Education is the number one priority in this country, yet we have seen more and more deterioration of schools in the last ten years, than any other time in history. This is due in part to the consistent and often times unnecessary reorganization of schools; change in curriculum; and, most importantly, oversized classrooms which thwart the educational process. In addition, discipline has become a major problem in most public schools today.
Add to this peer pressure, gang related incidents and violence; neither of which is conducive to the learning environment. Therefore, the question: “Is homeschooling right for your family?” happens to be a valid one. Let’s explore some of the issues you need to consider about homeschooling.
Is it cost effective for you to homeschool your child? Depending upon your city, you may be able to avail yourself of the many materials needed either through your local school, community or library. Studies have shown that homeschooled children show far better results that attending regular schools. If both parents currently work outside the home, it’s likely one of you will have to quit your job to home school.
Teaching your child at home, while in a comfortable and non-threatening setting, allows the child to work at his or her own pace. However, keeping up with the curriculum standards is important as well. A great deal has been mentioned lately regarding the amount of time a child spends from the moment they awake until they finish their homework at night. It is estimated they put in more than 10 hours a day. Homeschooling can alleviate the stress of traveling to and from school and lack of sleep, to a more relaxed learning environment wherein the child will be able to rest easier, and retain most of which he or she has learned.
While homeschool is a decision the entire family must make, since one parent will have to stay home every day to ensure their child’s educational progress is on track; there are other things to consider as well. If there are other children a parent has to care for, it may be difficult to conduct learning sessions, and may require bringing in someone to care for the siblings every day.
Testing is another consideration. This also depends upon state regulations and test requirements, especially if the child is going to college. Check with your state’s educational policies to determine what tests if any have to be conducted and under what conditions.
Finally, you and your family must sit down and thoroughly go over all of the necessary items you need; if homeschooling is affordable for you; if you have the time, patience and commitment to see it through; and be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the sake of your child. Once you have answered all of these questions, you can then answer the next question with certainty: Is home schooling right for your family?
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Virginia says:
Your suppositions are incorrect on many counts. Both parents can work and still home school. You set your child’s curriculum standards not anyone else. There is no need to have someone else come in and care for your other children. And one never needs to spend as much time as traditional schools as homeschooling is a tutoring style of education which has entirely different norms.
I know many home schooling families in which both parents work full time. Their children still succeed and even excel while being homeschooled. It is not that hard to work and homeschool. It does require a different type of materials and structure but if it is important to you to homeschool your child you will find a way to succeed at your task irregardless of the obsticles faced.
The only instances in which it may be absolutely necessary to quit a job in order to home school are mental state of parent or child (anxious or easily stressed parents should focus entirely on homeschooling in order to avoid burn out and children with certain conditions such as learning disabilities ADHD ODD etc will benefit more from a more structured and consistent environment that a parent home provides), State law (yes some states actually require you be home during certain hours a majority of the time) and personal preference of the parents (which is only described here as a necessity as if you prefer it you will find it to be a necessity).
State standards are not necessarily th ebest standards to follow as they have been gradually eroded over the last century. Look at an 8th grade graduation exam from the late 1800’s and you will see exactly what I mean. Do you want a so-so education for your child or a stellar education. the choices are all up to you. Is it best for your child to prepare them for college or trade school. THere are so many variables to consider, and the answers will lead you to a customized education just for that child. Even the curriculum you use will differ between children.
And Lastly but certainly not least, homeschooling is an organic process. You can help one child learn to read while assisting another with their reading assignment and changing a diaper all at once. THis may sound unfathamable but thing of all the other things you are able to do at once without batting an eyelash.
Yes, it takes time to adjust to homeschooling if you’re children were in school previously but after you get the swing of things it all settles in. Start by first covering only the essentials (the three r’s) and slowly add in other subjects. Take a different approach, tie history readings and reading together with historical fiction, do your writing assignment on your science lesson. The possiblities are endless if you open your mind and set the creative juices flowing.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
admin says:
Hi Virginia - I agree with a lot of what you are saying, it does take a lot of creativity, observation, and trial and error to really get a grasp on what your homeschooling environment is going to be like.
For me personally, I don’t think I could handle the stress of working outside the home and homeschooling, it is hard enough for our family to homeschool three kids (two of them preschoolers), have my husband work two jobs, and I work from home.
But I do agree that every parent is different, and it is important to check with your state laws and abide by them. I also think that the age of the child and curriculum could seriously help determine whether or not you should stay home full time, or part time, or work full time.
I think for our family working outside the home is not an option, but could definitely be for someone else. I don’t know too many home-schoolers that do that, but I have heard of some and I really commend them for taking on so much responsibility and for being able to keep all their hair, lol!
I really do appreciate your comment, thanks!
April 4th, 2008 at 10:27 pm