Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children

Top Ten Questions About Homeschooling Children

Thinking about taking the plunge into homeschooling? You’ve probably got some questions. Others have had questions, too, so we’ve compiled our own Top Ten list of questions about homeschooling children.

1. How can I teach my child? I don’t have a teaching degree!
Most states offer various ways to set up a homeschool program. Some require the homeschool teacher to have a high school diploma or GED; some request a licensed teacher oversee the program; many require nothing.

2. What about socialization with other children?
You can socialize your child during homeschool just as you socialized your child before he or she started school. Homeschooled children can participate in church activities, 4-H, scouts, and other activities.

3. I’m not good at (fill in the subject)! How can I teach it?
Teachers sometimes teach subjects with which they’re not familiar; you can do the same thing with a little advance planning, some library books, and the Internet or other online resources. The resources won’t come knocking on your door and offer up their services, but they are out there if you’re willing to hunt them down. Alternatively, some parents hire tutors for subjects about which they are less confident to teach.

4. Where can I find accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
There are some great packaged homeschooling programs. Some of them may be completed via the Internet, while others may use CD-Rom programs. Take a look at the directory at eLearningYellowPages.com. They list many good providers of accredited homeschool curriculum.

5. What college will accept a homeschooled child?
Lots of them! Homeschooled children take the ACT and SAT tests just like customarily schooled children. Homeschooled children can also take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and tests, which can count as college credit.

6. How do I know my child is learning at the proper rate?
The same way you knew your child was learning to walk or talk at the proper time. You found out the appropriate range, and then you observed your child. Actually, it’s even easier than that for homeschooling. There are practice tests and workbooks you can use, but the best gauge will be the time you spend with your child, and your observations and conversations.

7. What about the prom?
Check with your state’s homeschool program. Some states have proms specifically for homeschoolers. Some have you work with a teacher or program in your local school district, and your children can attend that school’s prom.

8. How do I know what subject areas need to be covered?
Your state’s homeschool program will give you information on that. You can be assured, however, that the basics of reading, writing, and math will need to be covered.

9. Where do I find information to help me decide if homeschooling is for me?
Each state’s Department of Education has information, as well as websites such as http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/

10. Do I have to keep records? What kind?
The answer to that is a definite yes, you need to keep records. There are many paper forms out there, as well as computer programs that you can purchase. Again, check your own state’s requirements and make sure your recordkeeping conforms to their requirements, or all that hard work could go up in smoke.


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