Written by Misha Thompson
To homeschool or not to homeschool, that may be your question.
And that only leads to more questions: How do I know if I should or not? What should I even start to think about? What about curriculum? If you have at all considered homeschooling these questions have probably run through your mind.
I am by no means an expert on this topic. I recently began this journey myself, so the unique questions of starting out remain fresh in my own mind.
I often wished there was a step by step list that would have shown me where to start. This is the first of two articles (the next one will be in May) that I’ve written with that list in mind.
Here are six ideas to consider as you make this important decision.
1. Know Your Priorities.
Contemplate who your family is and what you want to be and do together.
2. Know Your Goals.
This is an excellent article as you think about the specifics of homeschooling and your goals for home education. It is a short, superb piece that will help define your process and choices.
3. Know Who You Are.
Don’t be put off by stereotypes others have about homeschooling. I wrote this article after hearing many critiques and fears about homeschooling.
People have strong opinions about home education–listen if you must, but don’t let their strong opinions make your choices for you!
Photo by Misha Thompson
4. Know the Curriculum Styles.
These (part one and part two) two articles give an excellent overview of the main educational philosophies of homeschooling. They will provide a great jumping off point to more research on the methods that grab your attention.
5. Know Good Blogs and Websites.
Simple Homeschool publishes the most helpful, all-in-one place posts that I wish I had access to a couple years ago, and each of our individual contributors have their own as well!
Most bloggers are extremely helpful, warm and happy to help answer your questions. Reading about people like yourself taking on this challenge is immensely encouraging.
6. Know the Benefits.
If you are considering homeschooling you’ve probably heard a multitude of concerns about the subject. But what about the benefits of homeschooling? Think about these highlights:
Photo by Misha Thompson
- Customized Curriculum. We can follow our kid’s needs rather than our kid following a teacher’s schedule. Learning can be individualized to each child and their dominant learning styles, interests, pace and skills.
- Quality. Teaching is very effective when done at this student to teacher ratio. Independent learning, problem solving and life skills are developed. There is no rush through subjects and taking your time increases depth of learning.
- Freedom. Imagine the flexibility of being in charge of your own schedule. Less rushing, less driving, less stress. You aren’t bound by a clock or someone else’s priorities. You have the freedom to go at your kids’ pace.
- Building strong relationships with family members. You can enjoy being at home, being outdoors, impromptu field trips and family events. You can travel when it suits you. Kids learn to relate to all age levels with confidence–not just kids their own age. Bullying, sex education, faith topics – all can be taught when you think your child is ready.
- Confidence. There is so much encouragement, support and opportunity to explore and develop. Kids are listened to, given plenty of time and space to be creative, read, dream, think and experiment. They are able to develop who they are in their own way.
- Health Concerns. If children have extenuating health issues, being at home can create healing and peaceful care for children who need it. But for all students, the minimal exposure to flus and colds allows for more time for learning.
- Parental Enjoyment. This is one of my favorite parts. I can learn things I never had the chance to before. I laugh more over Shakespeare, learn so much about science and soak up subjects right along with my kids. That is both fun and contagious modeling.
What do you think are some of the benefits of homeschooling? What would you say to someone who is considering it?
What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your personality type needs most!
I took 1 st loan when I was 25 and that aided my business a lot. However, I need the short term loan as well.
I am struggling on whether to homeschool or not. I have a 6 year old that started Kindergarten this year. She is so far ahead of the class and complains that school is not fun. The school seems to be on a witch hunt also. If they worried as much about making learning fun as they do about no talking and standing with a bubble in your mouth they might actually get some great results! The kids only get two times during the day to visit, lunch and recess. The first 10 min of their 20 min lunch they aren’t allowed to talk because they have to focus on eating. If they talk during those 10 minutes or get too loud during the other 10 minutes then they lose recess time. It seems like every day they are getting in trouble for talking. The teachers are on a witch hunt and really appear to want to punish the kids. I was a secondary teacher before I had my two daughters 6 and 3 and really need to go back to work sometime so that my husband and I can retire and be able to eat as well. I am afraid to committ to homeschooling and not be able to return to work in time to make enough money for retirement. I just wish the teachers and administrators had more compassion and truly cared about our kids and their success. If they did, maybe I wouldn’t be considering homeschooling. I just want to do what is best for my girls!
I am a single working mother. I have a 12 year old son whom I believe would benefit greatly from Homeschooling. I have contacted coops (very few in our area) and all require either that I belong to their church or some sort of parent participation. I realize that homeschooling implies parent participation, however each time I mention that I work 40 hours a week, I get the same response…NOTHING. He is a very bright, articulate young man that is just twisting in the wind at his charter school, however this school is by far the best one yet and I really like it. But I still think homeschooling is what we need to be doing. Are there any working single parents out there that have worked with the K-12 program and how did you get this done?
I didn’t realize how important it is to follow homeschool blogs! But that is a very important one for homeschoolers to do! I’ve found it to be very encouraging and inspiring!
Jen’s latest post: Walgreens is the place to purchase eggs this week in Sioux Falls!
hi.. was trying to click on the link to defining your priorities but it isnt working 🙁
Thank you for the article. It really hit me…I don’t know what I’m doing! I want the best for my son but what if I’m doing the worst? Your article gave me a lot to think about, while at the same time reassuring me that I’m not alone in my questioning. Thank you, thank you, thank you!