Today, I proudly bring you some popular homeschool myths and facts I’ve heard as a homeschool parent.
Ever since the beginning of COVID-19 parents have expressed concern about vaccine mandate threats, political controversy grafted into our children’s education, and the lack of true educational commitment by the education industry. More parents are becoming more observant that learning is not a “one-size-fits-all” application and that their kids might stand a better chance with a teacher that understands them… their mothers, fathers or both parents for examples.
The public school system now and has been forever, a cookie cutter set up that hasn’t changed at all, since it began in Massachusetts in 1839. The counselors shove kids after graduation into the direction of colleges because as long as students from government funded public-schools go to college, these schools continue to receive that government funded income.
The Founding Fathers maintained that the success of the fragile American democracy would depend on the competency of its citizens. They believed strongly that preserving democracy would require an educated population that could understand political and social issues and would
files.eric.ed.gov
participate in civic life, vote wisely, protect their rights and freedoms, and resist tyrants and demagogues.
Originally public schools were created to build citizens, unify the nation.
But today, they’ve proven to wedge controversy by one sided politicians into our children’s education system. Our children don’t really have the freedom to choose, because public education now is politically one sided. According to many parents, we have many different ideas of what we want to teach our children when it comes to morals and values.
So, on behalf of a homeschooling mom of two, I’ve answered some of the main questions many of you are wondering when taking steps towards the home school lifestyle.
Homeschool Myth (mostly) – “You can receive money to help with homeschooling”
Within the 50 United States, you don’t get paid to homeschool. But, you can receive some tax credits and deductions depending on the state you reside. Such as Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, and Louisiana. If you live in other states, you can apply for incentives and grants as well. I also found this article on other effective ways you could possibly receive some government income for homeschooling.
Logan Allec, CPA
Homeschool Myth – “My Children Won’t Receive Enough Social Interaction”
A popular homeschool myth
Ultimately, the amount of social interaction will be up to the homeschool instructor. Personally, I live right in town and my kids are always playing with the neighbor kids (it helps they homeschool too). We are also involved in the YMCA Homeschool Program once a week, and four dance classes throughout the year. Not to mention our field trips to the library, nature centers, zoos, and anywhere else where the wind blows us.
I would put a link to the YMCA ‘Homeschool Gym Program’ but since it’s so new, I can’t find it on their website. So, if you’re interested to learn about the program, I would recommend calling your preferred YMCA and asking about it and if they offer it. For 8 weeks it costs us about $45 per kiddo without the membership. It may be different depending on your location.
Is Homeschool Time Consuming?
It can be, but it would be considered a homeschool myth if you are thinking you have to follow the traditional 8 hour school day, when you don’t.
For most families, it takes about 2-4 hours per day. I homeschool both of my children and it takes about 2-4 hours. If I want to add anything because I feel like they need more practice, I can. If I want a field trip that day, we go. Or we just stay in and clean/cook/art/practice their dance routines.. etc. It’s really all in your control.
“I’ve been able to use homeschooling in a way that’s not just for your basic academics, but as a way to prepare them for life. You don’t learn about taxes, bank loans, types of savings accounts, investing, or anything that would genuinely contribute to a thriving lifestyle. But now, they can learn those subjects with me, at home, in life.”
Nature’s Natural Mamma
Is Homeschooling More Expensive?
I’m gonna be straight… yes it is. But, it also depends on how you want to teach and the kind of curriculum you set up. You have to consider materials, resources, programs, and the kids interests.
I pay for ALOT of gas.. back and forth to programs, dance classes and field trips. But if I can give that to them, I will. But they’re not MUST haves… just extras. I chose to purchase IXL Learning and ARGO workbooks for my kids this year and we like them. The IXL learning workbooks have a correlating online program we pay about $25/month for. The kids earn rewards and parents can keep track of their progress and struggles with their offered diagnostic arena.
What is a Home School Diploma? Is it worth as much as a High School Diploma?
A homeschool diploma is documentation that the student has completed their education according to the homeschool instructor/establishment. Now… When applying for a job, it might not be recognized with the kind of credit that comes with a high school diploma. High school diplomas come with the kind of credit that’s authorized by state standards.
Therefore, whenever you think your student/students are ready to take on some state testing, they can complete those tests and receive a high-school diploma as well.
During my research, I also found it interesting to find that colleges will actively search out homeschooled graduates. They’re also accepting of home school diplomas. Just be prepared for some added forms you may need to provide.
“Fact #2
Kermit Rainman
Elite-level colleges like Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, and Stanford want homeschoolers—and are doing everything they can to actively recruit students who have been homeschooled. They recognize that homeschooled students are often better prepared for college than their non-homeschooled peers. And they see the value in going after them.”
Transcriptmaker.com
Won’t They Be Missing Out On All Of The High School Mile Stones?
Sure.. But which milestones are we talking about and what will they teach them? Social acceptance? Constant need for peer approval and reassurance? How well they mold into their state-standard-cookie-cut-out?
As parents… we can teach them to use their voice and their imaginations because they have the room to do that in the comfort of our own homes. Establishing a sense of security and confidence building at young ages are more possible to do within the security of your own home versus the daily grind of pressure you would only face in public school. Public school only offers social acceptance… which, come on, isn’t anything special now a-days.
Public schools do not value the special gifts each child has to offer. Children are taught to do what their told without question. If they are too active in class, they’re recommended drugs to make them more accommodating for their class environment. Class elections will only show them where they stand on the line according to their peers acceptance, and how they’re valued in their surrounding environment. These can be discouraging… Their fire will go out before they graduate because their peers and their teachers will mentally stamp into them their place in life because they don’t have a place to thrive.
On the other hand… let’s be honest here… public school is a glorified daycare. Many parents can’t afford to pay for daycare… I understand that. I’m also a single mother and I’ve chosen to homeschool. Everyone’s situation is different, and I get that. But, I’m going to defend the public school system for a moment…. People today treat school as if it’s a place that can be expected to raise our children, like we can.
Kids may learn certain habits/characteristics influenced from other children they spend a lot of time with. But their character building, views of life, and how they handle situations come from their homes and families. So if you find your children are picking up bad habits, values, morals, ideas, and so forth, chances are it’s coming from their daily, 8 hours, 5 days a week, environment. Every child they spend time with, are raised with all these different ideas of life, so don’t be surprised when they come home with values you aren’t teaching them.
Do homeschoolers do well in life?
FACT! Yes they do. Homeschoolers learn how to be innovative, resourceful, confident, and adaptable. They’ve learned their own disciplines, acceptance of themselves, and how to navigate many obstacles in life that public school children are not taught… or at least encouraged.
Some Pretty Impressive People Who Were Homeschooled.
- Presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, James Garfield, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, James Polk, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Celebrities:
- Taylor Swift began homeschooling when she was 14 and realized she wanted to be in music. So, she homeschooled while preforming in fairs, festivals, and coffeehouses.
- Emma Watson was homeschooled at 10 with a tutor during the making of Harry Potter. After, she graduated with a bachelors in English Literature from Brown University.
- Ryan Gosling, when he was 10, his mother Donna took him out of school because he was a victim of bullying and had problems paying attention… his homeschooling experience lasted only for a year. But, for him homeschooling was crucial to developing his autonomy and improving his creative skills. And he appreciates his mother greatly for it.
Do Colleges Appreciate Homeschooled Students?
“Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome. In addition to the application, all applicants are required to submit a transcript (you may create your own), and recommendations. If the application fee presents a hardship for your family, simply request a fee waiver.”
college.harvard.edu
Homeschooling is just as appreciated in the eyes of college academics. Actually, colleges have been known to seek out homeschool graduates because their academic scores are higher, they’re known to be creative, more independent, they demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and genuine interests and passions.
Do You need Certification to Homeschool?
According to the state of New York, a homeschool myth which is understandably a concern for people starting their journey.
In New York, no. All you need to do as a homeschooling instructor is provide at least 14 days of notice prior to starting your homeschooling endeavors to your district. Then, provide a IHIP Form (Individualized Home Instruction Plan) to your districts superintendent or representative thereof.
An IHIP Form is basically your plans and curriculum you’ll use for teaching that year.
As far as other states, you’ll have to google that one. Every states requirements are different.
IHIP Form For Grade 1-6 for NY.