Category: Homeschool Myths

Homeschool Myths: Working or Single Parents Can't Educate Their Kids at Home

1/23/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © fabola; Flickr.com

As a veteran homeschool mom, I have been asked pretty much every question in the book about educating kids at home. One thing that comes up often is the subject of work. Can working parents or single parents successfully educate their kids from home?

Is Homeschool Even an Option for Working and Single Parents?

The first reaction for many might be "No way!" However, that answer can be quite inaccurate. It's definitely possible to operate a home school even when parents or guardians have full time jobs. It's even possible for single parents, who may have to hold down two jobs. There are many options that could allow for this. Some working parents may hire a homeschool tutor or work from home. Others might assign their kids schoolwork and just have another adult supervise to make sure they get it done. Another method is to work school around the work schedule. That's one of the benefits of homeschooling. You can do it at any time of the day necessary and in any method that works for all involved.

Is it Better for Homeschool Parents to Stay Home With the Kids or Work?

This question is very broad because the answer will depend on who you ask. There is no right or wrong way that covers everyone, so there is no better or worse option. Just like any other method that you consider, think about what's best for the students and the situation combined. Parents who stay home are not better than those who don't and vice versa. The most important factor is that the kids are learning. If education is going on and it's working, then you've made the right choice.

Should Working Parents Educate Their Kids at Home?

The bottom line is that while it’s possible and works for some, whether a family should choose this option actually depends on the family and many other factors. Just like choosing other educational options, the success rate on this happening does not depend on the method, but on whether the method is a good fit for each student and each family.

How Can I Tell if This is a Good Choice for Me?

Can your children work well independently? If so, are they of age to do so on their own? If they require adult supervision due to age or maturity levels, is there a trusted adult available during your work schedule? If the above does not work, is there enough time for the children to study after you get off work? These and other factors will help you determine if this is the right homeschool method for your family or not.

More Homeschool Myths

Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Students Are Unprepared for College

1/22/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Asian Development Bank; Flickr.com

A common homeschool myth is the one that assumes children who attend a homeschool will not be prepared for college. Some will make the assumption that a student who is educated outside of a traditional school setting will be unprepared for the academic challenges of a college. In this, and other articles on the myths of homeschool, I explore and help shed some light on some of the common myths surrounding homeschool. My findings come from personal experience and are often combined with research studies or other evidence.

What You’ll Learn:

Homeschooled children outperform students in traditional schools on standardized tests.
Homeschooled children often perform at one or more grade levels higher than age requirements.
Says 10 year old homeschool student, Courtney Oliver, "Might as well get it done early as get it done late."

What Do College Recruiters Think?

Many college recruiters disagree with the myth that homeschoolers are unprepared for college. In fact, some even prefer homeschooled students. Why? Many students who homeschool have advanced studying skills, such as the knowledge of various resources, as well as the ability to work well independently. Homeschoolers can also possess exceptional teamwork and social skills, which are very essential to many college courses.

Homeschooling Opens Up More Opportunities to Learn

In addition to the above qualities, many homeschooled children begin taking college level courses before they are finished with their K-12 education, due to the flexibility of their schedules and the opportunity to advance at one's own pace. According to the HSLDA, they often perform one or more grade levels above their age requirements and can often begin taking those college courses long before their peers.

Even if a homeschooled child is not above his grade level, that student can simply adjust their class schedule to fit in accredited college courses. Homeschooling actually allows students the unique opportunity of beginning (and completing) college early.

Just ask 10 year old Courtney Oliver, who, according to KOMONews, became a vet tech assistant in just 9 months while also homeschooling. Says Courtney, "Might as well get it done early as get it done late." There are other homeschooled students receiving degrees and/or taking college courses early. All one has to do is a simple web search to find them.

What is Required of Homeschool Students?

Many people don't realize that students who homeschool are still required to take college preparation tests, such as the SAT and ACT, which they’ve been known to exceed expectations in. They also are required to have transcripts and earn diplomas, just like any other student. Homeschooled teens receive high school diplomas upon completion, contrary to what some believe.

Are Homeschooled Students Qualified to Attend College?

Because of the wide opportunity to get ahead in studies, homeschooled students may actually be more qualified to attend college than some of their peers who attend traditional public or private schools. A 2006 study published by the HSLDA also shows that homeschooled students are excelling in college socially, emotionally, and academically.

The high school dropout rate for students in a homeschool setting is far less than that of a child who attends public or private school. Students who homeschool also score well above both public and private-schooled students on state-mandated tests.

Are Homeschooled Students Unprepared For College?

When comparing all of the examples and evidence above, as well as personal experience with my own and other homeschooled children, it is difficult to assume that homeschooled students are ill-prepared for college. While a small percentage of homeschoolers may be lax in their studies, most homeschooled students seem to be more prepared than other students to not only attend college, but to succeed when they get there, as well as in many academic or career pursuits.

Homeschool Myths: Kids Who Homeschool Have Poor Social Skills

12/19/2015

Personal Experience and Research on Homeschooling and Socialization

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Lyn Lomasi; Flickr.com

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is very often assumed of homeschooled kids is that they do not have proper social skills or don't interact with others. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about my children or homeschool in general in relation to socialization, I'd likely be rich. Unfortunately for my wallet, that isn't the case.

While at first thought, considering the fact that school is often assumed to be done only inside the home, it seems that a social environment may be unavailable. However, a homeschooled child may actually have more opportunity than others to gain positive social skills and interact with people. One reason for this is that because of the flexibility in class scheduling, as well as the unique opportunity to learn whenever or wherever desired, homeschoolers are often around a variety of people during the day.

In fact, in a study published by the NHERI (National Home Education Research Institute), homeschool students had scores in social skills that were higher than those of kids in public schools. As a homeschool parent, this study doesn't surprise me at all, as I observed positive social results from homeschool in my children who previously attended public school, as well as those who homeschooled exclusively at first.

One way children who attend a homeschool can interact is through activities. THis may include dance classes, religious activities (if applicable), Girl Scouts, 4H, sports, extra classes, YMCA, rec center memberships, and much more. Any activity available to a public or private school student is also available to a home school student.

However, homeschooled students actually have an advantage in this area because they can join activities that public schooled children also have available, as well as join homeschool-specific activities. These activities can be utilized at any time of the day because of the versatility of rearranging the academic schedule around them.

Some homeschooled kids also take academic and elective classes outside of the home. This gives them the chance to be around their peers and if the classes are taken in addition to classes they learn at home, it also gives them an academic boost.

Many homeschool families also plan a good amount of field trips. When homeschooling, there is the versatility of being able to plan a field trip for every unit of study, if desired. Field trips will generally involve a diverse public scene, which is great for socialization, as this is how the real world is.

A good number of homeschooling families opt for yearly passes or membership to museums, zoos, and other educational places. In some states, like Texas, home schools who are members of a homeschool group, association, or organization can get a teacher or educator discount at many of the field trip locations.

Speaking of home school groups, that's another way homeschooled children can interact with peers. These groups, associations, and organizations often plan parties, book sales, curriculum exchanges, field trips, play dates, fairs, and other social events where the children will interact with each other. According to the HSLDA, the average homeschooled child is involved in about 5.2 social activities. 98% are involved in at least 2 activities.

Many homeschooling families also get active in library events, such as story time, craft classes, and educational classes. A day time trip to the grocery store where a homeschooled child uses math to purchase groceries and communicates with the cashier can be a mini social event as well.

There are many events like these in a homeschooler's life, as many of them believe in using every opportunity possible to learn lessons and to communicate with others. Because of this, a child in home school is likely to possess excellent teamwork skills, which are very necessary in college and in the workforce.

As you can see, homeschooled children will be exposed to many social environments throughout their homeschooling experience. Because of the flexibility in homeschooling and the availability of so many activities and opportunities, homeschooled children will be around a variety of age groups, races, and other socioeconomic backgrounds, possibly more so than children in a traditional school setting.

Even the ones who do the majority of their schooling in the home are likely still involved in activities, as well as playing and interacting with friends and relatives, which still gives them social experience.

From all of the information above, as well as personal experience and study, I would have to conclude that homeschooled children actually have a social advantage over those in public or private school, not a disadvantage, as is often mistakenly assumed.

For those interested in homeschooling or just interested in finding out more information and research on homeschooling, I recommend that you visit the following links, do your own research, as well as talk to other homeschoolers to see what they’re doing.

Recommended Research and Info Sources:

NHERI (National Home Education Research Institute)
NHELD (National Home Education Legal Defense)
HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
HSLDA 1997 Study on Social Skills in Homeschooled Kids
NHERI Volume 17 Study on Homeschooled Childrens’ Social Skills

I am also available for many homeschooling questions at Ask Lyn.

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**Questions? Have something to say or add? This author welcomes feedback and discussion in the comments section below.

***I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Teens Can't Get a High School Diploma

3/14/2015

Can Kids in Homeschool Receive a Diploma?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image by Lucy Correia via Flickr.com

One very common homeschool myth is the one regarding high school diplomas. It is often assumed that because homeschoolers are not attending a traditional school setting, they won't be able to receive a high school diploma. This simply isn't true.

There are actually a variety of ways for a child in homeschool to receive a diploma. If the parent is doing some or all of the teaching, the parent will need to keep transcripts, as well as issue the diploma. Blank diplomas can be purchased for this purpose from many locations, including the HSLDA.

Another way a homeschooled teen can receive a high school diploma is through a virtual high school program or even through a high school correspondence course. These programs must be completed and paid for (where pay is applicable) before the diploma will be issued.

Sometimes homeschooled children take classes in local community colleges, public schools, homeschool co-ops, or other schools or organizations. If this is the case, the parents will need to be sure these credits are kept track of by records from those schools.

If the schools are attended full time (or sometimes even part time), the schools will generally keep track of credits and issue them. Some may even issue a diploma. However, since homeschool is the parent's responsibility, the parent should always be aware of whether the schools will do this or not. If not, the parent is responsible for making sure the child gets the diploma and transcripts.

Oftentimes, even the schools who don't issue a diploma will still give out credits. If the goal for the child taking outside classes is to earn college and high school credits, parents need to be sure the school being used awards the type of credits the child will need for the desired college path and also be sure they will be giving out some form of documentation for record-keeping purposes.

If none of the above scenarios are taken, the child can opt to earn a GED instead by taking classes and a test. However, when choosing this route, parents should keep in mind that a GED is sometimes looked at as something that was resorted to out of failure to receive a diploma.

The above scenarios are only some of the ways in which a homeschooled teen can receive a high school diploma. Anyone considering homeschool through high school should do the research and decide which method will fit their child and family the best. A good place to start researching homeschool is the HSLDA.

Based on the variety of options a homeschooling child has to receive a high school diploma, I believe it's pretty fair to say that this myth is just that; a myth. A homeschooled child can definitely receive a diploma.

*Have any extra tips or questions? Sound off in the comment section below!

Homeschool Myths: Parents Who Home School Are Rich

1/3/2015

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Homeschool Myth #4

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

One homeschool myth is the concept that families who choose to school at home are rich. Some people tend to think that families who run a home school are overcompensated financially. While some very well may be, not all homeschooling families would fall into this category, nor is it necessary in order for a homeschool to be successful.

While to some, it may seem that homeschooling is expensive, it doesn't always have to be that way. It is true that some materials and curriculum programs are on the high end of pricing, but not all of them are. There are many different methods and materials that can used in a home school. It is often a very versatile way to educate children.

The most cost-effective method of homeschooling, in my opinion, is through a virtual school that is part of the public education system. Many states offer these virtual or online schools for free in the public school district. Most of these include the materials and a student computer for each student to use for free as well. While this is not my preferred method of homeschooling, nor is it supported by the HSLDA, I have heard success stories with this type of program.

One affordable way to gather homeschool resources and materials is by using free research websites and free printable lessons and worksheets compiled online. There are a great number of websites that would fall into this category and there are many homeschoolers who successfully use this method of compiling all their materials. The information and resources are aplenty on the internet. All one has to do is run a simple internet search for the topic of interest.

In addition to the methods above, there are also ways to save money on textbooks and other materials. Wal-Mart has a back-to-school sale every year that has featured notebooks and folders for 10 cents each and crayons and glue for 20 cents, among other fantastic deals. Wal-Mart also sells many educational materials and textbooks. The textbooks can only be purchased online. However, workbooks, maps, manipulatives, and other resources can be purchased at many Wal-Mart locations for a fraction of the price some teacher stores will charge.

Another way to save money on home school supplies is by purchasing gently used curriculum and/or textbooks and teacher's guides and materials.Ebay, Amazon, as well as the HSLDA Curriculum Market are great resources for doing this, as are garage sales, book sales, and second-hand or thrift stores. Some cities even hold homeschool conventions for this purpose.

If buying materials on eBay, keep in mind that teacher editions are not allowed to be sold there, so don't purchase from a buyer offering those. However, at the HSLDA and other online homeschool trading/auction sites, teacher guides and editions are allowed.

Libraries often have many reading and research materials, as well as textbooks. If you don't have your own computer, the library computers can be used to look up and print research and worksheets. They can also be utilized for educational computer games. Libraries also offer many free educational and activity classes free of charge that would be a useful supplement to the homeschool curriculum plan.

As you can see from the above examples, money does not need to get in the way of a person's desire to homeschool, nor is a large amount of money necessary to provide a quality education. For anyone considering the option of homeschooling, I highly recommend starting at the HSLDA website for information, resources, and state laws. HSLDA is the Home School Legal Defense Association.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents Think They Know Everything

12/9/2014

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Homeschool Myth #4

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding everything involving homeschool. One subject that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" syndrome. Some people tend to feel that those who homeschool are know-it-alls who think they know everything. For most homeschooling families, this couldn't be further from the truth. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in any group of people, but many homeschool parents are not this way. Watch us bust this common homeschool myth.

One reason people might feel that homeschoolers have a know-it-all attitude is because many of them never miss an educational opportunity. Most homeschool families understand that education never ends. There is always something to be learned from everything. Homeschoolers tend to delve deeper into learning about subjects simply because of the fact that they homeschool.

While from the outside, a parent of a homeschooled child that explains each situation to their child in great detail in every situation may seem to be showing off, this may not be the case. It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

I have encountered many instances of others assuming I felt I was smarter than them or knew more. To me, education has no true measure because different people are educated on different things. While one person might know more about Civil Rights, another person may know more about fixing cars. This does not make either smarter than the other.

There is one particular incident of a know-it-all accusation that sticks in my mind for some reason. When we first started homeschooling, I also would care for other children from time to time, either as a sitter or nanny. This care often included homework help, as many of the children I cared for attended public school.

One little girl I cared for was having trouble in math class. She happened to be a public school student. That fact doesn't matter to me, but it does help in describing the situation. Being that I was her caregiver at the time, and responsible for helping at homework time, I decided to go a step further with the help. She was frustrated every day during her math homework and I wanted to help change that.

Anyhow, I worked with her after school for 3 days straight, aside from the time on her assigned homework. There was only one area where she was struggling. After our last session, she was very excited and had worked very hard. She was so proud of herself. I let her make the announcement to her mother of her achievement.

When she announced to her mom that Math was now her favorite subject (she had despised it before) because of what I had done with her, her mom responded in a negative way, instead of cheering her on. She glared at me and said "You think you're smarter than me just because you homeschool. I could have taught her that, you know".

Perhaps she could have. However, for me, that was not an issue at hand. I was not trying to insult her intelligence or her parenting skills. I was not attempting to take over her role, nor did I presume myself to be smarter than anyone. I simply saw a struggling child who I also cared about and chose to give a little help. Also, as her care provider, her mom had entrusted the after school study slot to me.

I think perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear. Sometimes these misconceptions are based on people's insecurities. Other times they are based on rumors or misguidance.

The bottom line is that just because someone takes up an educational opportunity, it doesn't necessarily mean they feel like they are better than anyone. They may just see an opportunity to teach or learn and there is nothing wrong with that.

Takeaways:

One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth.
Perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear.
Someone taking up an educational opportunity does not mean they feel they are smarter.
It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschool Kids Are Too Lazy for Real School

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #3

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. Some people tend to believe that a child who schools at home is too lazy to attend a "regular" school. While browsing various websites, blogs, and forums online, I noticed something very sad. Many homeschooled children were complaining that their friends in public or private school thought they were lazy and couldn't handle "real" schoolwork.

Some of the home schooled children recalled being in public school and compared it to what they do in homeschool. Most of the ones I came across that mentioned this stated they had more schoolwork in their home school, but many still preferred it because there was also more time to concentrate on work.

Sometimes people assume that because you're at home, you have the freedom to lax on your schoolwork. However, for many homeschooling families, that isn't even a consideration. School time is still school time. Just because the classes might be held at home or in another location besides a public or private school, that doesn't make them less important.

Another topic where laziness came up was during homework time. Some homeschooled children do not have homework. I have found that when this is the case, it's generally because there is a great deal of school work completed during the day. To give homework afterward would be overwhelming for the child in that case.

In my observations and experience, a homeschooled child might actually have less room to be lazy with their schoolwork. Generally the parents will be more observant of a child's schoolwork when it is being done at home. Rather than asking a child about their work, the parent has the unique opportunity of being present while it is completed. Because of more parental involvement, this sometimes sets higher standards for the child to perform.

I have also found that many homeschooled children will score at one or more levels above their grade level, which means they may be working twice as hard in less time. The HSLDA has posted information on a study relating to that. The HSLDA has more information on the scores and performance of homeschooled children.

While being lazy could very well apply to some children in home school, it could probably be applied to some children in public school as well. Those same children would likely be lax in performing their studies, no matter which type of school they attended. Someone who is lazy will generally be lazy, no matter their environment.

Things to Remember:

Some kids who attend home school have more schoolwork than those who don't.
When homeschooled kids don't get homework, it could be due to large amounts of daily work.
Because of more parental involvement, this sometimes sets higher standards for the child to perform.
Many homeschooled children score one or more grade levels higher than their requirements.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschool Parents Are Just Lazy

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #2

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. A common myth that seems to follow many parents who decide to homeschool their kids is the concept of laziness.

Confusion By Strangers

It has been my experience that strangers often perceive parents who homeschool as being too lazy to bring their children to school. I say strangers because in my experience, even when people who are close to homeschooling families have questions, they usually don't center around laziness.

Laziness Questions

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but the first time I heard this question, I had to stifle a laugh. Well, at least I tried to anyway. Eventually, it did accidentally come out. How could taking on the responsibility of a teacher, in addition to normal parenting duties, be seen as lazy? Still, I listened to the misinformed woman express her concerns.

In a friendly disagreement with my actions, she was concerned that because I wanted to homeschool my children, that meant I really was just tired of transporting them back and forth from school, as if teaching them was somehow easier than that. I sincerely hope that she doesn't treat the difficult tasks her child's teachers face every day with the same disregard.

What Does a Homeschool Parent Even Do All Day?

Perhaps people who make this assumption do not understand everything that a homeschooling parent has to do in a day, or even think about it. I would never call a parent who brings their child to public or private school lazy because parenting is still hard, either way. However, I can say from experience that adding on the responsibility of teaching is anything but laziness and it's definitely much harder than dropping them off at school.

Think about everything you can that involves teaching for a moment. There are kids to instruct, supplies to ready daily, lessons to be planned, papers to grade, activities to plan, field trips to make, supplies to keep stocked, and the list goes on quite extensively. When thinking about this, compare to it the small task of picking up and dropping off kids from school daily. There is no comparison.

Bringing This Homeschool Myth To a Close

This myth pretty much falls flat from the start to anyone who takes a moment to consider it, but for some reason, it still comes up in discussion often. As with any situation, there are likely exceptions to the rule, where a parent withdraws their child from school for the wrong reasons and doesn't teach them or has good intentions, but doesn't follow through. However, I wouldn't label that homeschooling. I'd instead label it educational neglect, which is a whole separate issue and is not representative of the majority of home schools.

*This author welcomes feedback and discussion.

To read more from this author on home schooling, positive parenting, and other topics, simply click on her name above.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Kids Are Truant

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #1

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant.

While on a homeschool field trip to one of Denver's museums, I had another museum patron approach me, wondering why I was at the museum with school-aged children during school hours. I thought about telling her to mind her own business, but I like to look at negativity or disagreement as another chance to make my positive outlook stronger. If I can help someone else along the way, that's even better.

I let her know that the children were homeschooled and that we were visiting the museum to study artifacts that represented their current studies. She then proceeded to ask me if I was concerned about being contacted by a truancy officer. I politely informed her that the truancy officer would not be contacting me, as homeschooling is perfectly legal, as are educational field trips during school hours. I explained to her that this was part of the children's lessons for the day and that just like children in public and private school, field trips were a part of school.

The lady was actually very friendly. She was just misinformed and looking at the issue in a different way. She was simply thinking about the fact that we were not inside a building during school hours, but after hearing my explanation about education being obtained in other places besides a classroom, I believe she understood.

She actually became very interested and we had a nice conversation while the children were filling in their answers on the questionnaire worksheet I had brought along for them. Of course I went over the answers with them after she left to be sure the lesson was learned. Schooling does not have to occur in one setting all the time and that's something people don't often think about.

Another reason the subject of truancy can come up is because many people assume that a home school is not a school. They feel that since the child is not attending a formal school building, that means they are absent or truant from school.

However, "being schooled" simply means a person is being educated. Most children in homeschool are learning. They are not just staying at home and playing. In fact, home schooled children have scored higher than those in public and private schools. Therefore, that evidence shows they are being taught. In order to be truant, one must not be attending school at all. If the children are being taught and all the state laws are being followed, the child is not truant.

If you are homeschooling and are having legal issues with anyone, contact the HSLDA to see if they can help.

*This author welcomes feedback and discussion.

**I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool FAQ: Common Myths and Questions

4/21/2011

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

As parents, students, and teachers research education from many angles, home school is becoming a more popular option. With that growing popularity comes many questions and concerns. Also, a study has been released that shows students in homeschool again scoring much higher than public school students. Here is a collection of resources on some common myths and questions associated with homeschool.

Why Don't Home School Parents Teach in a School Building?
With more people homeschooling, some people may wonder if homeschoolers should buy big buildings together. So, why don't homeschool parents form a school?

Can Someone Other Than a Parent Legally Homeschool a Child?
When making the decisions involved in the homeschool choice, some will wonder what teaching options are available. One possible question is whether another adult, besides the parents, can legally homeschool a child.

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Students are Unprepared for College
A common homeschool myth is the one that assumes children who are educated outside of a traditional school setting will be unprepared for the academic challenges of a college. Here we will explore that myth.

Home School Help: Dealing With Negative Reactions to Your Choice
When a parent chooses to home school, that decision is generally one of great importance to them. Unfortunately, not everyone will always agree on this issue, leaving most parents who homeschool vulnerable to questions, as well as disapproval by some.

Can a Parent be a Homeschool Teacher Without a Degree?
Schooling children at home is becoming more and more prevalent as parents look at a variety of schooling options for the children. A question that comes up often when choosing to homeschool is the question of whether a parent can really become a child's teacher.

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Teens Can't Get a High School Diploma
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. It is often assumed that homeschoolers won't be able to receive a high school diploma.

Home School Myth: Kids Who Homeschool Have Poor Social Skills
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is very often assumed of home schooled kids is that they do not have proper social skills.

Child Struggling in School? Why You Should Try Homeschool
Do you have a child struggling or failing in school? Have you tried the options available (extra help at school, tutors, etc) with little to no success? Many parents and children struggle with this issue daily. Could homeschooling be the answer for your family's situation?

Homeschool Myths: Parents Who Homeschool are Rich
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One homeschool myth is the concept that families who choose to school at home are rich.

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents Think They Know Everything
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth.

Homeschool: Custom VS Pre-Packaged Curriculum
Deciding whether you'll go with a customized curriculum or a pre-packaged one for homeschooling your child can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider to help make that choice easier.

Homeschool Myths: Home School Kids are Too Lazy for Real School
There are many myths surrounding homeschool. One of those myths is that of laziness on the child's part. Some feel that a child who home schools is too lazy to complete real schoolwork. Is this really true?

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents are Just Lazy
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. A common myth that seems to follow many parents who decide to homeschool their kids is the concept of laziness.

Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Kids are Truant
Many questions and myths seem to follow the topic of homeschool. One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant.

Homeschooling to Get Positive Social Interaction?
For so many years, choosing to educate children from home was looked at as stripping away their social interaction. However, many homeschooling families will argue with that fact, and for good reason. Here is a newer, more positive look at socialization and homeschool.

Preparing For Homeschool: Frequently Asked Questions
When you make the choice to homeschool your children, there are many questions that will be in your mind. As a mom who has homeschooled, I now know the possible answers to many of the questions you may have on your mind.

Is Homeschool the Best Title for the Education Method?
Homeschooling is many things. But, does it have the correct title? This title implies that schooling is done completely at home, which is very far from the average "homeschool".

Public School, Private School, Homeschool, or...
Choosing the right type of school for our children is a very difficult decision. This decision will ultimately determine your child's success in the future...First, we must remember that each family and child is unique and has differences that play a role in this decision.

Gym Class Ideas for Homeschooling Families
Families who are homeschooling will benefit from these, but they are also great ideas for playing outside with the kids in general, especially on the weekends.

Homeschooling: Enhancing Social Skills
Homeschooled kids have a variety of options for enhancing social skills. Many of the parents that only homeschool inside simply don't know how else to do it. Now, if you are one of the parents that has no clue or just want to learn more, read on.

Why Does Anyone Homeschool Anyway?
Well, I can't tell you why everyone else homeschools, but I can tell you about our decision to homeschool and why we thought it was the best choice for our family.

~ The author is always open to questions and discussion. Please feel free to express your thoughts and concerns.

*This is not a complete guide on homeschooling, nor is it meant as legal advice. Always check with your state's education agency for up to date laws and do the proper research for questions and concerns.

**I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

LAST UPDATED 5/15/2021

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Homeschool Information, Resources, and Laws

11/26/2010

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

If you're thinking about or have decided to homeschool, you likely are wondering about homeschool laws. What are the legalities and where can information be found? Each state in the US has a different set of rules. The following information should help guide you toward the most current information.

One place to learn about homeschool laws is through your state's education department. When people think of the Department of Education, they may not necessarily be thinking about homeschool. But this agency should have access to the most current information regarding homeschool.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) also can be extremely helpful when it comes to learning about homeschool laws. They even have a state by state breakdown of the legal options. In addition, they also can be very supportive to homeschool families who have been legally wronged.

Can a Parent Be a Homeschool Teacher Without a Degree?
Schooling children at home is becoming more and more prevalent as parents look at a variety of schooling options for the children. A question that comes up often when choosing to homeschool is the question of whether a parent can really become a child's teacher...

Can Someone Other Than a Parent Legally Homeschool a Child?
When making the decisions involved in the homeschool choice, some will wonder what teaching options are available. One possible question is whether another adult, besides the parents, can legally homeschool a child...

Homeschool FAQ: Common Myths and Questions
With growing popularity comes questions and concern. A new study has been released that shows homeschool students again scoring much higher than public school students. Here is a collection of some common myths and questions associated with homeschool...

LAST UPDATED 5/15/2021

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