First, this writer mentions that one of the drawbacks to homeschooling is that:

It’s уουr responsibility thаt уου teach уουr child everything thеу need tο know аt thеіr age, аnd thаt thеу understand thаt thе material thаt thеу hаνе learned.

The writer is correct that you are responsible for your child’s education and that you need to ensure that your child understands the material.  However, there is no magic formula for what a child must know at each age level.   Instead, parents will want to ensure that their children are learning and mastering the skill courses—Math, English (and Science as they get older) and developing an interest and passion for learning that impacts their other core courses and electives.   In homeschooling, parents have the privilege of owning their child’s education—that is not a drawback of homeschooling!  In fact, the ability to customize and individualize teaching to each child is a major plus!

According to this writer, another drawback of homeschooling is:

One οf thе drawbacks tο homeschooling οn уουr раrt іѕ thе amount οf free time thаt уου wіƖƖ hаνе tο give up fοr homeschooling.

Here the writer comes close to telling it like it is.  You will sacrifice the “free time” that you would generally have while kids are in school for homeschooling.  However, in exchange you gain the time in the evenings where many parents spend hours helping children with homework and/or reteaching the concepts taught in school (and I speak from experience on this one) and you gain the help of your children with the day to day responsibilities of keeping a home (not what I would call “free time” anyway).  The sense of purpose gained when you are committed to your child’s education combined with the rewards of seeing your children learn and enjoy learning is well worth the loss of a few hours of “free time.”

And yet another drawback of homeschooling mentioned in this article is that “your career may be put on hold.”  Yep, you got it.  My career was put on hold to allow me the time to homeschool my children.  But again, I would not call this a drawback of homeschooling.  As I get older I realize just how much time we have on this earth.  To spend part of it investing in our kids, teaching them and preparing them for their future is well worth “putting our careers on hold.”  If the Lord tarries and we are permitted to live our lives until we are old, we have plenty of time to pursue a career once the kids are grown.  Looking back, how I wish I could go back and focus only on homeschooling rather than trying to juggle both homeschooling and a career.

As for rest breaks and homework (also mentioned in the article), may I suggest that you decide when and where you will take a break and if you are giving homework, stop it! If you are engaged with your child during your homeschooling day, you do not need to add homework to their evenings.  Homework is a reality of a school system where teachers cannot work one on one with students and therefore cannot confirm that each student has mastered the concepts.  You can confirm this day to day and do not need to give them busy work at night.

In addition, this writer mentions that “thеrе аrе very ƖіttƖе brеаkѕ аѕ уουr child needs уου fοr аѕѕіѕtаnсе аt virtually аƖƖ times.” Once again, if this describes you, please change your methods.  You want your kids to become independent learners.  Challenge them to think for themselves. Don’t just answer their questions; instead, ask them how they would solve it, what they think the answer should be, or how they would better explain a concept.  This gently moves them from dependence on you to independence and understanding.

One of the final pieces of advice offered by this writer is that “yου hаνе tο mаkе time fοr уουr child tο ɡеt out аnd mingle аƖѕο.” With this point, I totally agree.  However, I again would not call this a drawback of homeschooling.  This is an opportunity for both you and your children.  Not only do they have the opportunity to enjoy other kids of all ages, but you are able to spend time with other parents who are facing many of the same challenges and enjoying the same rewards as you.  Where else but in homeschooling can you schedule regular get togethers with other parents who are just as enthusiastic about your meeting as you are?

I guess what I am saying is that yes there are drawbacks to homeschooling, but those drawbacks are also the benefits of homeschooling.  So rather than focus on the potential drawbacks, focus on the amazing benefits of homeschooling and enjoy yourself!

I hear that question so many times.  Many times it comes from a parent considering homeschooling who has had to field that question over and over again; other times it comes from those who just don’t understand homeschooling at all. Read More

But ask any homeschooler and they will tell you the same thing: it is a misnomer to think that your child will not get the socialization he or she needs just because you are homeschooling.

In fact the opposite is true.  In homeschooling, your child will receive a stronger and much better socialization experience than their peers in school.  Why?  Because in homeschooling, “socialization” does not mean spending your day with a room full of kids the same age.  Instead, it means “socializing” with people of all ages and stages in life.  This is real life.  Where in life other than school do you ever spend all of your time with peers of the exact same age?   And how is that training a student for success?

When you homeschool your child you will likely get involved in a homeschool support group, a community club or activity, local classes. . . these will become part of your day.  And when they do, your child will begin to socialize with individuals of all ages.

That socialization will mean that your child will learn from those who are older, will be a leader to those who are younger and will have the opportunity to socialize in a much more realistic environment.

If you seek ministry and community service opportunities, your child will begin to work with adults as well as students of all ages.  If you get him or her involved with a local drama group, church, music school, etc., you will see many opportunities for “homeschool socialization.”  And you will begin to see your child mature as he or she takes on leadership roles and develops his or her talents and abilities.

Why “the homeschool way” for socialization is better

Did you know that college admissions officers say that homeschoolers are much more prepared to interact with adults and professors at an intelligent level than those coming from public and private schools?

Why? Because homeschoolers are interacting with individuals of all ages all the time!  Therefore it is nothing new when they move on to the responsibilities of college or university.  In addition, many have been leaders and mentors to those who are younger for so long that their leadership skills are already well developed.

And this kind of real socialization is making them more successful.  In fact, many business owners are actively seeking homeschoolers to help them succeed..

Chick-Fil-A is a prime example.  Did you know that this restaurant chain makes a concerted effort to hire high school and college aged homeschoolers?   Andy Lorenzen, who is in charge of recruiting front line workers for the chain of restaurants  says that his success depends on the quality of his hires.  That is why prefers to tap into homeschoolers.   “They’re smart, ambitious and very driven,” Lorenzen says of his homeschooled employees. “They have a high level of loyalty to the business, are diligent and have a good work ethic.”

Homeschoolers are also finding their niche in college and the workplace, in internships and entry-level professional jobs.  They also often become entrepreneurs.

Statistics verify that homeschoolers are far more prepared academically—in fact they score 25% higher on standardized tests than those who attend school.  But their success is in more than just academics—their unique socialization opportunities are making them successful beyond academics.

Bottom line–homeschool socialization is a non-issue–don’t let it become one for you

Technorati Tags: getting homeschoolers involved, Homeschool socialization, homeschool success

We have fought this battle with one of our kids who just hates to take the time to read the instructions first.  Instead, she will set out to do the work that she thinks they want.  In fact, there are many occasions where she doesn’t even review the sample problems.  Before she knows it she has completed an entire assignment incorrectly or she hits a problem that she cannot do and we discover that once again she forgot to read the instructions . . .

We have used a variety of methods to curb this problem (which I will share in a moment) but this recent event (I hope) will provide a lasting impact that no amount of training or systems could provide.

Hannah wears eyeglasses and has been asking for contacts for quite some time.  So we recently caved and told her she could get the free trial pair and see how they work for her.  Unfortunately, when we picked them up the individual in charge of training the kids in how to use contacts had left early due to illness.  Not a problem for us (we thought) because my husband has been wearing contacts for years.  He would train her.

And he did.  He showed her how to put them in; what to watch out for; and what to do if she struggles.  Together they got the contacts into her eyes and off she went.

But on day two, he was at work when she was ready to put them into her eyes again.  And I don’t wear contacts.  I could explain to her what I had heard but I couldn’t really teach her what to do.

After about 20 minutes of struggle, I finally pulled out the bag that came from the eye doctor and found an instruction sheet.  This one had clear step by step instructions with a picture for every step.  In no time, she had the contacts safely in her eyes and was ready to go.

Her response . . .”The Power of Directions!”

Of course I took that moment to draw an analogy to how powerful directions are in homeschooling as well!  So far, so good.  All I need to say when she hits the books is “Where is the power?” and she knows just what I mean.

Will it last?  Who knows?  But at least it has made the last few weeks a success.

Other methods we have tried in the past:

1. Underline the instructions
   This worked at first but soon she was simply underlining without really paying attention
2. Highlight the key words in the instructions
   Works much better–also helps to teach how to find the main point
3. Summarize what you must do before you begin (either verbally or in writing)
   This works great but requires me to be on hand if she is doing it verbally
4. Write in 5 words or less what you are supposed to do
   (The writing teacher in me trying to teach two concepts at once–reading the directions and writing concisely)

Anyway, for now we are simply using the “Where is the Power?” question and hoping that with consistency we won’t have to go back to these methods.  Bottom line is, it all comes back to taking responsibility for what you are doing.

Technorati Tags: homeschool directions, homeschooling instructions, responsibiilty in homeschool academics, teaching homeschoolers

Homeschoolers, please be aware that our freedoms are at risk.  I know there are those who disagree with me; in fact, many get very frustrated with me when I speak this way.  But here is another case where a homeschooling mother lost her RIGHT to homeschool because a judge decided that the child’s “religious beliefs are a bit too sincerely held and must be sifted, tested by, and mixed among other worldviews . . .”

Let me ask you–have you ever heard this statement spoken about an individual who holds to atheism? To the muslim faith? To evolution?

Are our public school students ever taught Christianity?

Of course not!  That would violate the separation of church and state (which I remind you is not part of our Constitution).  (I won’t even go into all of the other religions they study while excluding Christianity).

Please click here to read this article on another court overstepping their authority and be aware that Christianity and Christian homeschooling is under attack.  I will be sure to update you on whether they set up action steps that we can take to stand with this family.

Then click here to help in the ongoing fight for our North Carolina family who hope to overturn the judge’s decision in time to homeschool again this year.  If you haven’t read this case, please visit this post to learn more.

You will note that in both cases there was a divorce and the parents disagreed about the way the children were to be educated.

This is a clear prejudice against homeschooling. In both cases they recognize the quality of academics but rule that a child must be in public school in order to gain exposure to other views.  This is unacceptable!  Will we sit back and say, “Well I will never have to face this because I will not go through a divorce,” or will we stand against it now before this same prejudice is levied against others?

Remember every court ruling can be used in future cases.  Therefore, the reasons they cite are the reasons that will go on record and these reasons can easily be applied to two parent families.

Technorati Tags: court rules against homeschooling, homeschooling freedom, homeschooling under attack, New Hampshire homeschooler

But I also develop a lot of techniques and ideas right here at home. And guess what?  Because I am working with the same kids year after year, I am much more effective.  I don’t have to learn the dynamics of my classroom each year; I don’t have to figure out who the leaders are and where the trouble makers sit; I don’t have to seek out the advanced kids or the strugglers and find ways to meet their needs.  I already know who they are and I already know what works.

So I can focus on meeting those needs and I can adjust to the fact that they are improving; they are getting stronger; and they are developing more and more skills each year.

So, did I need this certification to be an effective teacher?  Absolutely not!

And you know what?  Homeschoolers are always standing out among their peers so I can say with confidence that the parents out there who are teaching their children don’t need it either.

If you are faced with the certification question, pass on this article, which addresses the facts about certification and success and tell the questioner to read up on what the research says.

Technorati Tags: Homeschool certification, homeschool qualifications, homeschool success

“Don’t lay down in the cemetary until you have to”

This was a passing comment made jokingly by my brother when his son’s game of catch went a little too close to the cemetary border (he had tripped and fallen as he reached for the ball).

Funny all on its own, his quote is also full of wisdom.

How often do we as individuals and as homeschoolers feel ready to just lay down and give up? Have you ever had one of those days that just makes you wonder if you will make it through?

Well, rather than “lay down in the cemetary before you have to,” I encourage you to step back and take a breather. If that means taking a day to forget the regular routine and just make learning fun or heading out on an impromtu field trip, then do it!

If that means scheduling Dad to take the evening shift and getting out alone or with a good friend, then make it happen!  If it means footing the bill for a sitter (with younger children) and going out with the love of your life, then do it!

In the long run, you and your kids will benefit.  Because as you know, they often feel our frustrations as strongly as we do.

So, “Don’t lay down in the cemetary before you have to.”  Instead, enjoy this precious time with your children, relax your standards a bit, and have fun!

Technorati Tags: homeschool encouragement, homeschool help

In other words, if you want your child to attend pre-school, you must first get him a flu shot.  And kids who don’t get the shot will be banned from attending classes unless parents can prove that their child will receive the shot within two weeks of the law’s deadline.

And it won’t stop there–it will only be a matter of time before the law precludes children from attending public school without a flu shot.

No matter that according to statistics, last year’s flu season was the worst in three years.  Why? Reports state that this was due to the fact that the virus that so many people had injected into their systems was completely ineffective against the flu.

No matter that there are many children who should not get the vaccine–children with certain types of cancer or who are taking drugs that lower the body’s ability to resist infection.  No matter that some studies indicate that the flu shot may be linked to autism. In addition, all recommendations state that children younger than 6 months of age should not get the influenza vaccine.  Will they be exempt?

Perhaps you have no difficulty with giving your child the influenza vaccine.  But at what time did we decide to hand over our right to determine what we will subject our children to to the government?

And what better way for the government to control what we can and cannot do with our children than through the school system?

I personally have experienced the tragedy of a loved one who died as a result of a flu shot gone wrong.  That is not a risk I want to take with my children.

Just another great reason to homeschool-hold onto our rights as parents and have the freedom to choose whether or not to vaccinate our children.

Technorati Tags: homeschool freedom, Reasons for homeschooling, why homeschool

A recent US History textbook I examined dedicated three full pages to the settlers who came to Williamsburg in the search for gold.  It never mentioned those who came for religious freedom.

A World History textbook taught the Medieval period with its feudal system and then moved through the Renaissance with no mention of the Reformation.

Why is this an issue?  It is impossible to understand the time without taking a look at this. Religion was not a matter of personal preference or opinion, it was the very basis of society and its reordering and the sundering of the social unity that it had once provided to European culture was the most significant development of the sixteenth century.

But this secular textbook, used in many homeschool circles, made no mention of this significant time in history.

I understand that homeschooling is growing beyond Christian circles-that is why we at Bridgeway Academy have expanded our curriculum offerings to include textbooks that are not biblical in nature.

However, if your reason for homeschooling includes the desire to teach more effectively and do a better job than the public schools, then you must be careful about the choices you make!

Be careful that the textbooks you choose are not so slanted that your children miss the reality of history and science.

Technorati Tags: better homeschooling, Homeschool history, homeschool science

Online homeschooling can mean courses that are fully online with all instruction, review, projects and testing completed on the computer. It can also mean online instruction that correlates with a textbook or other learning guide. Other online homeschool options have a textbook or workbook at the core with enrichments available online.

The question is, what is it that homeschoolers really want in an online program?

Please post your comments below. If you are considering turning to an online homeschool option, what format would you prefer? And if you have used online homeschooling for your children, what do you see as its advantages and disadvantages?

Technorati Tags: homeschool online, homeschool survey, online homeschooling

It’s good that Christians homeschool. We need citizens to clean our toilets and mow our lawns. Perhaps some homeschooled Christians will be able to fill these types of jobs. The rest will be unemployable retards like their parents.

It is incredible how uninformed people can immediately jump to stereotypes and ridiculous claims.  Who is the uneducated one here?
 
Bridgeway Homeschool Academy has graduated several top notch homeschoolers this year alone.  One, an Olympic hopeful will go on to University of Georgia on a full scholarship; another will study political science on a $27,000 per year scholarship; another received a full 6 year scholarship for Physical Therapy. 

Let’s see, who else? 

We have one going on to Harvard–fully funded; another who is currently studying at Oxford; four who plan to study graphic design at various universities; twelve who will study either elementary or secondary education; two who already own their own buisnesses–one in web-development; the other in SEO services. 

We have two who hope to impact politics; eight who will attend university for a liberal arts degree (currently undeclared), and several who have already entered the workforce. 

We have several students who have earned awards and scholarships for their volunteer efforts in their communities–one of which was recognized as an “Outstanding Volunteer” at a major event in the Lehigh Valley. 

These are just a few stories from our graduating class. 

So, Mr. Atheist–when you grow up to be old and the country’s leaders are today’s homeschoolers, I trust that you will then be thankful for the time and commitment that these outstanding parents are investing in their cihldren today. 

Technorati Tags: Atheist view Homeschool, Homeschool community, homeschool graduates, Homeschoolers Excel