Wondering about Homeschooling?
It crosses the minds of so many SAHMs – is homeschooling a better option than public school?
Many of us chose to be home with our kids in the first place so that we can be the major influence on their lives, and so that they would be free from other influences. Think peer pressure to do any number of undesirable things. And when I consider the maze of social interactions I went through as a kid, it’s kind of attractive to spare my own of that.
On the other hand, when kids hit kindergarten age, you’re looking at a little more freedom for yourself. And darn-it…that’s attractive. Add to that the copious amounts of advantages a public school can offer.
If you are considering homeschooling, or wonder what all the fuss is about, I found some articles that may help.
Amy Weed is one mother who finds that homeschooling allows her to give her kids the influences she decides are appropriate. Likewise, Brooke Richwine feels homeschooling provides her children with her belief system, and it allows their family much needed flexibility. They both discuss the advantages of homeschooling in this article.
But what about educational standards? Parents may wonder how they would know if their kids are learning. It turns out that kids who are homeschooled are monitored annually to ensure progress. And, if parents do decide to put their kids in public school, they are tested so they get placed in the appropriate grade level.
Are you wondering if you, the parent, are up for the job of teacher? It’s very likely there is a homeschooling organization in your area that can help with curriculum. In the article I mentioned above, these parents utilize a homeschooling group in their community.
What about extracurriculars, like sports? Being home-schooled and without their own gym, you might think the a high school basketball team wouldn’t do very well. But the Traverse City Bulldogs girls high school basketball team proves just the opposite can happen. Check out the success of this homeschooled team.
The most interesting perspective I found on this topic came from Cameron, a homeschooled 7-th grader. She gives her take on being homeschooled, both pros and cons, in this article.
What to do? As parents, we are already our kids first teachers. Some of us are called to go beyond that – some are not. The truth is, kids in both a public school or a homeschool do well. So, in the end, it’s really up to you.
The good news? We - the parents - have the power to choose what is best for our kids and their education. I'm good with that.
Many of us chose to be home with our kids in the first place so that we can be the major influence on their lives, and so that they would be free from other influences. Think peer pressure to do any number of undesirable things. And when I consider the maze of social interactions I went through as a kid, it’s kind of attractive to spare my own of that.
On the other hand, when kids hit kindergarten age, you’re looking at a little more freedom for yourself. And darn-it…that’s attractive. Add to that the copious amounts of advantages a public school can offer.
If you are considering homeschooling, or wonder what all the fuss is about, I found some articles that may help.
Amy Weed is one mother who finds that homeschooling allows her to give her kids the influences she decides are appropriate. Likewise, Brooke Richwine feels homeschooling provides her children with her belief system, and it allows their family much needed flexibility. They both discuss the advantages of homeschooling in this article.
But what about educational standards? Parents may wonder how they would know if their kids are learning. It turns out that kids who are homeschooled are monitored annually to ensure progress. And, if parents do decide to put their kids in public school, they are tested so they get placed in the appropriate grade level.
Are you wondering if you, the parent, are up for the job of teacher? It’s very likely there is a homeschooling organization in your area that can help with curriculum. In the article I mentioned above, these parents utilize a homeschooling group in their community.
What about extracurriculars, like sports? Being home-schooled and without their own gym, you might think the a high school basketball team wouldn’t do very well. But the Traverse City Bulldogs girls high school basketball team proves just the opposite can happen. Check out the success of this homeschooled team.
The most interesting perspective I found on this topic came from Cameron, a homeschooled 7-th grader. She gives her take on being homeschooled, both pros and cons, in this article.
What to do? As parents, we are already our kids first teachers. Some of us are called to go beyond that – some are not. The truth is, kids in both a public school or a homeschool do well. So, in the end, it’s really up to you.
The good news? We - the parents - have the power to choose what is best for our kids and their education. I'm good with that.
posted by Beth @ 7:19 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home