Most homeschool parents have an intense belief in the value of a
good education. They tend to have a higher than average educational level themselves and
want the best for their children. Some are avoiding public school curriculums that are
contrary to their own family values. Many parents worry about violence and negative
influences in school. Other families homeschool gifted children who need more freedom and
acceleration. Some educate special-needs students in a more attentive and accepting
environment than the schools can provide. Being taught one-on-one in the homeschool gives
a big advantage to the student. Some homeschool families are very "high-tech."
Others excel in music, or other creative arts.
Most of us feel it is important to teach our religious beliefs as part
of our children's education. Homeschooling brings families closer together. Homeschooling
parents spend more time with their children, so they know their needs better. Children
have more respect for the parent who is also their teacher. Homeschooling is a valid
choice for those who are have the time and dedication educate their children.
When you come into a homeschool, don't expect to see desks lined up in a row with the teacher lecturing at the blackboard. Home education usually encourages a lot of responsibility and independent work from the student. The parent may give assignments then check the work later and give any needed help. The parent-teacher may be instructing the youngest students at the kitchen table while another stretches out on the floor to study and another works out a science experiment in the kitchen. Most home educating families use one or more of the following curriculum plans: purchased curriculum, unit studies, "Great Brain Projects," unschooling, or a combination of techniques and educational philosophies
The child works from textbooks purchased from a commercial homeschool curriculum supplier.
The teacher's manuals can also be purchased. Some curriculums involve videos of an actual
classroom or a computer curriculum. Some curriculum suppliers also provide a certified
teacher to oversee and provide instruction for the student through correspondence.
The teacher creates assignments to teach almost all the school subjects while exploring a
subject the child is interested in. Example: A child with an interest in butterflies may
collect butterflies, look up the species in a book, perhaps sing songs about butterflies,
study regions of the world where different butterflies live, write stories and poems about
butterflies, watch videos about butterflies, present an oral, or written report about
them, sketch butterflies in nature etc. It is great fun, and a good way to teach a family
of children of different ages.
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Somethimes these are called, "Great Brain" projects, because the student becomes
a "great brain" on his subject. This is similar to Unit Studies except that the
responsibility to build the unit is on the child. The child learns all he/she can about a
certain subject and becomes an expert on that subject. After 2 to 8 weeks working on
a project, the child presents a written or oral report to the family. The child can even
"test" the family members after his presentation to see how much they learned.
Children can make their own maps, models, demonstrations etc. Research projects are
especially good for self-motivated, and gifted kids.
Research Projects
This type of school puts great trust in the natural desire of
children to learn. Learning occurs by following the interests of the child, and expanding
the educational opportunities of natural day-to-day family activities. Example: A child
spends the morning watching birds at the bird feeder. He describes the activities of
several birds. Later he may write his observations in a nature notebook. He listens to his
mother read a chapter from a classic book. He spends some time reading a children’s
science magazine. He helps his mother plan the week's menus, and make a shopping list.
They compare the prices in the newspaper ads. They go to the store and select the best
bargains. Later he helps Mom make a double batch of cookies, (he doubles the fractions in
the recipe), and they take one batch to a sick friend. Unschooling is especially
effective with very young children, or gifted children.
Homeschooled children in Idaho can have the best of both worlds. They can learn at
home and attend public school part-time to participate in a class that may be hard to
duplicate at home such as driver's training, choir, chemistry, or band. Some homeschooling
high school students attend college part-time.
Homeschool usually takes fewer hours than public school because time can be used
more efficiently. Lower elementary age children need 2 or 3 hours. High school students
may study 5 or more hours. Although most homeschools are "in school" at about
the same times as public school, the homeschool schedule may be quite different than
traditional school. Some subjects might be taught in the evenings by the father, or once a
week by a grandparent. Many homeschools continue on throughout part or all of the summer.
Homeschooling is allowed in every state. Idaho leaves the responsibility of
providing a good education to the homeschooling parent. Idaho does not require test scores
or other reporting to the school district or state.
Idaho Homeschool Law
Tutoring other Children
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Homeschool parents are trusted with the great responsibility of taking on the total
education of their children. Parents need to understand the commitment and time involved
in homeschooling and work to do the very best job they can. Parents need to create an
overall plan, and yearly and daily plans for each child's education. They need to create a
method of accountability for each child, to make sure assignments and learning are
happening. There are wonderful resources available including curriculum that gives
the teachers the exact words to say when teaching the lesson. If you do not feel
confident teaching certain subjects, you can enroll your child in a correspondence school
or online class. Another option is to set up a cooperative homeschool
with other families where each parent teaches different subjects. If you are
committed to your children's education, you can do it.
Do You Have What it Takes? Self-Test
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The answer is YES! Properly prepared students can take the *GED plus the
regular college entrance exams (ACT or SAT) They are getting into colleges and
doing well. Many homeschooled teens take college classes part-time while still in their
high school years.
Colleges are learning that homeschooled students are motivated, independent
learners. The GED is not a hindrance to a student who has gone on to college.
If the homeschool student is NOT college bound, he/she may be wise to earn a high school
diploma by using an accredited curriculum. (See next question.)
*From the 2002 ISU Student Catalog: "Students may
also be considered for admission through an alternate means to the GED based on exemplary
ACT/SAT scores and one additional standardized test score such as GED, ACT Compass, CPT,
etc. GED Information College Entrance Exams (ACT or SAT)"
NOTE: Contact the Adult Success Center at ISU for information on these tests.
ISU Information for Homeschool Students
Idaho Law does NOT grant credit for home schooling. At the elementary grades,
this is not a problem. If you plan to homeschool a high school level (grades 9-12)
student who wants a high school diploma, the student will need to attend an
accredited correspondence school. Teachers from a distant school assign lessons and
tests. Students study at home, then submit the assignments to the teacher. The
teacher corrects and grades the work and gives credit for the work done.
If the student is not planning to go to college, I recommend that he earn a diploma.
The GED is not accepted by employers as well as a diploma if the student has not
gone on to college.
Accredited Correspondence Schools
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It is a misconception that good socialization requires children to spend most of
their day with large numbers of children their own age. What happens instead is that these
children become peer-dependent. They learn that to be accepted they must conform to what
is currently considered "cool" on the playground. Individualism is punished, and
contempt is shown for younger children and adults. Home educated children are socialized
primarily by their families. They spend much more time with adults, and learn to value the
adult world. Rather than being segregated by age, homeschooled children learn to enjoy
children and adults of many ages. They experience much less of the harassment found on the
playground, so they are spared many scars to their self-esteem. Tests have proven it,
homeschooled kids are are kinder, more responsible, more confident, and more independent.
Isn't that what we really mean by well socialized?
Homeschooled kids do need a few good friends. Most have no problem making friends in the neighborhood, at soccer, at church, and found at homeschool activities. If your children are not finding friends, you may need to give a little help. Be willing to drive a little to connect your children with more distant friends. Make your home a child friendly place where kids want to be. Some parents have taught a fun class, such as art, in their home for several weeks to help their kids connect with other homeschooled kids. Older children can find great friends though taking on a sport, hobby, or service such as helping in a hospital. Friends are important to all kids, so make sure they do have friends.
Homeschooling takes a tremendous commitment of time from the parents, especially the
mother. The mother may have to sacrifice some of her own interests in order to
homeschool. Usually the mother must remain home, which means the family must live on one
income. Homeschooling for single parents is extremely difficult. If the family does not
make an effort to join clubs, church activities, sports, etc., the family may feel
isolated. Books and supplies must be figured into the budget. A few people may make
critical or unkind comments to children who are homeschooled. Parents may feel overwhelmed
at times, especially when teaching several children of different ages or when close
friends or relatives are critical of their choice to homeschool.
Experts estimate there are about 1.3 million in the United States, but no one knows for
sure. There are many homeschooling families in Pocatello.
Homeschool Support Groups, such as SEIHA, are made up of busy of families who take
turns organize field trips, science fairs, and parent support meetings. They often have a
newsletter with information about resources, and activities. Our state organization
provides voluntary standardized testing. Some support groups organize conventions where
parents can attend workshops, meet other parents, and buy educational supplies at discount
prices.
Other
Local Support Groups
Homeschooling is only one choice. Studies have shown that the most important factor
influencing the success of children in school is the involvement of parents. When parents
encourage good study habits, follow through on assignments, give help when needed, provide
an educational home environment, and get to know their children's teachers, they are doing
their part to give their children a good education.
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Homeschooling may be very helpful. Students with health problems are not
exposed to large groups of other children who may carry germs. Parents are able to
give much more one-on-one attention than children could receive in school. Children
with attention problems are less distracted at home. Students and can move at their
own pace. Special needs students have less stress at home.
Homeschool Help for Special Needs Children
The one-on-one attention of homeschooling may be just what your troubled student
needs. If your child has had a less than desirable public school experience, home
may be safer, less stressful, and less distracting too. You can work with the needs
of your child and make a plan together to get back on track educationally, and
emotionally.
In some cases when the child is in legal trouble, the judge may require the student to
attend public school. But in most cases the student will be able to homeschool, if
that is what you choose. If your child has been expelled, you can
homeschool. If the student is a high school student and wants to return to
public school eventually, an accredited correspondence school may be the best
choice. That way the student can earn credit then return to school later and
be able to graduate.
Accredited Correspondence
Schools
Homeschooling in Challenging Situations
Copyright © [Southeast Idaho Homeschool Association]. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 17, 2007.