Homeschool Programs, 5 Things to Know | Blog - Sora Schools

5 Things To Know About Homeschool Programs

In the 1970s, John Holt, a Massachusetts educator detailed how the traditional educational system of the industrial age is no longer relevant to the goals of education in the 21st century and children are suffering because of it. Holt described a system where the child would learn at home with a parent or education one-on-one so they could get the individual attention they needed, and even learn in a fashion that suits their individual needs. The ideology of igniting intrinsic motivation within children's minds was revolutionary, and Holt became what was later known as "the father of home-schooling". These concepts paved the way for parents to take their child's education into their own hands.

Reasons Why Parents Decide to Homeschool

Over 3 million children in the United States are being homeschooled as of the NHERI studies from 2021-2022. There are several reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children:

Bullying

This is a significant concern for many parents, particularly those whose children may have vulnerabilities due to learning disabilities or emotional challenges. In the traditional school setting, these issues can exacerbate the difficulties a child faces, severely impacting their ability to learn and thrive. As a response, many parents choose homeschooling as a safer alternative, where the risk of bullying is substantially reduced. Homeschooling provides a controlled environment where parents can closely monitor interactions and effectively manage any negative social dynamics. Additionally, this setting allows for a more tailored educational approach, enabling parents to integrate other programs and support systems designed to address the specific needs of children with learning disabilities or emotional concerns. By doing so, parents ensure that their child's education is not only safe but also constructive and supportive, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal development.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure in schools can lead children to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use or promiscuity, which many parents find concerning. The public school environment, with its diverse student body, can sometimes fail to shield students from these negative influences, leaving some children vulnerable to peer pressure. Concerned about these risks, several parents turn to homeschooling as a preventative measure. Homeschooling affords a more sheltered educational environment where parents can exert greater influence over their child’s social interactions and moral development. This control helps in instilling values and behaviors that align with the family’s principles, away from the potentially harmful pressures that can prevail in larger school settings.

Disability

Children with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum such as those with Asperger’s Syndrome, often face unique challenges in the public school system. These challenges stem primarily from an environment that might not be equipped to address their specific needs, especially when staff may lack specialized training. Many parents of children with such disabilities opt for homeschooling, which allows for a highly personalized educational experience. In a homeschool setting, the curriculum can be specifically tailored to the child’s educational needs, interests, and pace of learning, providing a nurturing environment that encourages growth and development. Additionally, homeschooling minimizes the sensory overload common in public schools, which can be particularly detrimental to children with autism spectrum disorders. This customized approach often results in better educational outcomes and a more fulfilling learning experience for children with disabilities, as they can thrive in an environment designed specifically for their success.

5 Things to Know About Homeschooling

Homeschooling Laws in Your State

Each state sets its own rules covering several aspects of homeschool education, which can impact how parents plan and administer their children's learning experience at home. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for ensuring compliance and providing a structured educational environment:

Staying informed through official state Department of Education websites or homeschooling associations can help parents remain compliant and aware of any updates or changes in the law. By thoroughly understanding and adhering to these guidelines, parents can ensure that their children's homeschooling experience is successful, lawful, and enriching.

Activities and Homeschool Groups in Your Area

Connecting with local homeschool groups and participating in various activities can greatly enrich the homeschooling experience for both parents and children. The National Home School Association (NHSA) provides a valuable resource for families engaged in homeschool education. Through their platform, families can access various resources, ranging from educational programs and curricular support to group activities and regional homeschool events. These resources aim to promote a supportive community atmosphere, offering networking opportunities, shared learning experiences, and social interaction. Additionally, the NHSA and similar websites often list local homeschool groups that can be instrumental in organizing field trips, sports events, and other educational activities.

What Type of Homeschooling Methods Are There?

Classical

The Classical method is one of the oldest and most revered approaches in homeschooling, with its roots extending back to the educational philosophies of Ancient Greece and Rome. This method is built on the Trivium, a model that focuses on three progressive stages of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

Charlotte Mason

Originating from the educational philosophies of its namesake, Charlotte Mason, this homeschooling method emphasizes the importance of nurturing a child's relationship with knowledge.

Montessori

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach that nurtures all aspects of a child’s development, including social, spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth.

Unschooling

Unschooling is a radical form of homeschooling inspired by educator John Holt. It eschews traditional curriculum and structured educational approaches in favor of allowing children to learn through their natural life experiences.

School-at-Home

This approach typically involves the use of structured daily lessons and curricula that replicate what is offered in public or private schools.

Unit Studies

The Unit Studies approach in education provides a rich, interconnected learning experience by centering on a single theme and exploring it through multiple academic disciplines.

Eclectic Education Methods

This type of homeschooling is a highly personalized educational approach that allows parents and students to mix and match elements from various homeschooling methods to best suit their educational needs and preferences.

Project Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges through hands-on projects.

Mastery-Based Grading

This method allows students to advance upon demonstrating mastery of a topic, rather than moving forward based on age or time spent in class.

What Kind of Resources Are Required?

The resources for teaching at home could be the same as what is being used in the local public school or provided to you if you decide to attend a homeschool academy. Academies like (ASU Digital Prep, Laurel Springs, and Sora Schools) are believed to be the best online homeschool programs by certain parents because they give a clear path of learning while also allowing for the flexibility of learning at home.