I have been getting a lot of questions about homeschooling recently, and I thought I would answer them here.
What grades are you children in?
I have three daughters. They are in K4, 2nd grade, and 4th grade.
What curriculum do you use?
We use Abeka Academy. We started using it in 2017 and did parent-led that year. I was very overwhelmed with a big move, losing a very close family member, and trying to keep up with life. So, the next year we did academy. It was a game-changer. I honestly wanted to quit homeschooling until we made the switch. With academy, you get DVDs or can stream the videos online. This makes the parent more of a facilitator. There is still a lot of work for the parent, but it is much more manageable.
What other curricula have you tried?
We started out with Horizon’s. The next year, I tried Heart of Dakota. The following year, we did LIFEPAC. They were fine, but not a good fit for our family. We also visited a Classical Conversations group in Oklahoma in 2017 and seriously considered that switch before finding Abeka.
What about college?
There are MANY homeschool curriculums that are accredited. Your child will have records just like if they were going to public or private school, and be able to send them to any college that they apply to. (Abeka is one of them.)
What about socialization?
Every homeschooling parent’s eyes just rolled. Did you hear it? Perhaps MANY years ago this may have been a concern. These days, there are so many groups that your child can be a part of. There are homeschooling groups that throw dances and parties. Also, don’t you remember your teachers telling you “We aren’t at school to socialize?” My children are comfortable speaking to people of all ages. There is the normal shyness, but overall they are very well adjusted and comfortable making friends. I’m not worried at all.
Are you part of a co-op?
No. We have moved MANY times over the past 4 years. I did just learn about a local co-op that I am looking into joining next year.
Do I have to know everything to teach my children?
No! You can learn along with your child. Obviously, you will want to go over the lessons in advance so that you can be able to help your child when they are doing something. Abeka has a support line that you can call if you need additional help. There are also facebook groups for each grade level that offer a ton of support and encouragement. It’s such a misconception when parents think they aren’t smart enough to teach their children. You can do it!
How long is your school day?
We typically start our day around 8 AM and are done by 3. My children take 10 minute breaks after completing two subjects. This has helped them stay focused so much better. There is also an hour break for lunch and “recess” to help them reset and be ready to finish strong.
Were you homeschooled?
I was not. I went to public school until I graduated. I loved those years, and didn’t have a bad experience with it at all.
Why do you homeschool?
Originally, I started because we lived in one of the most unsafe places in the country. I wanted to know that my babies were safe. I did a lot of praying and ultimately feel that God has called us to this. I love that I got to be the one to see my daughters read their first word. I’ve been involved every step of the way. I also believe that schools are trying to force kids into a box. If they don’t learn this one specific way, it’s just too bad for them. I get to help them where needed. I can adjust and teach something a different way if they are struggling to understand. Each year, I stop and pray about whether we are going to continue. Each year, it has been a yes.
Is your family supportive?
Not always. Especially not at first, but I think that is because they didn’t understand it. None of us had experience with homeschooling, so no one knew what it was going to look like. We still have family that doesn’t get it, and like to give quizzes over holiday meals. That is really frustrating. I feel a lot more supported now than I did when we first began, and I’m really grateful for that. It’s hard to be on an island.
Where do you homeschool?
Currently, we have a room with an old kitchen table set up. The bigger girls share this table. The youngest has a desk that sits next to my desk in the office. We have homeschooled around the kitchen table in the past, and it all works great. You can see a tour of an old setup here.
How can you save money?
Many parents buy used textbooks– which can be purchased in various facebook groups or on ebay. Once you have one child in that grade, it’s easy to save those textbooks for the next child. Dollar Tree has a lot of great flashcards and workbooks. I’m always looking at the clearance racks of stores for school supplies that we will need.
Do you have to register with the state to homeschool?
It depends on your state. Some states require that you send a letter with intent to homeschool. The parents have to send in reports at the end of each school year. Some states require you to send your intent to homeschool, and thats all. Other states are completely hands off, and even registering as a homeschooling family is optional. Make sure you check the laws of your particular state. You are considered a private school when homeschooling, and you want to be sure to have everything done properly.
If there are any questions that I didn’t answer, please let me know! I have loved our homeschooling journey. Yes, there are days that I just want to quit because it would be easier to send them to school. But, the benefits far outweigh any of the passing frustrations! I certainly don’t consider myself an expert, but I have been homeschooling since 2014 and have some experience under my belt.
