What, exactly, is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is more than teaching children. It is a way of life.
What is homeschooling not?
Homeschooling is not “school at home.” Homeschooling is not a mysterious, arduous task. It is a natural part of living each day.
The concern or fear arises when a person thinks that she cannot teach her children or that she isn't the best teacher for her children. Perhaps she's afraid that she did not learn math well enough to teach to her children. Or she worries about making history interesting for her children, because she found it dull when she was in school. Or she's heard myths about homeschooled children with socialization problems, and she fears that the myths are true. (They're not.)
What this parent doesn't understand — and what many parents don't understand — is that it's not necessary to teach children at home. Rather, you learn together, and in doing so, you both grasp the mathematical concepts that once seemed so puzzling.
Your history class is not dull at home, because it's not a class and it's not based upon a dry textbook. At home, you can bring history to life, you can act it out, live it, and absorb it. Rather than being dull, history at home is often one of the most enjoyable parts of homeschooling!
What about socialization problems for homeschoolers? They don't exist, as you'll see in Chapter 5. Several studies show that homeschooled children are actually more advanced in social skills than their traditionally schooled peers.
Homeschooling also brings families closer together. Each member of the family takes an active interest in home education, sharing daily experiences, brainstorming together on new ideas and topics to study, and communicating openly and frequently. It's been said that the family that “schools together, stays together.” Homeschooling is the common thread woven throughout their lives that pulls the family closer together.
As you read this book, you'll see how homeschooling becomes a part of your family's lifestyle, leading to a quality education for your children. You'll see how to determine your children's unique learning styles, and how to use materials that best suit their style. And you'll see how your children will regain joy in learning when they realize that homeschooling isn't just school at home.
Here, you'll find everything you need to make the homeschool experience easy, affordable, and fun. Even if you are a veteran homeschooler, you'll find new ideas and techniques that help keep home education interesting and exciting. If homeschooling is more of a challenge than you had anticipated, you'll find ways to eliminate stress and make learning at home more enjoyable for everyone.
If you are a single parent or working parent, you can homeschool your children as well as stay-at-home parents. This book provides the tips and guidance that will help you succeed. If your children have already entered a conventional school, you still have time to change directions and home-school them, whether they are in first grade or tenth grade. As you will see, homeschooling requires much less time and money than one might imagine.
Today, more than ever, each child deserves a quality education, one-on-one attention, and guidance in finding the road that leads to his or her happiness and success in life and work. Every child benefits from learning in a safe, caring, stimulating environment surrounded by those who truly love and value him. Never doubt that you are the best teacher your child could have.
Come along on the journey that will help you provide an excellent education for your children, along with unique advantages and opportunities. It's sure to be one of the most treasured and rewarding experiences of your life. Enjoy the adventure!