Everybody knows or has heard of someone who was homeschooled or who homeschools their kids. It is common to have many misconceptions when it comes to this and it is sometimes a topic that people feel weary about. In 2007 there were 1.5 million children being homeschooled in the United States rising from 850,000 in 1999. The reasons that parents give for homeschooling their children ranges from religious or moral reasons to concerns about the school environment and dissatisfaction with academic instruction.
1) Homeschoolers don’t have friends
Children that are homeschooled often have friends that are both homeschooled and those who go to regular school. Just because they are homeschooled doesn’t mean that they do not interact with other children. These children are often involved in more extra curricular activities where they interact with children outside of the school setting. Also, there are many local gyms who allow gym classes for homeschool groups so they can interact together and have enough students for games and activities.
2) Home-school parents need to be certified teachers
Anybody can homeschool their children as long as they follow the guidelines set by the state. However, that being said, there often are many certified teachers homeschooling children either individually or in groups.
3) Homeschoolers never leave the house
The great thing about homeschooling is that you don’t have to be “stuck” in one building for the entire day. Homeschooled children go on field trips like regular school children to museums, art galleries, zoos and parks. They can also do work outside during the day if needed. For example, I saw a homeschooled family the other day participating in art class outside. They were drawing & painting pictures of what they would see in their neighborhood and what better spot to do this in but outside.
4) Children have to follow grade-level standards
Though there are general guidelines to follow regarding what needs to be accomplished throughout the year, parents know that children all develop at different speeds. What one child finds easy another child finds difficult. With homeschooling you can spend the time to focus on the child’s weaknesses without having to rush ahead to keep on track. Often time the children are more engaged at home and do better with the lower teacher to student ratio and grasp these concepts quicker than they would in a school setting where they can get lost in the crowd.
