Benefits of Homeschooling
What about socialization? This is probably the #1 concern amongst those considering homeschooling. Homeschool children do not experience the same social experience as public schooled children do. This is a good thing! This is one of the primary reasons why many families decide to homeschool. Fortunately there is no shortage of socialization opportunities available to homeschooled students. Homeschooled children have ample opportunity to spend time with children of all ages in their neighborhood, at church, in clubs and in sports activities. At local homeschool group activities, classes, and field trips, children can build meaningful friendships with others who have similar interests and values. Many homeschool siblings experience a very close relationship with each other as well as with other family members.
What does a homeschool support group do? A homeschool support group can be an incredible resource for your family! Support groups, usually comprised of both new and seasoned homeschoolers, can provide a place to find comfort and reassurance in all of the collectively shared wisdom. In an active support group, the children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities: field trips, park days, 4-H clubs, etc. Our support group, the Central AR Homeschoolers, utilizes an internet Yahoo Group as a means for members to communicate about activities and to seek support. 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. Will homeschooling be advantageous? No matter what your student's needs are, the one-on-one attention that a homeschool student receives will far outweigh the many hours at the public school. Homeschool students progress at their own pace, whether they quickly master the material or require more explanation and practice. Teachers can emphasize mastery of a skill before moving onto new material, laying a firm 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 stipulates it. (The State of Arkansas doesn’t require that homeschool teachers have a college diploma.) After several years of teaching one grade level, many public school teachers are newly assigned to teach a different grade level, without warning. They can do this easily because they use a teacher's manual that is purchased with the student 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, different methodologies, visual aids, and answer keys.
What other guidelines do I have to follow as a homeschool teacher? Click here for Arkansas State homeschool guidelines http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/index.asp?PageID=Laws
What is a “learning style”? There are three primary learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (hands-on) learning. Knowing your child's learning style allows you to choose a curriculum that caters to that style to fully engage your child's mind in a way that makes the most sense to them. Being able to tailor your child’s education to his/her specific learning style will maximize retention of material and make learning more enjoyable for student and teacher alike. You can also choose a curriculum that will utilize all three learning styles in efforts to improve a student’s weaknesses. For instance, if your child enjoys hands-on projects, you could also present the same material in a visual and auditory way. This will allow the student to build on weak areas while enhancing mastery of a skill. Another reason to mix learning styles is that most college classes are in lecture format. Mixing auditory learning with other styles may better prepare them for higher learning.
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. Many families use several at once!
Where am I going to find my curriculum? Online shopping is not only convenient but offers a limitless array of curriculum choices. 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 teacher supply stores carry items meant for a classroom setting, there's no reason a homeschool family can't use them as well. In Arkansas , the statewide homeschool organization, Education Alliance, holds an annual convention that includes a used 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 you can receive a discount, free shipping, or a longer trial period when you purchase items at the curriculum fair. For more information about the Arkansas Homeschool Convention, visit the Education Alliance website. http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/index.asp?PageID=
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 gradually work more independently. In most cases, homeschooling leaves time for pursuing the child's interests, socializing with friends, and attending support group activities. Most homeschool students will not have homework to complete in the evening. As a result, participation in a youth group, church choir, sports team or scout troop is more easily fit into a family’s schedule. Older children have more time to pursue employment.
How flexible will our schedule be? Homeschooling can certainly provide endless flexibility when compared with a public school district's schedule. Vacations, doctor appointments, breaks, and outside activities can take place whenever the homeschool teachers sees fit. Many homeschool families enjoy a year-round schedule that allows several shorter breaks throughout the year, whereas others compress their school year in order to enjoy an extended summer break.
How do homeschoolers score on standardized tests? In the state of Arkansas , students 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. Surprisingly, studies show that homeschoolers consistently score higher than their traditional school peers, as described in this article featured in the Washington Times http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/washingtontimes/200908100.asp Test preparation booklets are available for purchase at school supply stores. These give students an idea of the format and scope of a standardized test for their grade.
Can the homeschool student get a head-start on college somehow? Many dual credit classes are offered to 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. Not only are these classes available to homeschooled teens but so are College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. These tests measure a student’s knowledge, awarding college credit accordingly– 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? You can email the CARH Board with any question or concern you may have at CARHBoard@yahoo.com. The decision whether or not to homeschool can be a hard one. Let us help you in your decision and journey!
What does a homeschool support group do? A homeschool support group can be an incredible resource for your family! Support groups, usually comprised of both new and seasoned homeschoolers, can provide a place to find comfort and reassurance in all of the collectively shared wisdom. In an active support group, the children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities: field trips, park days, 4-H clubs, etc. Our support group, the Central AR Homeschoolers, utilizes an internet Yahoo Group as a means for members to communicate about activities and to seek support. 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. Will homeschooling be advantageous? No matter what your student's needs are, the one-on-one attention that a homeschool student receives will far outweigh the many hours at the public school. Homeschool students progress at their own pace, whether they quickly master the material or require more explanation and practice. Teachers can emphasize mastery of a skill before moving onto new material, laying a firm 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 stipulates it. (The State of Arkansas doesn’t require that homeschool teachers have a college diploma.) After several years of teaching one grade level, many public school teachers are newly assigned to teach a different grade level, without warning. They can do this easily because they use a teacher's manual that is purchased with the student 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, different methodologies, visual aids, and answer keys.
What other guidelines do I have to follow as a homeschool teacher? Click here for Arkansas State homeschool guidelines http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/index.asp?PageID=Laws
What is a “learning style”? There are three primary learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (hands-on) learning. Knowing your child's learning style allows you to choose a curriculum that caters to that style to fully engage your child's mind in a way that makes the most sense to them. Being able to tailor your child’s education to his/her specific learning style will maximize retention of material and make learning more enjoyable for student and teacher alike. You can also choose a curriculum that will utilize all three learning styles in efforts to improve a student’s weaknesses. For instance, if your child enjoys hands-on projects, you could also present the same material in a visual and auditory way. This will allow the student to build on weak areas while enhancing mastery of a skill. Another reason to mix learning styles is that most college classes are in lecture format. Mixing auditory learning with other styles may better prepare them for higher learning.
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. Many families use several at once!
Where am I going to find my curriculum? Online shopping is not only convenient but offers a limitless array of curriculum choices. 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 teacher supply stores carry items meant for a classroom setting, there's no reason a homeschool family can't use them as well. In Arkansas , the statewide homeschool organization, Education Alliance, holds an annual convention that includes a used 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 you can receive a discount, free shipping, or a longer trial period when you purchase items at the curriculum fair. For more information about the Arkansas Homeschool Convention, visit the Education Alliance website. http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/index.asp?PageID=
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 gradually work more independently. In most cases, homeschooling leaves time for pursuing the child's interests, socializing with friends, and attending support group activities. Most homeschool students will not have homework to complete in the evening. As a result, participation in a youth group, church choir, sports team or scout troop is more easily fit into a family’s schedule. Older children have more time to pursue employment.
How flexible will our schedule be? Homeschooling can certainly provide endless flexibility when compared with a public school district's schedule. Vacations, doctor appointments, breaks, and outside activities can take place whenever the homeschool teachers sees fit. Many homeschool families enjoy a year-round schedule that allows several shorter breaks throughout the year, whereas others compress their school year in order to enjoy an extended summer break.
How do homeschoolers score on standardized tests? In the state of Arkansas , students 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. Surprisingly, studies show that homeschoolers consistently score higher than their traditional school peers, as described in this article featured in the Washington Times http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/washingtontimes/200908100.asp Test preparation booklets are available for purchase at school supply stores. These give students an idea of the format and scope of a standardized test for their grade.
Can the homeschool student get a head-start on college somehow? Many dual credit classes are offered to 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. Not only are these classes available to homeschooled teens but so are College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. These tests measure a student’s knowledge, awarding college credit accordingly– 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? You can email the CARH Board with any question or concern you may have at CARHBoard@yahoo.com. The decision whether or not to homeschool can be a hard one. Let us help you in your decision and journey!
