Intro To Homeschooling Q&A

Whether you are starting the adventure into homeschooling with young children, who have never experienced the public school system, or with children who are leaving the public school system to start a new experience, there can be a lot to consider. We've been there and we want to help you work through some of the questions and options you may now be facing.

The first thing to consider is "What are the legal requirements for where I live?"

Understanding and complying with state, or local homeschooling laws can sound daunting. However, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association has a page dedicated to providing the information for each state. Homeschool Laws by State (hslda.org/legal/).

The next most common question most parents ask themselves is "Am I qualified to teach my child?"

It’s natural to have self-doubt about homeschooling but remember that your deep understanding of your child’s needs makes you uniquely qualified. Think of all the things you have already taught your child. How to walk, how to talk, how to feed and dress themselves, how to be polite and how to be kind. Homeschooling is just an extension of the lessons you have already successfully taught. Trust in your abilities to continue your child's education just as you have been. If you are concerned about how you will educate and support your children in higher grades, remember that there are resources like Sapere Academy, options like dual enrolment, and a plethora of online tools to help you help your children through all stages of their education.

The most common question asked by people outside the homeschool community is "How will my child socialize?"

As someone who spent a decade working in public education before having my own children, I giggle inside every time I hear this. If I had a dime for every time in that decade, that I saw teachers rearrange desks or seating charts to keep kids from socializing too much in class, or saw students have to "pull a card" for socializing too much in class I'd have a lot of dimes. Our homeschool children have so many opportunities to socialize, with peers and adults. There are local homeschool groups that meet for different group activities, fieldtrips, even visits to the library. When you homeschool, if you join in on every opportunity in your area, you might find that you have an overabundance of opportunities for your child to socialize with peers.

Sapere Academy also offers students the opportunity to share and collaborate with other students in elective classes, join clubs and more. Home-Educators are also in need of time for adult socialization. Sapere Academy offers the opportunity to participate in collaborative online video calls, adult classes and adult clubs.

Now let's look at the first big decision you need to make, "How do I choose the right homeschooling style and curriculum?"

As seasoned homeschoolers we have explored many methodologies and curriculum and the conclusion that we came to was.... be fluid. What works for one child, or for one grade/age might not work for another and that is okay! Let's look at some of the options on the spectrum, starting on one side with "school-at-home" all the way to "unschooling"

School-at-home
The school-at-home method mimics traditional schooling but in a home setting. It often involves a structured curriculum, regular assessments, and a set schedule. The online K-12 program offered in most states will offer this kind of experience.

Modified School-at-home

While programs like K-12 try to mimic traditional schooling, other programs like Kahn, Time4learning, and Miacademy realize that the information offered in core subjects does not necessarily need to take 6 hours a day for retention. Programs like these allow students to work at their own pace; generally finishing in 1-3 hours depending on their grade.

Classical Education

Classical education is rooted in ancient traditions and focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills. It follows the trivium, which consists of three stages: grammar (elementary), logic (middle school), and rhetoric (high school). This method emphasizes the study of classical languages, literature, and history.

Unit Studies

Unit studies integrate multiple subjects around a central theme or topic. For example, a unit study on space might include science (astronomy), history (space exploration), and language arts (reading and writing about space) and math.
This method is great for families who enjoy thematic learning and want to make connections across different subjects.

Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason’s approach is all about nurturing a love for learning through “living books” rather than dry textbooks. This method encourages nature walks, art appreciation, and hands-on activities. It’s perfect for families who value a rich, literature-based education and want to foster a sense of wonder in their children. The Good and the Beautiful is based around this methodology.

Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is a mix-and-match approach where parents combine elements from various methods to suit their family’s needs. This flexible approach allows for customization and adaptation as children’s interests and learning styles evolve.

Unschooling

Unschooling is perhaps the most flexible and child-centered approach. It allows children to explore their interests and learn at their own pace without a formal curriculum. Unschooling families believe that learning happens naturally and should be guided only by the child's natural interests and curiosity.

Homeschooling offers a diverse array of methodologies, each with its own strengths and philosophies. Whether you prefer the structured rigor of classical education or the free-spirited nature of unschooling, there’s a method that can fit your family’s unique needs. The beauty of homeschooling lies in its flexibility and the ability to tailor education to your child’s interests and learning style. Sapere Academy is here to support you as you explore what works best for your family.

"How can I balance homeschooling with other responsibilities?"
Managing time effectively is a significant concern, especially for parents who work or have multiple children. Finding a balance between teaching, household duties, and personal time is crucial and will likely play into the choice you make for educational methodology. For example, if you work from home a more pre-made structured curriculum might be best. Another solution we found helpful was to incorporate household duties into our school routine. Because we are not only focused on teaching core subjects, but we are also focusing on raising responsible, self-sufficient adults. Sharing household duties is a great way to introduce lessons in home management, home maintenance, budgeting, cooking and more.

"How much does it cost to homeschool?"

Homeschooling absolutely does not need to cost a fortune. As a large homeschool family we understand wanting to provide an incredible education experience for your children while still needing to stick to a budget. There have been years that we spent less than $100 a student. We purchased some staples at the beginning of the year at Walmart (notebooks, crayons, watercolors, construction paper, glue) and utilized the library, Pinterest and free apps. Those years definitely took a lot more planning, creativity and prep work but we still had a great year. As time, ages, and situations have changed we have found so many great programs that we have wanted to participate in but still wanted to stay within our budget and get the best deals available. That desire is one of the main drives that led to the foundation of Sapere Academy. By working together, we utilize our collective buying power to secure great deals for all of our Sapere families. And, with over a decade of experience homeschooling all ages, we have found so many resources to share with you that are free or low cost.

Do you have more questions? Do you need help deciding what method or curriculum you should try out first? Send us an Email at [email protected] We are here to help!