Califoregon Living

A part of my homeschool course required me to think about some common questions posed to homeschoolers, and to have prepared answers:

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  “Grocery Store Version” (25-50, short and sweet)
  
  
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  “Over a Cup of Coffee Version” (50+ words)

1. Are you qualified to do that?

GSV: “Yes.  Any parent who wished to pursue homeshooling can easily find the necessary resources, support, and direction needed to successfully educate their children.

OCCV: In Washington, there are four different ways to be considered qualified from a legal standpoint. One is to have 45 college credits, one is to get permission from the superintendent of the school district, one is to work with a certified teacher, and one is to attend a homeschool course.   I could have relied on my college credits to qualify, but that would have been an injustice to me and my children.  God called me to go beyond the surface and delve into why I choose to homeschool and that He is blessing our family as a result.  I have already committed countless hours to my children's education and the oldest is three!  With this commitment and God's blessing, I am confident that our homeschool experience will be strong and fruitful.

 

2.  What about socialization?

GSV:  We will work hard to make sure that our kids are involved in activities that give them the opportunity to socialize with their peers and others.

OCCV:  Depends on how you define “socialization.”  Really think about the traditional school system.  How much constructive socialization is there?  And what kind of influence is it over our children (positive and negative)?  Can these influences be found in a different structure?  What about the opportunities that can be found with people outside their age range, culture, etc.?  Which child is getting a more well-rounded social education?  Who has the better chance to be a leader?

 

3.  Aren't you over-protecting your children?

GSV:  Our goal is to introduce and carefully expose our children to different peoplr, cultures, ages, races, etc.  This is not something we believe can be adequately accomlished in a classroom.

OCCV:  I think that one of the myths of homeschooling is that the children are sequestered in their home with no interaction of the world. Reality is that homeschooled children are not hindered by the classroom and are able to go places and see things, guided by someone who has their best and undivided interest in mind.  Their experiences go beyond the fours wall of the classroom.

 

4.  How will your children ever be able to deal with the real world?

GSV:  They will be provided with all the academic, spiritual, and life skills training and education needed to successfully navigate “The real world”.

OCCV:  While the classroom can only provide like-minded, same-age children, we will have the luxury of being in the real world, interacting and learning from a variety of people, with real issues and experiences.

 

5)  Don't the public schools need Christian kids in it?

GSV:  Each parent needs to make that decision.  We feel that God is calling us to educate ours at home.

OCCV:  I used to think this way, but I have read some material that shifted my perspective.  Jesus was in his 30's when he began evangelizing.  Until then, he was being raised at home and stayed close to home.  His parents were his primary influence.  Why should we push our kids to evangelize before their intellectual and emotional levels have reached maturity?

 

6)  What about a diploma?

GSV:  If our kids feel like they need a diploma, we will create one.

OCCV:  Washington state has a large homeschool community.  They have a traditional graduation ceremony at the end of the year, we could participate in.  A diploma is simply a piece of paper acknowledging the completion of 12 years of school.

 

7)  How will they ever get into college?

GSV:  Homeschooled children have equal opportunity to get into college, and they consistently rank high, if not higher than many traditional schooled children.

OCCV:  Our children will be able to get into any college they desire, assuming that is the direction God is calling them.  We will work hard to make sure that our children are receptive to His calling.  There are many colleges that encourage homeschool applicants, as they are good representatives of the school.

 

8)   I don't now how you can do it!  I can't stand having my kids at home all the time!  I can hardly wait for school to start in the fall so I can get them out of the house!

GSV:  Well, I agree that it may not be for everyone, but it is what we have deemed best for our family.

OCCV: There is so much more to consider, though.  You need to really take a look at what you want the “end result” to be of your children, and your role in it.  You need to take a look at who is educating your children and who/what are their influences.  You need to prayerfully consider what God intends for your family.

 

9)  What will you teach and how will you get the resources?

GSV:  It is not a matter of too little information, but more often than not, there is too much!  There are plenty of resources and support in the homeschool community, and most importantly, in God's leading.

OCCV:  There are many different methods, curricula, and philosophies available.  I have come to realize that there is no 'one way' to educate, but that it is a process that combines God's leading, our children's interests, our community, and our home life, compiled with the legal academic requirements set forth by our state.