Merriam-Webster defines a goal as “the end toward which effort is directed; aim.” Setting goals gives purpose to the daily work you are doing as a homeschooler. What goals should be considered for a homeschool student? There are many considerations that must be made before making goals.
Know your Homeschool Laws
by Steven David Horwich
Homeschooling today is looked upon as an “alternative educational” approach. Teachers, teachers unions, politicians and their buddies have worked very hard to try to convince us that homeschool is not “normal”, not “standard”. It is presented as “fringe” education. Who homeschools? We are told by “authorities” that it’s largely religious fanatics and “problem children” that were considered too dangerous or slow for schooling.
by Suzanne Wielgos
Many of you may have heard about the recent attempt by a small group of legislators in the state of Illinois to impose far-reaching new restrictions on the practice of homeschooling within our state. As we worked almost non-stop over a span of about two weeks to mount a respectful but firm protest, I learned that some old stereotypes about homeschoolers still exist.
In this series of articles we will shred some light on what the National Standards of Education are as of 2011 and what it all means. Check with your local state laws to see what the state requirements are. Common questions asked by new homeschoolers; “What am I required to teach? What should my child know at a specific age and how do I know they are on track with their peers.” This series will help you answer those questions.
Kindergarten National Standards
by Suzanne Wielgos
Part Two
Homeschool support groups are a great resource to connect with other homeschooling families and exchange ideas. In the many years I have participated in homeschool support groups, I have seen the best—and the worst—aspects of these groups. This month, I am sharing the last five steps to keeping the peace and nurturing your homeschool support group.
by Suzanne Wielgos
Part One
Homeschool support groups are a great resource to connect with other homeschooling families and exchange ideas. In the many years I have participated in homeschool support groups, I have seen the best—and the worst—aspects of these groups. This month, I am sharing the first five steps to create a healthy, helpful support group; look next month for the rest.
What is socialization?
According to dictionary.com, socialization (n) is a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. According to the World English Dictionary, it means “the modification from infancy of an individual’s behavior to conform with the demands of social life or the act of socializing or the state of being socialized.
We all have the question at the beginning of our home education journey: “What do my kids need to learn every year?” We also get different answers to this question from every person we ask. Some will tell you to go by state standards, some will say “whatever they want to learn”, others still will say what X curriculum says is for that grade level. The answer to this question is really one only you and your family can truly decide.
What should I look for?
When beginning the search for a support group, there are a few key points you need to think about. Here we will discuss some of the more important topics of concern to look at.
Size of the Support Group
