Homeschool Information
Why do families homeschool?
Many parents commit to schooling their children at home. Their
motivation is the conviction that this is the best for the moral and
spiritual development of their family, and it is the best way to provide
a solid education for their children. They know what their
children are being taught in the areas of spiritual and character
development, as well as about the social and academic well-being of
their children.
Specific Advantages have been expressed as
follows:
• Homeschooling makes quality time available to train and influence children in all areas of life.
• Each child receives individual attention and has his/her unique needs met.
• Parents can control destructive influences such as negative peer pressure and offensive curriculum.
• Opportunity is available for spiritual training and presenting a biblical perspective of all academic subjects.
• Children gain respect for their parents as teachers
• The family experiences unity, closeness, and mutual enjoyment of each other.
• Children develop confidence and independent thinking, away from negative peer pressure to conform, in the security of their own home.
• Children have time to think and explore new interests.
• Communication between different age groups is enhanced.
• Flexible scheduling can accommodate parents' work and vacation times and allow time for many activities.
The courts have declared the public system of education in Canada to be purely secular. There is no room for religious instruction and, in particular, Christian instruction in government schools. However, parents continue to have the right to direct the education of their children on their own, including religious training, if they so desire. That right is safeguarded by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and protected by the courts.
Are parents qualified to teach their children?
You know your children better than anyone and
have the deepest love and concern for them. You also have the most
direct and long-term responsibility for your children.
Your example
and enthusiasm in learning with your children will motivate and
encourage them far more than striving to appear that you know it all.
You do not need to know everything in order to teach. It has been
found that home educated children score at about a 76th percentile in
all subject areas. (The national average of all conventionally
schooled children is the 50th percentile.)
Tutoring children has
always been superior to the typical classroom. Homeschooling
epitomizes this method, providing the essentials for success and a close
relationship between the student and the teacher, motivation,
flexibility, and individualization.
Several resources are available to give you
on-the-job training:
• Homeschool conventions, workshops, and book fairs at local, regional, and provincial levels provide practical instruction in teaching techniques unique to home instruction. Up-to-date information on these events is a regular feature of homeschooling magazines and provincial homeschool association newsletters.
• Homeschool magazines present articles that inform, encourage, and inspire you in various principles and techniques of home teaching.
• Provincial and local homeschool support groups can greatly encourage and help you as ideas and information are exchanged.
Is homeschooling legal in every province?
Yes. Each province sets its own laws governing home education. Meeting the requirements of these laws may be as simple as informing the school district or department of education of your intent to homeschool or as complex as having your children tested and fulfilling detailed requirements of provincial regulations. Legislation is continually being proposed and considered in provinces. It is important for you to work with your provincial and local school organizations to aid the passage of favorable legislation and regulations which guarantee parental rights and maximize freedom to educate.
How much time does it take?
Homeschooling requires a time commitment,
although not as much as you might expect. One-to-one tutoring is
more efficient than classroom instruction and, therefore, requires less
time.
The time requirement varies according to the students'
abilities, number of children in the family, and ages of the children.
With the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum there is no lesson
planning. The student take responsibility for his learning.
He sets his goals for the next day. Each day he is responsible for
completing his goals. As a parent, you are there to supervise and
make sure the student completes his work for the day. You may also
need to assist the student in subjects he finds more difficult.
Can we teach several children at once?
The Accelerated Christian Education curriculum makes it easy to teach more than one child at a time. Because you are basically their supervisor, you can oversee a number of children at one time.
What about socialization?
This is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of
homeschooling. It is the positive aspects of socialization
through the home that attracts many families to this lifestyle.
Popular opinion assumes that children need periods on interaction with a
group of peers to acquire social skills. By contrast, however,
many believe that extensive peer contact during childhood can cause
undesirable and negative peer dependency.
Young children are more
likely to be influenced by the majority than to be independent and an
example to others. Children who receive their education outside
the home are prone to accept their peers; and teachers' values over
those of their parents.
Some advantages of freedom from peer
pressure can be self-confidence, independent thinking, the ability to
relate to people of all ages, and better family relationships.
Moral principles of interaction can be taught, demonstrated, and
reinforced at home by parents. Children can learn needed social
skills by interaction with siblings or other children and adults under
their parents supervision. Young people who have had this type of
training have adjusted very well to adult life.
You can help your
children build and maintain lasting friendships with people of all ages
through church and family friends.
Do you want our child to model
after you or after his peers, after his teachers at school or his
teachers at home? What kind of socialization do you want for your
child, positive or negative?
What about my child's special interests?
A wealth of experiences outside the home can
supplement and enrich home education. Unlimited possibilities
abound for field trips that individual families or groups can take.
These provide valuable in-the-field learning laboratories.
Specialized classes are often available through parks, museums, art
schools, or private lessons. Church and community teams offer
various sports opportunities.
There is actually more time and
opportunities available for enrichment activities for home taught
students than for those in conventional schools.
What about higher education and career preparation?
Several institutions throughout North America
have welcomed home educated students. Many of these schools
actively recruit home educated graduate because of their maturity,
independent thinking skills, creativity, and extensive academic
preparation.
In preparation for university or college entrance or
any vocational training program, parents should prepare a thorough
transcript of high school level work, award a diploma, and specify and
actual high school graduation date. Occasionally, GED test may be
required by a college or employer for additional verification.
Some provincial homeschool associations are officially hosting
graduation ceremonies for high school graduates.
Some homeschoolers are entering their chosen fields through apprenticeship
programs designed and supervised by parents and professionals.
What are some difficulties?
The following are common difficulties and suggested solutions.
Lack of confidence:
At
first, you may lack confidence in choosing materials and methods, and in
your ability to teach. With experience, you will gain confidence.
Find a homeschool support group so you can interact with experienced
homeschool families.
Fear of being unable to work with your own
children:
Parents who do not have their children's respect will
have trouble getting their cooperation. Gaining their respect
through proper discipline, training, and example should be the parents
top priority, whether or not they are homeschooling. Often
discipline problems come from exposure to negative attitudes learned
from negative peer pressure. homeschooling can provide the
incentive and optimum setting to overcome this.
Inadequate Time and Energy:
Home teaching requires and investment of time and energy, especially by
mothers. Self-disciplined and good organization will help ensure a
well run household. A daily schedule, lesson plans, and a chore
list can keep school and housework organized. Well trained
children will give back to you by helping with practical life skills
like cooking, laundry, and household chores.
Lack of Commitment:
Families who are homeschooling only for convenience or because it is a
popular thing to do may soon drop out unless they develop the conviction
that homeschooling is best of their family.
Social Pressure:
Pressure
for well-meaning friends or relatives can be a real deterrent.
Make a well-informed decision and then stand on your convictions.
More information and a loving attitude often help others understand and
accept your decision to homeschool.
Financial Investment:
Costs of materials or programs vary considerably but are always less
expensive than a private school. Many materials can be reused for
siblings as well.