Homeschooling is a very personal decision and not one to take lightly. I came from a family where my mother was a teacher. I was always taught school was a very important place and you needed to try to be successful there. I also hated school and the system that was in place. I wanted to learn but I was not comfortable or happy learning in that environment. I fought my way through high school and barely graduated.
When I had my own boys I pondered the questions many homeschool Moms and Dads face. Maybe you are facing them now. I ask you to seek the Lord for his will and maybe I can answer some of the many questions I so frequently get asked.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal? Yes, Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states. Various laws govern specific states and you should familiarize yourself with them. Click here for more information: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp
2. Am I capable? Most states require a high school diploma to teach your child. Research shows hard work and dedication are much more important to teaching your child than special training or degrees. God has supplied you with the special wisdom and knowledge to lead your child. You as a parent know him or her better than anyone else could ever think of.
3.What curriculum do I use? There are many different styles and formats of curriculum out there from traditional to the unstructred. Here are a couple of things to consider before you get started.
- What is your child’s learning style?
- What are your goals for your child during the school year
- How much time do you have to devote to lesson preparation?
- How structured do you want your homeschool day to look?
4. What about socialization? Of all the questions a homeschool family hears this is probably the most common! You might wonder how your child will cope in the real world after spending his formative years in the home under your guidance. I assure you my children are socialized! Not only do the spend time in the community playing sports and going to church they are out and about having real life experiences on field trips! It is my experience that the positive social experiences they have today are preparing them for a future to have long lasting relationships and cope in real world situations.
All in all our experiences Homeschooling have been wonderful as we have gotten to watch our children grow and mature into young men. We hope that through prayerful consideration you will come to the decision that best fits your family.
