Benefits of Homeschooling
What about socialization? This is probably the #1 question we get asked and are also concerned about at first. Homeschoolers do not experience the same socialization that public schooled children do. This is a good thing!! This is one of the primary reasons that many people today have decided to homeschool. Homeschooled kids have the opportunity to develop friendships with people of all ages. There is no shortage of socialization opportunity. Homeschooled kids can spend time with kids in the neighborhood, at church, and in different clubs and sports activities. They can also participate in homeschool group activities, classes, and field trips. Kids are able to develop quality friendships with others who have similar interests and values. Many homeschool siblings experience a very close relationship with each other as well as developing strong relationships with other family members.
What does a homeschool support group do? A homeschool support group can be one of the best resources for your family. Support groups are made up of new homeschoolers and seasoned ones too. Because there are always tons of questions and worries the new homeschool mom/dad encounters, this is especially rewarding for the parents. A homeschool support group provides a great place to find comfort in all the wisdom shared within the group. They also provide lifelong friends, not only for the mom's, but for the children as well. In an active support group, the children will have the opportunity to participate in many different types of activities, like: field trips, park days, 4-H clubs, or any fun idea that the group members plan. Our support group, Central AR Homeschoolers, has an additional benefit to our members. Since we operate out of a Yahoo group, which is similar to a message board that comes straight to our email inbox, members can "talk" to the other members at anytime. If a member has a question, needs personal support or comfort, just send an email. Also, if a member has an idea for an activity, and they aren't sure if others would be interested, email is a great way to ask for feedback before doing all the work to set it up. This has been a great way to get to know the other ladies even if they cannot attend all the events as well. If you are interested in joining our group, take a peak at our FAQ's section or click the join now button.
My child is behind/ahead of their peers academically. How will homeschooling be an advantage to my child? No matter what your student's needs are, more 1 on 1 attention can be given to each child. They have access to their teacher 24-7. Homeschool students progress at their own pace - regardless if it is quick mastery and progressing ahead or if more explanation and practice is needed. They are able to gain mastery of a skill before moving forward. This develops a strong foundation for the student.
I don't have a college degree, how am I going to educate my child? You don't need a college degree to teach your child unless your state law happens to require one. Many teachers are placed in one grade level for a few years and then moved to a different grade level without warning. They can do this because they use teacher's manuals that are purchased with the student's curriculum. Homeschool mom's can purchase the same teacher's manuals to go along with their own curriculum choices. These manuals often include teaching tips, methods, visual aids, and answer keys.
What is a learning style? There are three different types of learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic or hands-on learning. You can search "learning styles" and read more detailed information about each one from various websites. The benefit of knowing your child's learning style, and choosing curriculum that caters to that style, will engage your child's mind in a way that makes the most sense to them. This means more fun for them, too. Being able to cater to your child's specific learning style is going to increase their memory and enjoyment of the subject being taught. You can also choose a curriculum that will utilize all three styles if you like; this may improve a weak area. For instance, if your child really likes to "do" projects that's great! But if you mix the different styles of teaching, you can focus on weak areas while enhancing their mastery skills. Another reason to mix learning styles together is that most college classes tend to lecture. Mixing other styles, like some auditory material for a child that likes to "do" projects, may enhance that skill and better prepare them for future college classes.
What is a homeschooling style? As you research homeschooling you may see words like: eclectic, classical, unschooling, or Charlotte Mason method thrown around. There are so many homeschooling styles out there that it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your family. Plug in the words "homeschooling style" or "homeschooling approaches" into your favorite search engine and this will help you locate an array of websites, which will help you understand each style of homeschooling in more detail. Getting a better definition for each one might just help you decide how to best educate your children. But don't feel like you have to choose one in order to homeschool. And if one homeschooling approach doesn't work as well as you would like, you can change to another.
Where am I going to find my curriculum? Online shopping is the most convenient way to purchase curriculum. You can research, read reviews, shop for the best deals all from home. You might also search for a used homeschool curriculum store, bookstore, or a Mardel Christian Bookstore near you. Even though most teaching supply stores will carry items meant for a classroom setting, there's no reason a homeschool family can't use them as well.. In Arkansas, our local Education Alliance, holds an annual convention that includes a curriculum fair. By attending the homeschool convention you will have the opportunity to look through an assortment of curricula, ask questions, and purchase your selections there. Often times, you can receive a discount, free shipping, or a longer trial period to try out your choices when you purchase items at the curriculum fair. For more information about the Arkansas Homeschool Convention, visit the Education Alliance website.
How long will I be teaching each day? This will vary from family to family, but most homeschoolers are able to accomplish an entire day's work in less time than a traditional school day, sometimes in just a few hours. As the student gets older, the work load increases and so will the time it takes to complete assignments.. However, students also begin to work more independently. In most cases, homeschooling leaves time for pursuing the child's own interests, socializing with friends, and attending support group activities. Most homeschool students will not have homework to complete in the evening. This makes joining a youth group, choir at church, sports and scouting activities much more feasible to include in your schedule. Older kids can even get a job, if they desire, while still allowing time to complete their studies.
How flexible will our schedule be? Homeschool families have more flexibility. They are not tied to the school district's schedule. Vacations, doctor appointments, much needed breaks, and outside activities can take place whenever you want to schedule them. Many homeschool families enjoy a year round schedule that allows them to take many shorter breaks throughout the year, whereas others like to have a longer break between school years.
How do homeschoolers score on standardized tests? In the state of Arkansas, we are required by law to take the IOWA Basic Skills test. Many homeschool teachers do not stop teaching their curriculum to prepare their students for the Iowa Basic Skills Test. And yet, studies show that homeschoolers score higher than their traditional school peers. Test prep booklets are available for purchase at school supply stores. These will give the student an idea of what the actual test may be like. However, it doesn't help with the specific questions given on those types of tests.
Can the homeschool student get a head start in college? Many dual credit classes are offered to the public school student through local community colleges. A dual credit class awards the student with both college and high school credit. Often, these classes are even available online. The homeschool student can take full advantage of these as well. Not only are these classes available for homeschooled teens, but so are CLEP tests. These tests measure the student’s knowledge and provide college credit – without entering a classroom. This saves a significant amount of time and money, when working towards a college degree.
Do you or a family member still have questions? No, problem! You can email us with any question or concern you may have at CARHBoard@yahoo.com. One of the board members of this support group checks it on a daily basis and would love the opportunity to help you. This decision shouldn't be taken lightly. You do have to be a very dedicated parent to choose homeschooling.