For years, a child who was homeschooled was thought to be at a major social disadvantage, isolated from everyone but their immediate family. Now we know this is not necessarily the truth. Technology, especially the Internet, allow kids to learn more than ever and also keep in touch with other kids. To learn more about homeschooling, read this article.
Every state has specific laws regarding homeschooling. It is up to you to understand what your state requires of you as a parent, and your child as a student, when it comes to homeschooling. Look at your state’s educational website, as well as your county school board’s site to fully understand the expectations.
Textbooks, schmextbooks! Graphic novels, editorials and academic journals all offer interesting and unique perspectives on important subjects. Your child can gain a lot from the daily newspaper or a Time Magazine, especially when it comes to discussing current events and real world topics. You will be cultivating analytical skills as will, which will be invaluable throughout their lifetimes.
Know that you do not have to work on every subject everyday. Most public schools do not even have children go to each class everyday; for instance, while your child may go to science on Monday and Wednesday, they go to math on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This is the same kind of pattern you should use when homeschooling.
As the parent of a home schooled child, you may feel lost when you do not understand a certain concept or subject as well as you’d like. It’s difficult to teach when you need to be taught yourself! Because your child’s education is at stake, don’t feel bad if you need to bring in another resource or person to help teach the challenging topic. The last thing you want to do is teach your child the wrong thing!
Education is a great gift that a child can get from a parent. Home schools students now have access to as many opportunities to learn as their peers do. Your child’s abilities and knowledge will do well with a well-planned home school environment. It is your duty to provide your children with a great education.
