Comments on: Homeschooling as an Option http://www.lifespy.com/2008/homeschooling-as-an-option/ analyzing lifestyles Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:40:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Keith G. http://www.lifespy.com/2008/homeschooling-as-an-option/comment-page-1/#comment-268845 Keith G. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:16:48 +0000 http://www.lifespy.com/?p=3574#comment-268845 Keep in mind that homeschooling does not necessarily mean that you need to replicate school at home. There is a lot of time wasted in schools on stuff other than "the three Rs". A child can be educated in many ways. Homeschoolers look at learning differently and develop a lifestyle of learning that goes way beyond any textbook. As for curriculum, real learning doesn't only come from a curriculum. Libraries are filled with knowledge and the world is ready to be explored. What interests does your child have? Look at how you can guide their learning in those topics across multiple academic areas. I beg to differ with the assertion that school is a good place to "pick up good values and build good character". Have you walked through a public high school lately? I would argue instead that interaction with *adults* and people of all ages in real life situations is the best way to obtain those values rather than spending hours a day with hordes of same age peers all vying for self significance. After all, the goal is to train your child to be a good adult, right? Research what activities are available during the day. Sometimes the usual extracurricular activities (gymnastics, dance, etc.) are also available during school hours, perfect for homeschoolers. Also, before you begin, be sure you know your state's requirements are for homeschooling. Some states require annual testing or a "portfolio review" of what your child has been learning. Others (Michigan, for example) have no restrictions whatsoever. Keep in mind that homeschooling does not necessarily mean that you need to replicate school at home. There is a lot of time wasted in schools on stuff other than “the three Rs”. A child can be educated in many ways. Homeschoolers look at learning differently and develop a lifestyle of learning that goes way beyond any textbook.

As for curriculum, real learning doesn’t only come from a curriculum. Libraries are filled with knowledge and the world is ready to be explored. What interests does your child have? Look at how you can guide their learning in those topics across multiple academic areas.

I beg to differ with the assertion that school is a good place to “pick up good values and build good character”. Have you walked through a public high school lately? I would argue instead that interaction with *adults* and people of all ages in real life situations is the best way to obtain those values rather than spending hours a day with hordes of same age peers all vying for self significance. After all, the goal is to train your child to be a good adult, right?

Research what activities are available during the day. Sometimes the usual extracurricular activities (gymnastics, dance, etc.) are also available during school hours, perfect for homeschoolers.

Also, before you begin, be sure you know your state’s requirements are for homeschooling. Some states require annual testing or a “portfolio review” of what your child has been learning. Others (Michigan, for example) have no restrictions whatsoever.

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