Trying to Decide?
If you are visiting this page, you are probably starting to think about other options for educating your children. One of those options is having the freedom to teach your children at home. We at HEART know homeschooling can be a big decision and one that takes much thought, research and prayer. We want to provide you with as much information as possible to begin your new journey.
Why Should I Homeschool?
Value-based education: One reason many people homeschool is to pass their family values onto the younger generations. Although you may not be able to pass on every value, you may not even want to, you will be able to have quality time to share and teach your values better than any other method of education.
Family time and closeness: In a homeschool environment you are able to spend more time with your children, you will be able to get to know them better and learn about them more than you would be able to if they are out of your reach for several hours each day. Even if each person in your family still needs some private quiet time, you will notice a closeness and special bond that may have been missing.
Better education: You are able to tailor each child's education to their needs and personalities. If your child is struggling or advancing in a subject you can move them accordingly; there is not a class full of children to determine where everyone should be. Numerous test results show that the home educated child outscores government educated children.
Socialization: Social skills aren't about seeing the same children and teachers everyday in the same environment, doing the same thing. The definition of Socialize is to make social; especially: to fit or train for a social environment. You will be able to teach your children how to socialize in many different environments with many different aged-people, much like we do everyday in the "real world". If you're concerned with your children having interaction with other children, plug into your local homeschool co-op or group. There are endless activities for home educated children today. It can actually be quite overwhelming!
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you develop your philosophy of education:
1. What is you worldview?
2. What is your belief about God?
3. What is your belief about humans and creation?
4. What do you believe about God's Word?
5. What is your definition of education?
6. What are wisdom and knowledge?
7. What is your belief about parental responsibility? About Children?
(Excerpt from An Introduction to Home Education by Susan Beatty & Karen Woodfin Middleton)
How Does Homeschooling Work?
There are many different ways to home educate your children. You can choose any one style or combine any number of methods to come up with your perfect solution for your children.
Homeschooling works because you are able to customize education for each child. You are able to provide for them the information at the level they understand. Not only can you customize the type of curricula you use, but you are able to customize your day, week and school year. You can stick with the traditional school year and time-frame or pick a schedule that better suits your needs.
Maybe you don't have the option to stay home full-time with your children and you will need to educate them in the evenings or weekends; you have that freedom!
Do your children love hands-on activities or field trips? Maybe that's how they learn better; you can provide them with as much or as little "non-book" education as you see fit. The possibilities are endless.
Where do I start?
Discuss With Your Spouse: Home educating is a huge decision and one that should be made with your spouse. Having the support of your spouse in the beginning and throughout the year will be needed. If you are a single parent, find a good friend or family member that will help you thoughtfully and honestly think this decision through.
State Laws: Check out your state's homeschool laws. Be fully aware of what the laws and requirements are for home educating your child. Each state's requirements can be found at www.hslda.org.
Research: As with any new endeavor or project you will need to look up information to help support you. Your local library, bookstore or internet are great place to look-up information about homeschooling. Some great books are The Homeschooling Handbook and So You're Thinking About Homeschooling. Of course there are many other books and resources, many of which will be very helpful. You will also want to search on the styles of homeschooling, there are many.
Support: Next you will want to do some searching online; look for your local homeschool support groups. Most cities have many different types of groups available for home educated children. Groups can include certain religions (or non-religions), ages, activities and goals. Once you find a group, email them and ask they some questions, even if it's only general homeschool questions. Most homeschool families are excited to share any information you may need.
Gather Resources: Some families start with a complete curriculum pack while others start with a notebook and a library card. Choosing your resources depends on the style of homeschooling you want to do.
Pray: There will be many times that you feel completely overwhelmed by just thinking about the option of home education. And there can be even a greater burden once you start homeschooling. You will receive so much information, knowledge and wisdom from so many resources; sometimes the only thing you can do is pray to lead you into the right direction.
Take a breath, you can do this! There are so many of us that have taken this same journey. Know that the first year will be the hardest, then as the years go on (if you choose to continue) it will get easier and flow much better (although, there will still be tough days, as there is in anything good). You will look back on these days and be so grateful that you took the time to plan out your children's education and future.
What about socialization?
So what's the big deal about socialization and why do so many people think that if you're homeschooled, you can't be socialized?
Well, first of all, let's get the definition of socialization down.
Today, our culture is trying to redefine what it really means:
WordNet®3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University: Socialization - The adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture; "the socialization of children to the norms of their culture"
American Heritage Dictionary: Socialization - 1. To place under government or group ownership or control: socialized medical care. 2. To cause to accept or behave in accordance with social norms or expectations:techniques to socialize aggressive children.
If socialization is a matter of adopting one's values and the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture, is that what you want for your children?
Let's look at what the Bible says about the subject;
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
Our society and school systems have hit some major bumps in the road with social matters lately. It can be quite a scary place for a child to be. Do we want our children growing up with a fear of people and authority? We cannot and should not be conformed to standards that have become normal in our government school systems and ever-changing culture. We have to stand firm on God's principles and what is right.
Aside from the "definitions", you may worry about your child having the proper interaction with other humans! That is the true question people are asking. They want to know (and you too), will your child be able to talk to other children, will they have a play time, a hang-out time. Can your child participate in sports, choir, band, art classes? Will your child be able to listen to someone in an authority position? They are all pertinent and important questions.
The answer to all of them is yes. Your child will have many opportunities to interact with other children their own age (and many other ages), in all the same activities they offer in school (plus more).
Your child will be with you throughout the day, while you're interacting with other adults and people in authorative positions. Your children will watch you and observe how you behave and will learn from you. There will be so many opportunities for them to interact for you.
Studies have showed that homeschooled children are some of the most sought after students, citizens and employees. Homeschooled children are some of the best well-rounded adults because the received so much positive socialization during their years of home education. They are desirable students due to their high academic scores, as well as positive social skills. They study hard, work hard and are interested in people. They serve their community and churches.
So the question is, what are your goals for socializing your children?
Socialization is not about the social activities our kids do, its about the social interaction they have on a daily basis with our world. We want to teach them to impact their peers, give of themselves, care for their neighbor and serve their community. Therefore, we are doing what's best for socialization and making every effort to build a better society by teaching our children positive social interaction through home education.
Can my homeschooled children get into college?
Yes, your children can go to college if they are homeschooled! They have the same educational opportunities that other children have that attend institutional schools.
Once your child enters into the high school years, you will want to research what the high school requirements are for your state. You will also want to look into some of the colleges your family may be thinking about. They will list out what they would like to see in a potential college student.
You will also want to start to keep track of their work, activities, volunteering and such. You may need to invest in a transcript program, or if you're tech savvy, then an Excel spreadsheet will do the job. One transcript program that is very useful and budget friendly is the Homeschool Tracker, there are other similar ones as well. If you love Microsoft programs, then check out www.donnayoung.org, she has great resources that are free.
Another great program available in most states is the dual credit college program. Texas (at least the Houston area) is great with homeschool students and dual credit classes. Lonestar College will work with you to get you started. If your child is ready, this opportunity can really get them a head start on college.
Is it legal in Texas?
Homeschool is not only legal in Texas, but it flourishes here too! Here are the current laws regarding homeschooling in Texas:
To home school legally in Texas, you must follow three state law requirements:
The instruction must be bona fide (i.e., not a sham).
The curriculum must be in visual form (e.g., books, workbooks, video monitor).
The curriculum must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
You can also check the Texas Home School Coalition for more information.
Below are some links to get you started on your search for answers. Please contact us if you don't find the answers you are looking for.
Texas Home School Coalition (THSC)
National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI)
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)