The homeschooling community is wide and diverse, yet there is one question that almost every parent has been asked during the years they school their children at home. “What about socialization?” We are led to believe that if we don’t put our children in public school, they will be missing out. They will become social misfits. Homeschooling means they will be stuck inside all day, having no opportunity for socialization. But true socialization comes from interacting with the world around them and having the freedom to explore and make true friendships.

Tips for teaching language arts (writing, grammar, handwriting) in a large family.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the school board of any school district shall not admit any child into the kindergarten or beginner grade of any school of such school district unless such child has reached the age of five years or will reach such age on or before October 15 of the current year. (2) The board may admit a child who will reach the age of five between October 16 and February 1 of the current school year if the parent or guardian requests such entrance and provides an affidavit stating that (a) the child attended kindergarten in another jurisdiction in the current school year, (b) the family anticipates relocation to another jurisdiction that would allow admission within the current year, or (c) the child has demonstrated through recognized assessment procedures approved by the board that he or she is capable of carrying the work of kindergarten or the beginner grade. (3) The board shall comply with the requirements of subsection (2) of section 43-2007 and shall require evidence of a physical examination by a physician, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginner grade and the seventh grade or, in the case of a transfer from out of state, to any other grade of the local school, except that no such physical examination shall be required of any child whose parent or guardian objects in writing. The cost of such physical examination shall be borne by the parent or guardian of each child who is examined.

There is a cognitive dissonance about public schools. Everyone knows public schools in the US are terrible, but everyone thinks their school is the exception. The reality is that your school would be the exception only if it teaches using project-based learning. Which it doesn’t. The public schools that are exceptional are exceptional at teaching to the test – a process that’s widely discredited. Give your kids more credit than that. Reformers say child-driven learning and project-based learning are best. Parents are the only educators in a position to do that. So all kids will get a better education at home. 

ThinkQuest is an international student competition, sponsored by the Oracle Education Foundation. Students work in teams to build creative and educational websites that explore globally relevant subjects. Diverse teams made up of members from more than one school, community, or country are encouraged. Competitions are open to students and teachers from anywhere in the world. Teams must have 3 to 6 students who are between the ages of 9 and 19, and one adult Coach who is a school employee. Homeschooled students may participate so long as they are part of a team that is associated with an accredited public, private, or parochial school (i.e., Primary Coach is an employee of an accredited public, private or parochial school and other team members are affiliated with an accredited school). Homeschooled students might consider forming a team with students from another country. Being a member of a multi-country team presents a great opportunity for all students to learn about other cultures and to learn valuable collaboration skills. The completed websites are published in the ThinkQuest Library, a rich learning resource used by millions.

Rhonda Clark blogs about life homeschooling an only child.

The African-American home school movement is growing; however there is a lack of on-line networks. This FB Community is a prelude to the collaborative effort to create a membership site. Its main function will be to support, encourage, and promote African American Homeschool families. Including curriculum selection and co-op group start up in your local communities.

How much are supplies for unschooling? It ranges somewhere between nothing and everything--the whole budget. Once a family starts to consider everything educational, even groceries and cleaning supplies are educational. For beginners, though, part of the trick is working on the definition of "educational."