When people think about homeschooling, many thoughts come to mind. Unfortunately, plenty of these views are myths that scare parents away from homeschooling before they even truly consider the option. Questions and concerns about new things are normal, especially when it regards your child’s education. Even though homeschooling is on the rise, there are still many misconceptions about what homeschooling entails.
Homeschooling Myths
The following are seven common myths that surround homeschooling. Some of these misconceptions were once true; however, the accessibility of homeschooling resources, legal changes, and overall results of homeschooling have led many of these beliefs to become untrue.
1. Homeschoolers Are Not Properly Socialized
Proper socialization at a young age is critical for a child’s development. In the past, many people thought that homeschool students did not receive adequate socialization with peers because they were not interacting with classmates at school. Although this may have been true in the past, there are networks of homeschool families in every city that allow parents and children to connect with other families.
Online communities and co-op classes are available for both parents and students to meet and connect with other homeschooling families in their area. Homeschool networks are great for asking questions, getting tips and advice, and helping families who are exploring nontraditional education methods.
Students can participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, band, and clubs. Taking field trips, attending summer camps, and participating in library, park, or museum programs can introduce homeschoolers to other students their age.
Homeschooling does not hinder a child’s socialization but rather yields positive effects. Traditional classrooms and schools provide natural ways to make friends, whereas homeschoolers must be more actively involved in the process. This makes them more confident in unfamiliar social situations throughout their lives.
2. Homeschool Does Not Meet Legal Requirements
Federal laws were amended in the 1900s to provide college funding to eligible homeschool students. After federal laws changed, states followed suit, creating new homeschool laws and regulations. Therefore, homeschooling is legal in every U.S. state.
Each state has different homeschooling laws and regulations. Some states are lenient, while others require parents to submit yearly records to the state. If you are new to homeschooling, you will want to research your state’s laws to ensure you meet all the requirements throughout the year.
3. Colleges Do Not Admit Homeschooled Students
Because of the legal changes by the federal government, more and more students are being admitted into colleges. Not only are colleges accepting more homeschooled students, but they are recruiting and offering scholarships to them because they consistently do better on standardized tests than their counterparts in traditional schools.
4. Homeschooling Does Not Teach Kids as Much as Traditional Classrooms Do
Homeschooling allows families to be flexible with their curriculum. You can structure lessons around your student’s interests rather than sticking to a strict lesson plan. This does not mean that students learn any less than their traditionally schooled peers. Instead, students learn much more about topics they enjoy in addition to meeting certain milestones in core subject areas.
5. Only Religious Families Homeschool
There are many reasons families choose to homeschool. Although religion might be one family’s reason for homeschooling, that doesn’t mean it has to be yours. Families homeschool for many reasons including flexibility, more family time, and personalized learning experiences. There is a long list of reasons why families implement a homeschool education. What matters is how and why you think homeschooling will benefit your child.
6. Parents Can’t Teach
Despite this misconception, parents can make fine teachers and do a great job teaching their children. Many homeschool families use a curriculum program to structure the lessons and make sure the student is learning the same material as public or private school peers.
If you come across a concept you don’t know, take the opportunity to learn together and research information. Keep in mind, several states require parents to have a certain education level, such as a high school diploma or GED, so make sure you are meeting these guidelines.
Many homeschooling families have one parent stay home while the other one works, but this does not have to be the case. Homeschooling is flexible so parents can work part-time or from home while homeschooling their children. Some people work for themselves or do freelance work, as well.
7. Homeschooling Is Expensive
Homeschooling does not have to expensive. In fact, many families successfully homeschool multiple children on tight budgets. Certain homeschooling curriculum programs can add up quickly. However, homeschooling conferences and fairs give parents budgeting tips and even sell used programs or textbooks. Libraries also offer a plethora of free resources, such as books, DVDs, and community programs.
Homeschooling Benefits
The list of homeschooling myths could be much longer. Despite these misplaced beliefs, homeschooling offers more benefits, and many students become successful throughout their education and into college and adulthood.
Flexibility
Homeschooling families have a different level of flexibility than other families. They are not confined to the strict schedules that traditional schools follow. Homeschoolers can take breaks as needed and complete lessons and schoolwork when they focus the best. For some students, an ideal schedule maybe from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while other students may prefer to learn in the afternoon. Families can also spend three days a week working through lessons at home and visit museums, participate in extracurriculars, or attend camps the other weekdays.
Personalized Education
In traditional classrooms, students do not receive the same specialized help and personalized lessons that homeschoolers do. Parents can structure curriculum around a student’s academic strengths and interests while spending more time learning concepts that they may find challenging.
Positive Results
Homeschool offers many benefits, but the most important one of all is that it works. Homeschooled students have consistently scored above average on standardized tests than their peers that attend public or private schools.
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