Home School News Blog

Posts Tagged ‘school’

In a day and age when even sending your kids to school can be dangerous or ineffective, more and more parents are taking control of their children’s education by choosing to home school. Home schooling is certainly not the answer in all situations. But occasionally it becomes evident that a particular child will achieve greater success through home schooling as opposed to the traditional learning environment.

Home schooling, however, is not something to approach lightly. It is absolutely essential that those teaching the child – whether a parent or other instructor – are qualified to provide a home school education. And part of providing this education is the use of educational material such as home school books.

Home school books should mirror the curriculum being introduced in the child’s particular grade level. Home schooling is a commitment to providing the child a safe and comfortable learning environment; but it is also a commitment to keeping the child on track educationally with their peers. Subsequently, home school books should focus on meeting curriculum goals as identified by the school district and home educators. And the material should be taught in a way that addresses the particular needs of the student.

Another particular use for home school books is to attend to those special learning needs sometimes required by home schooled students. Often, when a child is struggling with certain learning disabilities, a parent will make a decision to attempt home schooling in an effort to individually focus on the child and achieve educational success. Home school books that address these individual obstacles can have far reaching impact on successful learning.

Home school books – along with individualized curriculum – can be found online and will walk instructors through the instructional process with ease and comfort. Parents who choose to home school should familiarize themselves with the curriculum and the information found in home school books so they can best tailor the instruction to meet the student’s needs.

Home schooling, when done properly and responsibly, can help students with particular needs make educational headway. Use home school books to lay the foundation for a quality education.

Many parents, faced with inadequate schooling for their children or a child’s particular educational needs that a district can not effectively handle, choose instead to home school their child. Home schooling – when done appropriately and responsibly – can be enormously effective in educating children in particular situations. However, qualified home school teaching is paramount to achieving results.

Parents choose the option of home schooling for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the quality of education is lacking in their area school district, classrooms are overcrowded, or particular educational needs can not be met by existing programs. While private schooling may sometimes be an option, in many cases it is cost-prohibitive. In other cases, learning or physical disabilities hinder students regardless of what traditional school environment they attend. In all of these cases, home schooling can provide an efficient and successful alternative to traditional learning environments.

Those providing home school teaching – most often the parent of the child being home schooled – must make a commitment to keeping the student on par with the curriculum being offered through the public school system. Each particular state offers their own guidelines regarding home school teaching requirements. Those interested in home school teaching should possess a strong desire to have a positive impact on their student’s education; the rest will come with experience. Home school curriculum in line with state guidelines can be found online and will lead instructors step-by-step through the process.

Parents who choose home schooling are often intimidated by the teaching process. What they will soon discover is that home school teaching is ultimately the communication of information in a way that works for each particular student. For example, if your child learns best through sound, you may find that you do well with the use of DVD instruction in your home school teaching. Other students need a more hands-on approach. If you listen and observe the needs of your child you will often find a way to customize your home school teaching.

Home school teaching can bring learning into focus for a variety of students. Released from the social, emotional, and educational obstacles sometimes found in traditional school environments, students are left with a clear path to learning. Approached responsibly, the home school process can instill confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Home schooling is a topic that continues to receive quite a bit of attention. The ability to control the educational environment in which a child learns is often of great benefit to parents looking to supplement the low-quality education found in their school district. In other situations, there are particular educational needs that can best be met by a home school setting. But part of home schooling is consenting to a home school inspection that ensures that you are working within proper guidelines.

Home schooling guidelines are governed by each particular state and require that curriculum offered in a home school environment is in line with that being offered in the traditional school environment. Parents or qualified instructors who take on the responsibility of home schooling are held to these standards in an effort to provide the highest quality education possible for each student.

Depending on the state in which you live, a home school inspection may be necessary prior to you beginning the home school process. Some states also require a home school inspection on a periodic basis to ensure that the proper guidelines are being met and that curriculum is in keeping with educational benchmarks set forth by the state and individual school district.

Educators are often observed periodically in traditional schools and a home school inspection is similar to this practice. But a home school inspection also takes into account the home environment as a setting conducive to effective learning. Inspectors will look for a quiet “classroom” setting specifically reserved for home schooling; it should be an environment that fosters concentration, creativity, and learning.

A home school inspection will also take into account the materials that you are using for your home school program including textbooks, DVDs or videos, computer software, and online resources. All material should generally support and further the curriculum established by the school district.

Ultimately, a home school inspection is for the good of the child. If you keep that in mind, it is less of an inconvenience and more of a necessary component of home schooling. Remember that home schooling is a responsibility and should be treated as such. A symbiotic relationship between you and the school district will only benefit your child and foster a greater educational experience.

We all want our children to get the best education possible, especially in those early, formative years. Yet we have to admit, in most cases, that the public school system has become inadequate at best, and just isn’t teaching our kids the basic skills they’ll need to survive in the real-world job market.

Private schools can offer a better option, but the cost may be greater than the average family can afford, especially if there is more than one child. And the parent usually has little control over the curriculum or the peer group the child will fall in with.

Many people are looking into the option of home schooling. They are asking “Is home schooling for me?” This is an important question. And there are several related questions you should answer before diving in. Answering these questions should give you a better understanding of what home schooling is all about.

First, why would I want to home school?

Most homeschoolers believe the public schools are not doing an adequate job of educating. Slow learners are falling further and further behind while gifted students are not adequately challenged. At home slower learners can get the one-on-one attention they need. And gifted students can move ahead at their own pace and even finish early.

In a home school setting the parents can adjust the schedule to fit the child. I have two children I’m currently homeschooling. The older one is a quick learner with a photographic memory. He doesn’t need much repetition of facts in order to remember them. My second child is just the opposite. He needs hours and hours of repetition. Isn’t it amazing how different two blood brothers can be?

Parents can also adjust the curriculum to fit the child. I had no trouble teaching my older boy to read. So I used the same curriculum with boy number two. It didn’t work. Hmmm, OK. So I switched curriculums. Now my second son is doing much better, and not nearly as frustrated with learning. And Mom didn’t have to get frustrated, either. Parents and students can be flexible when they teach and learn at home.

What are some more reasons?

Many parents are choosing to homeschool for safety reasons. Let’s face it, schools simply are not safe. Sadly, many students in public schools are faced with criminal situations every day. At the very least they probably have to put up with bullies. And when was the last time you heard of any POSITIVE effects from peer pressure? It’s easy to see that this type of environment is usually very stressful and distracts from the real purpose of being at school, namely learning.

Another reason many people home school, is because they are fed up with public schools teaching evolution, sex and other hot button subjects. Homeschoolers generally view these subjects as topics that should be taught at home, not at school.

They feel that when the schools teach these subjects the schools are usurping their parental authority. By choosing to homeschool, parents can take back their God-given authority/responsibility to raise their

children with a Biblical worldview.

Whatever your reason for homeschooling make sure you define it. Knowing why you are doing something will help you to stay focused when things get rough.

How can I be sure I’m teaching my child the things he/she needs to know?

Once you have decided to homeschool, you should contact your local school board and ask them what the requirements are. Some schools require that you register your child, some do not. Some schools will allow you to use their curriculum (if you want to). Virtually every school is different. And every state has different requirements.

Many local libraries also have information on what needs to be taught at different grade levels. Of course, there have been many books written on the subject as well. And let’s not forget the web. Doing a search on home schooling will turn up loads of information.

Where can I find curriculum to use?

There are so many publishers of educational materials out there that the question becomes “How do I know which to use?”

But let’s answer the first question first.

You can find curriculum at your local library, at homeschooler’s book sales, book stores, used book stores, on-line retailers, on-line used curriculum sites, and direct from the publishers.

How do you decide which to use? That depends on you, your child and your goals. For example, if your child has learning problems, you would buy curriculum designed for children with learning problems. If you want to teach Biblical values you would purchase from a Christian publisher.

First, evaluate your child’s situation, decide what your goals will be, and choose the area of study upon which you wish to concentrate. Then go to the stores, libraries or publishers, or spend some time online, and make your selections based on these criteria.

Finally, do I have time to home school?

Ah yes, the big “T” question. There never seems to be enough time with our busy schedules these days. Obviously, if you’re not going to be home for at least six waking hours (your child’s, not yours), then it’s going to be very difficult to provide a quality education.

Ideally, there should be a stay-at-home parent to do the teaching, but even if you have to work the standard 8-hour day, it’s still possible by adjusting and pairing your schedules. It’s all a matter of priorities. We’ll always find the time to do the things we consider most important.

Take the plunge.

Once you have your student(s) and curriculum in front of you the fun can start. Did I say fun? Forgive me, I’m not trying to be sarcastic. Oftentimes it may seem more like work, but you can make it fun with the right attitude. Think of it as a new, life-changing adventure that you and your child will be taking together.

Many home schoolers are even incorporating educational games and toys into their curriculum. Games can make learning easier and a lot more interesting. Just one more reason to make the bold move away from the public school system and over to the home school system.

American families are consistently progressing. For many years they have been sending their children to school thinking that their children would benefit from a sound education. Year after year, parents have expectations as their children pass out from one school to another. Parents think that their children are gathering lot of knowledge in various subjects and believe that the end aim is being reached. But why should parents keep speculating about the education even after shelling out heavy school fees? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? On the contrary, they can be sure and relax if they choose home schooling.

Home schooling has progressed and has developed into a new trend of teaching with care and love. Earlier in England, home schooling was taken care of by governesses who were hired by families, but now the times have changed and home schooling has become more versatile. Home schooling gives parents a chance to play a hands-on part in the child’s education without stressing themselves. Home schooling works towards benefiting the child as per his or her individual needs.

What’s the right time to start home schooling?

Parents keep wondering about the age and time to start home schooling their children. They always feel that home schooling should start as per the convenience and affordability of the parent. There is no specific time to start home schooling and you should home school your child only when you feel that you are ready to take on the responsibility.

There is no exact time to home school your child, so when you are ready with all the requirements then you should determine and pursue the process no matter what happens. You can home school your child even if your child has attended some other school earlier. Children love to read and listen to stories, they learn through their own understanding, experience and ideas. They love exploring new things and learning on their own.

Home schooling focuses mainly on-

. Discipleship- This is an area where the kids are taught about the holy words to gain wisdom. This inculcates love towards God and compassion in the child’s heart.

. Discipline- This is handled via the base subjects like math, language and arts as the children learn the fundamental learning skills and competencies.

. Discussion- This session utilizes maximum time for reading history and literature to the children. The child’s mind should be well fed with the best available content.

. Discovery- A child’s mind is directed towards natural learning such as studying about nature, science, creative arts etc. The basic goal of a parent is to stimulate a child towards choosing opportunities to enhance creativity, curiosity and discovery.

. Optional studies- This helps to highlight a child’s abilities, by focusing on his or her innate gifts and interests, life skills and community development.

Home schooling teaches, tutors, disciplines, and encourages your child. It shapes your child’s intelligence with every day and this can be really a daunting task if attempted by you on your own. If you wish to see your child accomplish his or her dreams in the world of competition out there, then home schooling is well worth the effort and investment.

If you discover that your child is struggling in a public school and is becoming increasingly downcast as the weeks roll by then home schooling may be an option that you should look at. If so, be prepared for a changeover period after removing the child from the public school system before jumping into ‘full-time’ home schooling.

If your child is in public school at the moment then you will have to start by acquainting yourself with the home schooling laws in your state. Be certain that you can comply with all of your state’s requirements before you take any action. Once you are confident that you can meet all of the state requirements you should contact your child’s school and inform them that you are removing. If you fail to formally remove your child then this may lead to truancy issues at a later date. You must also be prepared for them to question your action and possibly to resist your action.

The manner in which you withdraw your child will depend on where you live however it will frequently involve simply writing a letter to the superintendent of schools. You will have to inform the superintendent that you have decided to school your child at home. You will also have to provide proof that you are complying with your state’s laws and that you are legally allowed to remove your child from school. If you are able to quote part of the law in your letter then this will show that you are acquainted with the law and your rights to home school your child.

Having taken care of the formalities you ought then to consider the following:

1. Your child is not a prisoner of the rules and regulations of the public school system any more and should be given some time come to terms with the change. In view of this, you ought not to rush headlong into full time schooling but ought to allow your child a bit of time to get used to this new lifestyle.

2. Take some time to get to know each other again. You might think that you know your child however you might be surprised to find that you do not know him at all. You may discover that there are parts of your child’s character that you did not know were there and he may also learn a few new things about you as well.

3. Do not be shocked if your child does one or two things that he has grown used to doing at school. Some new home school children will put their hand up when they have a question or when they have to use the restroom. It may take some time to do but those habits will disappear eventually.

4. Try to hang on to some of the better habits that he has learned at school. If, for instance, your child is in the habit of having spelling tests on a set day of the week then add this into your home schooling plan. If you let him stop doing everything he did in public school then you may end up with more problems than you are solving.

5. Take the time to enjoy home schooling with your child. Choosing to home school is of course above all for the student however it should also be a pleasure for you as well. Do not take yourself too seriously and cut yourself some slack and have fun. Perhaps most important of all do not forget just why you elected to home school and enjoy the independence that home schooling affords.

Okay im 14 and in 9th grade. the problem is i don’t really like it. its to much for me i think and i want to be home schooled. high school is a bit intimidating and also i want to learn more but at home. my dad doesn’t think home schooling is a good idea. even though i think it is. i know many people who are home schooled and love it more then regular school. ive looked up many things about home schooling . but my dad just wont agree please help.

What does it take to home school your kids & how much does it cost? I just need a ball park figure of cost. I would like to home school my son. I would rather he not attend public school anymore (It is a long story that I dont’ want to get into right now). Yes, I now I am not using proper language, spelling, or punctuation right now, but I am upset and crying while I am typing this.
Thank you ahead of time.

Hello. I am a sixteen year old junior in high school. I have made the decision, with approval from my parents, to become home schooled.
I’ve been researching hours and hours for the past few days and have found some interesting facts.
But can someone tell me what the first step is?
Do I order the curriculum first? Or arrange a conference with my high school principal? Help.

If one child is significantly ahead of his grade level and does better in a home-school environment and is being home-schooled, do you think it would be strange to send the younger child to public school (which is also a great system)?