By Keshia Ortega

Homeschooling is a progressive movement around the country and the world, in which parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school.

What is Homeschool?

Unhappy with traditional school systems Cannot afford private school Their children are not advancing with public

school Want to incorporate their religious beliefs in

the curriculum For flexibility

Why Do People Homeschool?

“I went to public school. Although I turned out okay, I want more for my kids. Home school is the only way that we could afford a quality education” Jessica Brown

“For religious Reason” Sara Clark

“I want to incorporate religion into our curriculum and it wasn’t something that isn’t taught in public school” “Dawn Wall”

“I want to have control over what my children are learning” Alice Truan

“My husband is in the military and our family is constantly on the move” Denise Porter

(Many people that I have asked, incorporating religious curriculum was the biggest along with being in the military)

Why Do You Home School Survey?

There is no one approach that is better than another when it comes to homeschool. The family decides what is best for the family. Seven secrets to find the best curriculum for your family: Determine family goals Determine family needs Identify your child’s learning style

Auditory Visual learner Kinesthetic/tactile learner

Learn about different homeschooling methods Eclectic Homeschooling Look Before you buy Beware of buyer’s remorse

Best Approach

Traditional Approach Classical Approach Charlotte Mason Method Principle Approach Waldorf Approach Thomas Jefferson Approach Unit Studies Approach Eclectic Approach Unschooling

Homeschool Methods

School at home Similar to traditional classroom Families create their own classroom and follow

the traditional 180 day schedule, use text books, teacher’s manuals, tests, grades, and records

Actual classrooms on video and traditional curriculum is now available

Satellite schools and university offer computer courses on CD or through the internet

Traditional Approach

Progress Academy http://www.progressacademy.org/

eTap Teaching Assistance Program http://www.etap.org/

Homeschooling Curriculum http://

homeschooling.about.com/od/curriculum/Homeschool_Curriculum.htm

Traditional Approach Resources

Children under 18 are taught tools of learning collectively known as Trivium.

Trivium has 3 components General Grammar- Answers the who, what, where,

and when of a subject covers early elementary ages and focuses on

reading, writing, and spelling At approximately middle school age, children begin

to demonstrate independent or abstract though

Classical Approach (Well Trained Mind)

Formal Logic- Answers the why of a subject At approximately middle school age, children begin

to demonstrate independent or abstract thought Classical Rhetoric- Provides the how of a subject

seeks to produce a student who can use language, both written and spoken, eloquently and persuasively.

Students are usually ready for this stage by age 15 There are both Christian and secular approaches to

Classical Education

Classical Approach Cont.

Escondido Tutorial Services http://www.gbt.org/

Classical Approach Resources

Education was an atmosphere, a discipline, a life. Children deal directly with the best books, music, and

art. They are trained to narrate (tell back) what they

learned so that the emphasis is placed on what they do know versus what they do not know.

Charlotte Mason believed that children should be outside with a parent for 4-6 hours per day when they are young

Older children (12 and up) should have at least one full afternoon a week devoted to outside activities

The Charlotte Mason Approach

Other aspects of a Charlotte Mason education include: the formation of good habits keeping a nature diary and a home-made

book of the centuries. She advocates the avoidance of

"twaddle," what we might call "dumbed-down" literature, and replaces it with classic literature and noble poetry.

The Charlotte Mason Approach Cont.

Books The Original Home Schooling Series by Charlotte Mason A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison The Charlotte Mason Study Guide by Penny Gardner A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola

Homeschool Without Homework http://www.home-school.com/Articles/homeschool-without-homework.php

In-depth Article About Charlotte Mason Method http://

www.home-school.com/Articles/what-drew-me-to-a-charlotte-mason-education.php

Various Homeschooling Methods http://homepage.bushnell.net/~peanuts/faq1.html

Charlotte Mason Resources & Books

Restoration to American Christians three vital concepts: the knowledge of our Christian history an understanding of our role in the spread of Christianity the ability to live according to the Biblical

Approach is a way of living life, not just a way of educating children Developers of the Principle Approach rediscovered seven Biblical

principles upon which our country was founded: Individuality (God has created distinct differences in people, nations) Self Government (Government starts in the heart of man.); Christian Character Conscience is the Most Sacred of Property The Christian Form of Government How the Seed of Local Self Government is Planted

The Principle Approach

Waldorf Philosophy as applied to Homeschooling is relatively new. his vision was for schooling the whole child, and not just the mind a stronger focus on the arts, such as music, drama, sewing, and

painting; these skills are as essential to a complete life experience as academic subjects.

stated goal of Waldorf Education: "to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives.“

The curriculum is as broad as time will allow, and balances academics subjects with artistic and practical activities.

Resources: Waldorf Homeschooling Methods http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/Waldorf.htm#.UZk0FcopnOU

Waldorf Approach

Formal education is started later rather than earlier encouraging the early elementary child to play and expecting important learning to come from that play.

One strong component of this philosophy is strong usage of the classics, because the classics introduce the young mind to the greatest achievements of humankind, prepare children to become successful human beings, parents and leaders in their own time. Another component is that the curriculum is personalized through the use of mentoring. The application of this philosophy contains a lot of reading, writing and discussion.

Thomas Jefferson Approach

Classics, not Textbooks - learn directly from the greatest thinkers, historians, artists, philosophers, prophets and their original works.

Mentors, not Professors - professor/expert tells the students and invites them to conform, and grades based on the conformity. A mentor finds out the student's goals, interests, talents, weaknesses, strengths and purpose, then helps him develop and carry out a plan to prepare for his unique mission.

Inspire, not Require - you can inspire the student to voluntarily and enthusiastically choose to do the hard work necessary to get a great education, or you can attempt to require it of them. Ask "What do I need to do so that these students will see my example and want to do the hard work to get a superb education?"

Structure Time, not Content - help your student establish and follow a consistent schedule, but don't micromanage the content. Let the student pursue their chosen interests during their study time.

Excerpt By Rachel DeMille

Quality, not Conformity - once the student is inspired and working hard to get a great education, the mentor should give lots of feedback and help, but not in the form of grading or otherwise rewarding conformity. Two grade choices are either "A" for acceptable, or "DA" for Do it Again. Thinking and performing is the goal, not the grade.

Simplicity, not Complexity - the more complex the curriculum, the more reliant the student becomes on experts. This is great for socialization techniques, but not as an educational method. Students need to develop an ability to think, independently and creatively, with the skill of applying their knowledge in order to deal with people and situations in the real world.

You not them - these principles are not about improving your child's education without going on the journey yourself. Focus on YOUR education and take them along for the ride. Read the classics yourself and find mentors. You do not have to be an expert, as the classics do that for you, but you need to be setting the example.

Excerpt By Rachel DeMille

Usually use a hands-on approach for learning. Child learns by actually experiencing or discovering

through different methods and activities, rather than just reading a chapter from a textbook.

refers to the idea of studying a topic as a whole instead of separating learning into different academic subjects

Field trips are encouraged using this approach and the amount of time spent in each area can be varied. Some units may take one week while others last for months.

Unity Approach

Unit Study Methods http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/Units.htm#.

UZk268opnOU

Homeschooling http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjgeog/p/?once=true

&

Unity Study Idea http://www.vegsource.com/homeschool/unitstudy/

Unity Study Help http://www.unitstudyhelps.com/

Unity Approach Resources

This approach is a mix and match approach. The eclectic approach encourages trying many

different approaches and figuring out what works for your family.

It is a flexible approach and is different for each family.

The Eclectic Approach

Unschooling is the belief that all people, no matter how old or young, have a built in desire to learn (unless that desire has been crushed by outside forces).

Based on what the child needs It allows for correspondence courses and private lessons It allows for field trips, mentorships, jobs, and volunteerism. It also allows for months of just playing with LEGOs or street

hockey or endless computer games or taking apart the old car, if that is what the child needs then.

to pursue their own goals and their own interests without guilt.

It allows for educational freedom.

Unschooling Approach

Christian Unschooling http://www.christianunschooling.com/

Family Unschoolers Network www.unschooling.org

Radical Unschoolers Network http://familyrun.ning.com/profile/JoyceFetteroll

Unschooling .com http://unschooling.com/

Sandra Dodd http://www.sandradodd.com/

Unschooling Resources

Homeschool Nationwide Requirement

Legal There are no statutes in California that specifically and exclusively deal

with private "home education" as distinct from private schools. Attendance at public schools is required for all pupils from the age of 6

years until the age of 18 years [E.C. §§48200, 48400, et al.], with special provisions for 16 to 18 year olds [E.C. §48410].

See withdrawing child from public school- http://www.pheofca.org/WithdrawingYourChild.html

California is one of twelve states in which "home schooling" is accomplished under a private school exemption.

Home educators may establish a private school, based in their home, and must file a private school affidavit with the Superintendent of Public Instruction of California (normally between October 1st and 15th every school year).

Home School Requirement in San Diego

The instructors must be capable of teaching (determined by the private school administrator).

The instruction must be in English (see the reverse side of this paper for non-English speaking families).

The instruction must be in the several branches of study required in public schools.

Certain pupil and school records must be on file. Health Department forms (PM 171A and PM 286B)

must be on file. [H.S.C. §§124085 and 120375]

Home School Requirement

Educational Score Chart

Parents Day to Day Experience

Get up Breakfast Bible study Individual study with mom

(Other students are doing workbooks until their turn)

Lunch Running kids to Co-op in the

afternoon

Get up Breakfast Individual study Lunch Individual study (Co-Op on Thursdays)(This one is more home based)

When I talked to parents from church, most seems to be on a eclectic approach as it offers them the flexibility to try the different approaches and see what works for their family. There is no set schedule. The family on the left is more about involving more people to teach their child (it takes a village to raise a child), whereas the family on the right is all about doing it by themselves with co-op on Thursdays to give the children an opportunity to connect with other children

Parents are with their children all day. Parents know and understand their children, and are

influential in their lives, even as they enter the teen years. Homeschooling prevents premature parent-child separation,

avoiding inappropriate pressure on children. Children are allowed to mature at their own speeds, no

"hurried child" syndrome. Parents and other adults are the primary role models for

homeschooled children. Homeschooling provides positive and appropriate

socialization with peers and adults. Homeschooled children are largely free from peer pressure. Family values and beliefs are central to social, emotional and

academic development.

Pros of Homeschool

Homeschooled children become independent thinkers who are secure in their own convictions.

Research shows that the two most important factors in reading and overall educational success are positive home influence and parental involvement; homeschooling provides both.

A child's natural thirst for learning is nurtured, not squelched, and learning becomes a lifelong joy.

Each child's education can be tailored to his or her unique interests, pace, and learning style.

Homeschooling children have time to pursue their special interests and talents.

Homeschoolers enjoy unlimited educational resources; the world is our classroom, and resources abound in the community.

Pros Cont.

Time restraints Financial restraints Lack of time to do housework Socialization Concerns No breaks from children Living outside the box/paving your own way for the

kids Pressure- comparing yourself to others

homeschooling parents Limit team sports commitment

Cons of Homeschool

homeschoolers have to accept that no matter what they do, life will never be perfect; kids will always have holes in their learning, the house will never stay clean, and there will never be enough time to get everything done that we want to do. The hardest thing about homeschooling is choosing between the million and one options, million and one workbooks, projects and learning opportunities.

The biggest benefit of homeschooling is also the biggest con of all - freedom.

Word To The Wise

Google Images. Homeschool Requirements. (2008). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=cons+of+homeschooling&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#client=firefox-a&hs=SLr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=homeschooling+statistics&revid=177984781&sa=X&ei=FTuZUbTwFnRigL4_oB4&ved=0CHcQ1QIoBQ&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46751780,d.cGE&fp=b09750bbf5153d1d&biw=979&bih=457

Goodle Images. Homeschool Score Chart. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=cons+of+homeschooling&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#client=firefox-a&hs=SLr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=homeschooling+statistics&revid=177984781&sa=X&ei=FTuZUbTwF-nRigL4_oB4&ved=0CHcQ1QIoBQ&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46751780,d.cGE&fp=b09750bbf5153d1d&biw=979&bih=457

References

Private and Home Educators of California. (2012). Homeschooling legal fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.pheofca.org/legalfactsheet.html

Washington Homeschool Organization. (2008). Advantages of homeschool. Retrieved from http://www.washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/why.html

Sander, C. (2009). Seven Secrets to Finding the best homeschool curriculum. Retrieved from www.successful-homeschooling.com

San Diego Homeschool Center. (2013). Homeschooling methods. Retrieved from http://www.sdhomeschoolcenter.com/methods

References

The Homeschool Adventure. (2011). Pros and cons of Homeschool. Retrieved from http://www.thehomeschooladventure.com/pros_and_cons_of_homeschooling.html

References