Featured Ad
Weather
|
Current conditions at Midland on 9 March 2010 at 11:24 PM
|
|
 | 55 °F |
| Mostly Clear | |
| UV Index: | 0 (low) |
| Wind: | 7 mph |
| Winddirection: | South SouthWest |
| Visibility: | 10.0 mi |
| Dew point: | 25 °F |
| Humidity: | 32 % |
| Pressure: | 29.63 in |
| trend: |  |
| Sunrise: | 7:06 AM |
| Sunset: | 6:53 PM |
Click here for a more detailed forecast | |
 Weather data provided by weather.com |
|
AdSense
"Our mission is to encourage, strengthen, support, and educate home schooling families."
Frequently Asked Questions
From "Questions & Answers concerning Home Schooling" The Teaching Home Magazine 1996, by Sue Welch and Cindy Short
Why do families home school?
Are parents qualified to teach their children?
Is home schooling legal in every state?
What about socialization?
What educational materials are available?
What methods do home schoolers use?
How much time does it take?
How can we teach several children at once?
What are some difficulties?
What about children with special needs?
What are higher education and career preparation options?
What about my child's special interests?
How do we get started in home schooling?
WHY DO FAMILIES HOME SCHOOL?
Many Christian parents are committed to educating their children at home because of their conviction that this is God's will for their family. They are concerned for their children's spiritual training and character development as well as social and academic welfare. Specific advantages have been expressed as follows: 1) Opportunity is available for spiritual training and presenting a biblical perspective on all subjects. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Prov. 9:10 NKJV). 2) Home schooling makes quality time available to train and influence children in all areas in an integrated way. 3) Each child receives individual attention and has his unique needs met. 4) Parents can control destructive influences such as various temptations, false teachings (including secular humanism and occult influences of the New Age movement), and negative peer pressure. 5) Children gain respect for their parents as teachers. 6) The family experiences unity, closeness, and mutual enjoyment of each other as they spend more time together. 7) Children develop confidence and independent thinking away from the peer pressure to conform and in the security of their own home. 8 ) Children have time to explore new interests and to think. 9) Communication between different age groups is enhanced. 10) Tutorial-style education helps each child achieve his full education potential. 11) Flexible scheduling can accommodate fathers' work and vacation times and allow time for many activities. 12) Students can do a variety of college level courses or career apprenticeships while still at home.
Are parents qualified to teach their children?
You know your children better than anyone else and have the deepest love and concern for them. You also have the most direct and long-term responsibility for your children before God, who commands parents to teach their children His Word, the most important thing they will learn (Deut. 6:6-7). Educationally, one-to-one tutoring has many advantages over a classroom where one teacher tries to meet the needs of many children at different learning levels. You do not need to know everything in order to teach. Your example and enthusiasm in learning with your children will motivate and encourage them far more than striving to appear as if you knew it all. Dr Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, conducted an analysis in 1994 of the standardized test results for 16,320 home-school children nationwide. He found these children to average at or above the 73rd percentile in all subject areas (The national average is the 50th percentile). Through a 1990 study by Dr. Ray, it was demonstrated that there is little relationship between the parents' education levels and their children's scores, and whether the parent is a certified teacher has no bearing on children's scores. Dr. Ray says, "The tutorial method of teaching has always been the superior method. Home education epitomizes this tutorial method, providing essentials for success such as a close student/teacher relationship, motivation, flexibility, individualization, and family consistent values." (NHERI, Box 14949, Salem OR 97309, 503-364-1490.) Several resources are available that provide home educators with on-the-job training: 1) Home-school conventions, workshops, seminars, and book fairs at local, state, and regional levels provide practical instruction in teaching techniques. 2) The Teaching Home presents articles that inform and encourage you in principles and techniques of home teaching. 3) State and local home-school support groups can greatly encourage and help you as ideas and information are exchanged. (Each issue of The Teaching Home magazine carries a list of state home-school organizations and events.) 4) God promises His wisdom and assures you that He will supply your needs as you follow Him: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5-7 NKJV).
Is home schooling legal in every state?
Each state sets its own laws governing home education. Meeting the requirements of these laws may be as simple as informing the school district of your intent to home school and having your children tested or as complex as fulfilling private school requirements. Legislation is continually being proposed and considered in many states. It is important for your to work with your state and local Christian home-school organizations to aid the passage of favorable bills. Constitutional rights to liberty and privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment and the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment guarantee parents the right to educate their children according to their convictions. However, lower courts have ruled inconsistently in applying these rights to home schooling. We encourage you to comply with the law as far as your conscience will allow and then seek an acceptable alternative only if necessary. It is important to obtain a copy of your state's law pertaining to home education. Many problems can be avoided by being accurately informed and by using tact and respect in dealing with school authorities. For legal defense and assistance, contact Home School Legal Defense Association, Box 159, Paeonian Springs VA 20129, (540)338-5600. To qualify for membership, apply before you are contacted by any authorities regarding school attendance laws. HSLDA offers a free summary of your state's home-school law. HSLDA will advise members of their rights, deal with school officials and social workers, and represent them in court. Michael P. Farris, founder and president of HSLDA, says in his book Home Schooling and the Law, "One of my life goals is to give every parent who wants to home school the necessary confidence to start and continue home schooling."
What about socialization?
This is quite possibly the most misunderstood aspect of home schooling. Popular opinion assumes that children need periods of interaction with a group of peers to acquire social skills. By contrast, however, many believe that extensive peer contact during childhood can cause undesirable peer dependency. "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (I Cor. 15:33 NKJV). Young children are more likely to be influenced by the majority than to be a testimony to them. 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 relations. Godly principles of interaction can be taught, demonstrated, and reinforced at home by parents. Children can learn needed social skills by interacting 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 lasting Christian friendships with people of all ages as they interact with church and family friends. Dr. Ray reports that numerous studies have found that home-educated children are well adjusted socially and emotionally.
What educational materials are available?
Quality Christian materials used in Christian schools are available to home educators. New materials are also being developed or adapted especially for home teaching. These materials may be obtained in three basic ways: 1) You may order texts and teaching aids directly from the publishers or through mail-order companies. Each issue of The Teaching Home presents about 70 suppliers of quality teaching materials; 2) A home-extension program offered through a local Christian school or church can provide teaching materials, testing, and counseling; 3) Materials, testing and guidance can also be obtained through Christian correspondence courses. Home educators may choose or combine elements of the following approaches.
What methods do home schoolers use?
There is no one "right" way to home school. There is no one right method or curriculum. As an artist has at his disposal an entire palette of colors to mix and use, so a home educator has a vast array of effective methods from which to choose. These choices may be based on: 1) the ages of the children; 2) The subject matter being taught; 3) The number of children that you are teaching; 4) The learning styles your children find most effective; 5) The time you have available to prepare and teach material; 6) The varying abilities or special needs of your children; 7) The motivation certain methods may provide your children. The variety of methods is endless. As you choose and mix them, your home school will become a unique work of art.
How much time does it take?
Home schooling requires a time commitment, but not as much as you might expect. One-to-one tutoring is more efficient than classroom instruction and thus takes less time. Time requirements vary according to the methods used, the ages of the children, and how many children are being taught. Academic instruction might begin with one-half to one hour for the early grades and work up to a few hours of instruction plus independent study for upper grades. Most correspondence courses state that all of their work can be completed in a minimum of four or five hours per day.
How can we teach several children at once?
Subjects such as Bible, science, history, and literature that are not dependent on prerequisite knowledge or skills can be taught to several grade levels of children together. Lessons can be presented in an amplified manner with explanations that enable all children to understand. Older students can do much of their work independently.
What are some difficulties?
The following are some common difficulties along with suggested solutions.
What about children with special needs?
Many children with special needs are being successfully home educated. Home School Legal Defense Association membership has proven to be especially helpful to these families. The Teaching Home magazine's back issue on "Special Needs" can be ordered for $3.75 postpaid.
What are higher education and career preparation options?
More than 300 institutions are listed on HSLDA's informal survey of colleges and universities which welcome home-educated students. "Many of these schools actively recruit home-educated graduates because of their maturity, independent thinking skills, creativity, and extensive academic preparation," says Inge Cannon, executive director of Education PLUS. In preparation for college entrance or vocational training programs, parents may prepare a thorough transcript of high school level work, award a diploma, and specify and actual high school graduation date. Occasionally SAT or GED tests may be required by a college or employer. For military enlistment and some employment, your student can further validate his academic ability by completing 15 credit hours of college work. Many colleges offer nontraditional programs for off-campus study. It is possible for students to study at home for college credit and even a full degree through distance learning courses, electronic media, and CLEP tests. Some home schoolers are entering their chosen fields through apprenticeship programs designed and supervised by parents and professionals.
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, area schools, or private teachers. Church and community teams offer various sports opportunities. There are actually more enrichment activities and time in which to do them available for home-taught students than for those in school.
How do we get started in home schooling?
Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Why do families home school?
Are parents qualified to teach their children?
Is home schooling legal in every state?
What about socialization?
What educational materials are available?
What methods do home schoolers use?
How much time does it take?
How can we teach several children at once?
What are some difficulties?
What about children with special needs?
What are higher education and career preparation options?
What about my child's special interests?
How do we get started in home schooling?
WHY DO FAMILIES HOME SCHOOL?
Many Christian parents are committed to educating their children at home because of their conviction that this is God's will for their family. They are concerned for their children's spiritual training and character development as well as social and academic welfare. Specific advantages have been expressed as follows: 1) Opportunity is available for spiritual training and presenting a biblical perspective on all subjects. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Prov. 9:10 NKJV). 2) Home schooling makes quality time available to train and influence children in all areas in an integrated way. 3) Each child receives individual attention and has his unique needs met. 4) Parents can control destructive influences such as various temptations, false teachings (including secular humanism and occult influences of the New Age movement), and negative peer pressure. 5) Children gain respect for their parents as teachers. 6) The family experiences unity, closeness, and mutual enjoyment of each other as they spend more time together. 7) Children develop confidence and independent thinking away from the peer pressure to conform and in the security of their own home. 8 ) Children have time to explore new interests and to think. 9) Communication between different age groups is enhanced. 10) Tutorial-style education helps each child achieve his full education potential. 11) Flexible scheduling can accommodate fathers' work and vacation times and allow time for many activities. 12) Students can do a variety of college level courses or career apprenticeships while still at home.
Are parents qualified to teach their children?
You know your children better than anyone else and have the deepest love and concern for them. You also have the most direct and long-term responsibility for your children before God, who commands parents to teach their children His Word, the most important thing they will learn (Deut. 6:6-7). Educationally, one-to-one tutoring has many advantages over a classroom where one teacher tries to meet the needs of many children at different learning levels. You do not need to know everything in order to teach. Your example and enthusiasm in learning with your children will motivate and encourage them far more than striving to appear as if you knew it all. Dr Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, conducted an analysis in 1994 of the standardized test results for 16,320 home-school children nationwide. He found these children to average at or above the 73rd percentile in all subject areas (The national average is the 50th percentile). Through a 1990 study by Dr. Ray, it was demonstrated that there is little relationship between the parents' education levels and their children's scores, and whether the parent is a certified teacher has no bearing on children's scores. Dr. Ray says, "The tutorial method of teaching has always been the superior method. Home education epitomizes this tutorial method, providing essentials for success such as a close student/teacher relationship, motivation, flexibility, individualization, and family consistent values." (NHERI, Box 14949, Salem OR 97309, 503-364-1490.) Several resources are available that provide home educators with on-the-job training: 1) Home-school conventions, workshops, seminars, and book fairs at local, state, and regional levels provide practical instruction in teaching techniques. 2) The Teaching Home presents articles that inform and encourage you in principles and techniques of home teaching. 3) State and local home-school support groups can greatly encourage and help you as ideas and information are exchanged. (Each issue of The Teaching Home magazine carries a list of state home-school organizations and events.) 4) God promises His wisdom and assures you that He will supply your needs as you follow Him: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5-7 NKJV).
Is home schooling legal in every state?
Each state sets its own laws governing home education. Meeting the requirements of these laws may be as simple as informing the school district of your intent to home school and having your children tested or as complex as fulfilling private school requirements. Legislation is continually being proposed and considered in many states. It is important for your to work with your state and local Christian home-school organizations to aid the passage of favorable bills. Constitutional rights to liberty and privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment and the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment guarantee parents the right to educate their children according to their convictions. However, lower courts have ruled inconsistently in applying these rights to home schooling. We encourage you to comply with the law as far as your conscience will allow and then seek an acceptable alternative only if necessary. It is important to obtain a copy of your state's law pertaining to home education. Many problems can be avoided by being accurately informed and by using tact and respect in dealing with school authorities. For legal defense and assistance, contact Home School Legal Defense Association, Box 159, Paeonian Springs VA 20129, (540)338-5600. To qualify for membership, apply before you are contacted by any authorities regarding school attendance laws. HSLDA offers a free summary of your state's home-school law. HSLDA will advise members of their rights, deal with school officials and social workers, and represent them in court. Michael P. Farris, founder and president of HSLDA, says in his book Home Schooling and the Law, "One of my life goals is to give every parent who wants to home school the necessary confidence to start and continue home schooling."
What about socialization?
This is quite possibly the most misunderstood aspect of home schooling. Popular opinion assumes that children need periods of interaction with a group of peers to acquire social skills. By contrast, however, many believe that extensive peer contact during childhood can cause undesirable peer dependency. "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (I Cor. 15:33 NKJV). Young children are more likely to be influenced by the majority than to be a testimony to them. 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 relations. Godly principles of interaction can be taught, demonstrated, and reinforced at home by parents. Children can learn needed social skills by interacting 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 lasting Christian friendships with people of all ages as they interact with church and family friends. Dr. Ray reports that numerous studies have found that home-educated children are well adjusted socially and emotionally.
What educational materials are available?
Quality Christian materials used in Christian schools are available to home educators. New materials are also being developed or adapted especially for home teaching. These materials may be obtained in three basic ways: 1) You may order texts and teaching aids directly from the publishers or through mail-order companies. Each issue of The Teaching Home presents about 70 suppliers of quality teaching materials; 2) A home-extension program offered through a local Christian school or church can provide teaching materials, testing, and counseling; 3) Materials, testing and guidance can also be obtained through Christian correspondence courses. Home educators may choose or combine elements of the following approaches.
Traditional Textbooks.
High-quality textbooks are available from Christian publishers. These cover each subject in depth and in a logical order of topics.
Worktexts.
Some publishers have combined textbook information with exercises in consumable write-in books.
Classical Approach.
Children progress from memorization of facts and development of learning skills to advanced reasoning and expressive use of language to discuss their knowledge and beliefs.
Principle Approach.
Teachers and students keep notebooks for each subject area containing biblical perspectives and principles, personal applications, and factual information from various sources.
Unit Studies.
Theme-centered units integrate information from several subjects. Language arts and math receive additional systematic teaching.
Books and Life Experiences.
Other than basic teaching in the three R's, much learning comes through reading good literature and nonfiction. Normal everyday activities supplement study and give it perspective.
What methods do home schoolers use?
There is no one "right" way to home school. There is no one right method or curriculum. As an artist has at his disposal an entire palette of colors to mix and use, so a home educator has a vast array of effective methods from which to choose. These choices may be based on: 1) the ages of the children; 2) The subject matter being taught; 3) The number of children that you are teaching; 4) The learning styles your children find most effective; 5) The time you have available to prepare and teach material; 6) The varying abilities or special needs of your children; 7) The motivation certain methods may provide your children. The variety of methods is endless. As you choose and mix them, your home school will become a unique work of art.
How much time does it take?
Home schooling requires a time commitment, but not as much as you might expect. One-to-one tutoring is more efficient than classroom instruction and thus takes less time. Time requirements vary according to the methods used, the ages of the children, and how many children are being taught. Academic instruction might begin with one-half to one hour for the early grades and work up to a few hours of instruction plus independent study for upper grades. Most correspondence courses state that all of their work can be completed in a minimum of four or five hours per day.
How can we teach several children at once?
Subjects such as Bible, science, history, and literature that are not dependent on prerequisite knowledge or skills can be taught to several grade levels of children together. Lessons can be presented in an amplified manner with explanations that enable all children to understand. Older students can do much of their work independently.
What are some difficulties?
The following are some common difficulties along with suggested solutions.
Lack of Confidence: At first you may lack confidence in choosing materials and methods, doubting your ability to teach. With experience, you will gain confidence.
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 relationships, discipline, training, and example should be the parents' top priority, whether or not they are home schooling. Home schooling can provide the incentive and optimum setting to accomplish this.
Inadequate Time and Energy: Home teaching requires an investment of time and energy, especially by mothers. Self discipline 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. Children can also be a great help when trained to assist with the cooking, laundry, and household chores.
Lack of Commitment: Families gain the strength to overcome difficulties when they develop the conviction that home schooling is best for their family and is God's will for them.
Social Pressure: Pressure from 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 God's leading for the home-school family.
Financial Investment: Costs of materials or programs vary considerably, but are always less than a private school. Many materials can be reused for siblings.
What about children with special needs?
Many children with special needs are being successfully home educated. Home School Legal Defense Association membership has proven to be especially helpful to these families. The Teaching Home magazine's back issue on "Special Needs" can be ordered for $3.75 postpaid.
What are higher education and career preparation options?
More than 300 institutions are listed on HSLDA's informal survey of colleges and universities which welcome home-educated students. "Many of these schools actively recruit home-educated graduates because of their maturity, independent thinking skills, creativity, and extensive academic preparation," says Inge Cannon, executive director of Education PLUS. In preparation for college entrance or vocational training programs, parents may prepare a thorough transcript of high school level work, award a diploma, and specify and actual high school graduation date. Occasionally SAT or GED tests may be required by a college or employer. For military enlistment and some employment, your student can further validate his academic ability by completing 15 credit hours of college work. Many colleges offer nontraditional programs for off-campus study. It is possible for students to study at home for college credit and even a full degree through distance learning courses, electronic media, and CLEP tests. Some home schoolers are entering their chosen fields through apprenticeship programs designed and supervised by parents and professionals.
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, area schools, or private teachers. Church and community teams offer various sports opportunities. There are actually more enrichment activities and time in which to do them available for home-taught students than for those in school.
How do we get started in home schooling?
Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Seek the Lord and agree as husband and wife on your decision to home school.
- Research home education by reading one or two basic books on home education, such as Christopher Klicka's The Right Choice (available for $12.95 from HSLDA, Box 159, Paeonian Springs VA 20219), and back issues of The Teaching Home magazine. Meet and visit experienced home-schoolers in your church or local support group and make an effort to attend your state's home school convention.
- Contact your state home-school organization to learn of local support groups, events, and publications as well as your state's laws governing home education. HSLDA has state law summaries.
- Make arrangements to comply with the law according to your conscience and recommendations of state organizations and/or Home School Legal Defense Association. Consider joining HSLSA.
- Get your home and life in order by establishing discipline in child training and your use of time. Get rid of unnecessary or little-used possessions to make way for learning materials and study space.
- Choose methods and teaching materials that you feel comfortable in starting with and that would be appropriate to the age and number of your children. If you feel overwhelmed by the choices you must make, you may want to use a prepared curriculum from a textbook, worktext, or unit study publisher for your first year. Re-evaluate and experiment with different materials and methods and make adjustments as you gain experience. Throughout the educational process your will want to give priority to your children's spiritual and character development. Home schooling is a way of life in which the home is the center of life and learning. Through home education, parents can experience in a unique way their responsibility to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Upcoming Events
Mon Mar 15
Deadline for newsletter submissionsFri Mar 26
2010 PromSat Apr 17
West Texas Christian Track MeetSat Apr 24
State Home School Track MeetSat May 01
MACHE End of Year Party and PotluckFri May 07
Arlington Home School Book FairSat May 08
2010 Graduation Arlington Home School Book Fair