There are several reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children. Many express dissatisfaction with the public school environment, citing issues such as safety, drugs, and adverse peer pressure as their reasons for initiating home-based home schooling programs. The desire to teach religious values, stress academic excellence, and build stronger family bonds are other important reasons why families choose an accredited homeschool curriculum. Methods of delivery vary. Families may choose to purchase a prepackaged accredited homeschool curriculum, designed especially for homeschoolers, correspondence programs, or utilize online curriculum through distance learning, such as The MorningStar Academy or Switched-On Schoolhouse R²  . Tutors are often used to teach subjects such as foreign language, music, or science. Children in homeschooling programs frequently join field trips and learning co-ops with other homeschooled students or even take courses at a local college or university. Critics often cite the lack of socialization as a detrimental effect of home schooling. This promotes the widely held idea that homeschooled children are kept under house arrest by paranoid parents intent on keeping them away from other children. The parents must take responsibility to ensure that the homeschooling of children are given every opportunity for socialization. However, a 1992 study by Larry Shyers of the University of Florida disproved the notion that homeschoolers are undersocialized. The study found no significant difference between children in home schooling programs and that of children in public school programs in self-concept or assertiveness. In fact, the the study further showed that youngsters taught in the home by their parents actually had fewer behavior problems. Typically, home schoolers participate in a variety of activities outside the home - athletics (such as little league and soccer teams), scouting programs, dance or music lessons, and church.
Another criticism has been that home schooled children cannot possibly receive as good an education as those children in conventional school environments. However, once again, this is a myth. Looking at standardized tests, kids in the home schooling programs score as well as children in school settings. In addition, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation chose over 70 homeschooled high school students as semifinalists in 1998; 137 homeschooled semifinalists 1999, and 150 in 2000. Many wonder about the legality of homeschooling. According to The National Homeschool Association, "homeschooling is legally permitted in all fifty states, but laws and regulations are much more favorable in some states than others". Parents interested in home schooling programs should contact their State Department of Education for the most up-to-date information and laws. While many parents are comfortable with homeschooling during the elementary years, the idea of high school can be formidable. Take a look at Homeschooling Through High School, for thoughtful and supportive homeschooling resources and information about homeschooling during the high school years. For those parents concerned that children miss out on social interaction and the opportunity to play sports if they homeschool, Tips for Combining Home School and Sports provides an informed look at how homeschool and sports can be combined successfully.
OTHER LINKS:
How Reading Can Help to Improve Mathematics Achievement
How reading and math skills are intertwined. Good reading skills are not only helpful, but essential to excel in mathematics.
Teaching Treasures
Free online interactive educational activities and worksheets for K-10.
Before You Start Homeschooling
A clearly beneficial article which looks at both the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling. A must read for those considering a homeschool lifestyle.
Does Home Schooling Hurt Kids?
CNN news show Crossfire looks at homeschooling from both sides of the issues.
The Homeschool Oasis
Articles about homeschooling, the basics, getting started, legalities, and much more.
55 Reasons to Homeschool
The Natiional Home Education Network provides 55 reasons to homeschool children.
E-Learning Blog
The "E-learning Queen", the prolific author Susan Nash, explores all types of online training and education materials, from instructional design to the construction and implementation of entire e-learning solutions. Particularly of interest to those homeschooling families interested in online curriculum.
Emotional Aspects of Homeschooling
Do you have the patience to homeschool your children? This article explores the emotional aspects of homeschooling your children.
Everything Homeschooling Online
This online homeschooling magazine is full of ideas, activities and lesson plans for Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and more. Fee for subscription.
To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool
An engrossing summary of the benefits of homeschooling.
Homeschool Math Blog
Ideas to make teaching Math more accessible and interesting. Contains reviews, articles and news - anything that helps YOU to teach math.
Issues and Answers about Homeschooling
Refutes objections to homeschooling. Explores various objections critics have regarding homeschooling, and provides clearlly thought out answers.
Why Homeschool?
Listing of some of the advantages you might want to think about aifs you are considering homeschooling. Provided by the Washington Homeschool Organization.
Common Objections to Homeschooling
From the Natural Child Project, this article covers the common objections to homeschooling.
Educators Criticize Homeschooling
This in-depth article cautions parents about the pitfalls of homeschooling.
Why I Shouldn't Homeschool
Home Education Magazine provides this thought provoking article about homeschooling that every parent considering a homeschooling lifestyle should read.
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