28. Returning to School or Homeschooling?

The prospect of schools reopening is gradually dawning on us all, and with it comes the news of the potential restrictions which will be in place. As so many of the restrictions seem to greatly impact the level of socializing that children will be able to enjoy upon their return, I am currently fielding a large number of questions regarding homeschooling. In today’s episode, my aim is to address the questions that seem to be the most frequently asked.   It’s important to note that laws and rules regarding homeschooling will vary by, and in some cases within, states, so the information I offer here today is fairly general and you really need to check with a local homeschooler or homeschooling group to understand the specifics for your area. What I can share with you is the remarkable difference between the schooling we’ve all been doing for the last few months and actual homeschooling, some ideas regarding learning styles and curriculum, and some of the basic facts about homeschooling and unschooling. I can also tell you that you have the right and the ability to educate your child at home – you have done it from the moment they were born. Sending your child back to a school filled with social restrictions may rightfully seem daunting to you at the moment, and if you are considering homeschooling, this episode will provide you with information and advice based upon a vast amount of experience and research that can help you begin your decision making process.   The Finer Details of This Episode:    Nobody was actually homeschooling these past few months – we were ‘crisis schooling’  The actual academics don’t take as long as a school day  Every state has their own laws and rules about homeschooling, so go to a local homeschooler or group for advice  A lot of people opt in to homeschooling because they want to opt out of standardized testing and ‘teaching to the test’  Beware of the tendency for school districts to offer their opinion on homeschooling rather than the policy  The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HLDA) is the only legal defense association in the country to help with homeschooling issues  Nobody should ever go into your home to ‘check out your homeschooling environment’  You do not to be certified to teach  If you are just trying homeschooling for a year, you’re tied to the school’s curriculum – that’s not my favorite way  There is a large choice of other curricula out there, so you need to determine your child’s learning style  You don’t need a curriculum for pre-school – read to them, love them, take them outside  When unschooling, follow the ‘rabbit holes’   Quotes:   “Homeschooling looks so much different than what we just did.”   “It’s your constitutional right to direct the education of your child.”   “I’m not anti-school, but I am anti-bad school.”   “I am more and more of a facilitator.”   “I would argue that we’re always all homeschooling.”   “When you’re working with something you’re passionate about, and you love, you’re going to hit these spots where you have to work through a yucky part of it.”   “I am unabashed in my love of homeschooling…it’s such a lifestyle choice.”   “You know your kid - you are 100% the expert on your child - so lead with that.”   Links:   Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/     Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU   Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler -  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738   Jamie’s Patreon Page:  https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices