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What is
Homeschooling
The term 'homeschooling' basically refers to the process in which
one or more children of not more than 2 families are instructed by
parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household. The
laws that define homeschooling vary from State to State. The legal
requirements for establishing a homeschool also vary with the State.
For most children, the actual process of learning begins much before
school. Many children already know their alphabets, the names of
animals, colors and other more complicated stuff before they reach
school. This is mostly due to the hard work of a member of the
family who has taken the time to teach the child. Homeschooling is
just a natural progression from here. Instead of sending their
children to a public school, parents make their own curriculum and
teach their children in ways that best suit the child. This is
homeschooling, in its most simplistic form.
Before you decide to go in for homeschooling, there are certain
important matters for consideration. First off, meet with parents of
other homeschoolers. Find out the pros and cons of homeschooling.
Then ask yourself why you would want to adopt this method. This is a
very important aspect, as the success of the program depends on the
clarity and sincerity of your purpose.
Next, it is time to consider the expenses of homeschooling. It may
cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand every
year. More importantly, you are also effectively shutting out any
job opportunity for one of the parents. It is only obvious that one
parent will have to stay at home full time to manage the homeschool.
A home-based business however is a great alternative.
Are you qualified to take on homeschooling for your children?
Teaching is a continuation of your own learning process. With the
advent of the internet, information is aplenty. There are various
books and resources for those interested in homeschooling. Go
through the various methods of homeschooling and choose one that is
most suited to you. It helps if you know what kind of learning style
your child has. Also, find out what your child feels about
homeschooling before you start.
Every state has its own laws regarding homeschooling. For instance,
in North Carolina, you must first file a 'Notice of Intent' to start
a home school. In this you have to mention if the school is a
'Private church' school or a 'qualified non-public school'. The
persons providing the education are required to have at least a high
school diploma. You have to maintain an annual record of the child's
attendance and disease immunization. Every year, the child is
required to undergo a standardized test. Each student attending the
eleventh grade has to take a nationally
standardized test. These are the requirements in North Carolina, but
it is enough to give you a good idea of what homeschooling entails.
Homeschooling may seem like a lot of fun and freedom from the
outside. However, things are seldom as simple as they seem.
Homeschooling is a lot of added responsibility and hard work. But,
if successful, it will forge a strong bond of love and respect
between parent and child, while providing your child with the best
form of education he needs. |
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