them try many activities such music classes, sports, theater, and tell them that you expect to meet at least one person and get to know them while they are there,” says Gwen Jackson, a 17-year homeschooling veteran.
In the end, it is parents who will be the greatest role models for sociable behavior for homeschooled kids, which means that you will have to demonstrate daily by your own actions how you want your kids to behave.
2. Unqualified: “I’m not a teacher! What if my kids don’t learn the right things?”
While homeschooling does require patience and a willingness to learn and adapt, parents do not have to be trained professionals to ensure that their children receive a good education. There are many options today for parents who wish to homeschool, from online programs with state provided lessons and teachers, to curriculum sets for purchase. Libraries are amazing sources for materials, as are churches and homeschool co-ops. Even a quick Pinterest or Google search can reveal excellent lesson plans. In the end, a fear of being unqualified shouldn’t hold you back from your homeschooling ambitions.
“Just go for it,” says Lissa Lance, a 10-year homeschooling veteran whose children have now transitioned to public school. “Even if you only do it for a year, your kids probably won’t be far behind — and even if they are, it won’t take them long to catch up. But you’ll have gotten to spend a whole year with them.”
3. Goofing off: “Kids don’t learn that well at home.”
Many people view homeschoolers as being “lazy” because they don’t go to school for eight hours a day. However, many studies show that the number of hours spent at school isn’t as important as the quality of learning being done. In fact, in Finland, as part of the world’s currently most successful education system, children only attend school for four hours a day!
Homeschoolers tend to spread their learning activities out over the day so that instead of spending eight straight hours at a desk, children can take breaks as needed, giving them the energy and enthusiasm needed to learn. Flexibility is one of the leading reasons for choosing homeschooling — the ability to have lunch when your child is hungry, allow them a nap when they are tired, or to schedule a doctor’s appointment when needed is very appealing. Reading lessons and math lessons can be worked around these important activities.
4. Isolation: “My kids won’t have any options for sports or college!”
Parents of homeschoolers will have to take some initiative to find these opportunities for their children, however, with a little looking, they are abundant. Many school districts in Ohio allow homeschooled children to join school-affiliated sports teams and clubs, and in those that don’t, club sports from the YMCA or other organizations often are available.
Laws require that parents show proof that their child is doing some learning at home, so most of the time homeschooled children have transcripts to apply to colleges with, and in conjunction with ACT or SAT scores, make strong applicants. Joining a local homeschool group or co-op provides additional opportunities, not just for children, but for parents as well.
5. Expense: “Homeschooling is expensive!” or “Homeschooling is free!”
Homeschooling can cost as much as you want or need to spend on it. You can certainly spend big bucks on curriculum design services or enrolling your child in different enrichments programs, but many arts and science centers around Northeast Ohio provide free or low cost opportunities for homeschoolers, and free or low cost materials can be found through co-ops, public libraries, online, or even through your school district.
6. Religion: “Only super religious people homeschool.”
While it is true that many people who want to integrate their religious beliefs into their child’s education do choose to homeschool, they are not the only people who do so.
People choose homeschooling for many reasons. Parents of children with special needs often homeschool to ensure that their child is getting the special care and attention they require. Military families often choose to homeschool so that life will be less disrupted during deployments and re-stationing. Parents who live in school districts with poorly performing schools often choose to homeschool to ensure their children receive rigorous academic enrichment. And still other parents choose to homeschool for the joy of spending more time with their children.
If you’re interested in learning more about what homeschooling is — and isn’t —check out the following resources:
The Ohio Department of Education
On Facebook: Northeast Ohio Homeschoolers Together
— Joline ScottRoller is co-founder of College Colleagues LLC, an educational success center located in Middleburg Heights that provides one-to-one tutoring, special workshops, and other educational support. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.collegecolleagues.net.
Be sure to read the next article in this series: Alternative Schooling Series, Part 3: I Want to Homeschool…Now What?
