Should I Homeschool?
Addressing common misconceptions about homeschooling
Homeschooling is an ever-growing part of our education system here in Tecumseh. I was homeschooled from kindergarten through graduation (against my will, at times), so I thought I would address some common misconceptions about homeschooling, and suggest some resources as well. Bottom Line Up Front: It’s not for everyone, it’s a great alternative for those who stand to benefit, and the common stereo-types are mostly untrue or exaggerated.
With the increase in homeschooling after the C19 pandemic, I often see folks tweeting at parents on X (formerly Twitter) that, “You aren’t qualified to homeschool your kids”. This is nonsense. More and more, education occurs though curriculum, often via Chromebooks (in home or public school), so the parent’s role is more of a guide or facilitator. My mother was no math whiz, so I learned algebra from another homeschool mom, who happened to be a noted architect. A parent’s “qualification” to homeschool is merely to ensure that the student is educated by whatever means, not to have a PhD in education.
Another popular misconception is that your child will miss out on social development. We often throw out the term “social interaction” with the assumption that it only counts if it’s among peers. This is incorrect. Interaction with folks of all ages is best for development. While being stuck in the house with your parents can (and does) get old as a kid, it also provides essential bonding. Not everyone has the luxury of parents in the home all day or relatives nearby, so it’s a decision to be weighed carefully. I will touch on this more later.
(Me at a week-long homeschool group event in Tallahassee, FL sophomore year)
It is also worth noting that homeschool does offer options for socialization. As a kid, I had Civil Air Patrol, YMCA basketball, municipal sports, 4-H, church youth events, and I’ll say this even though it exposes my age: we played with neighbors outside. My homeschool group had a “co-op” where homeschool families would meet at our local Rotary park to play, or even take classes from other parents. Tecumseh has recently started a “Homeschool Pod” Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12EFpyLgV2i/) with similar goals. Admittedly, homeschool socialization takes significantly more parental involvement and effort. Nevertheless, if socialization is the only factor holding you back, you have options.
“You either homeschool because you’re a bad kid, or your parents are Jesus freaks”. As a kid, I heard this often. It’s fair to say both were true in my case, but this is no longer true for most. Homeschool was already trending toward the mainstream, but the C19 pandemic put it into hyperdrive. It’s a big tent now, with Catholics, atheists, conservatives, liberals, and everything in between. Holly and I are mostly centrist, having attended both conservative and liberal universities. We have our own small group of like-minded homeschoolers, with no religious or political emphasis, to interact with.
One question I get often is how to select a curriculum. Many homeschool groups have entire “curriculum fairs” for parents to pick curriculum a-la-carte, ensuring their child gets an education appropriate for the family’s cultural or religious beliefs. My daughter is currently taking a free course from UC Berkeley in psychopharmacology, and many universities offer similar courses. The best way to find out more about curriculum is through recommendations from your local homeschoolers. If you’re interested, consider joining Tecumseh’s homeschool Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/693808627355894.
One more thought on curriculum. My next post will be an interview with Jordan Wright, our new Tecumseh Public Library Director. I plan to ask him about collaboration with the public school district, and with homeschoolers. Specifically, I would like to know his thoughts on making public school curriculum available to be checked out in the public library. This idea came from brainstorming sessions with my running mates for school board, and I think it would be a value-add to our community.
(Surfing was my favorite elective as a high school senior in Cocoa Beach, FL)
As for my own experience, I have mixed emotions. I once resented my parents for keeping me home as a teenager. To be fair, if I had grown up here in Tecumseh, they likely would have been pleased with TPS (my mother is a huge admirer of the McInchaks). Looking back, I’m indifferent about it. I missed experiences like homecoming and prom (“canon moments” as the kids call it), but I also avoided the crippling anxiety that comes with social rejection. I spent most of my senior year taking flying lessons and surfing from dawn to dusk. Those were some of the best moments of my life.
I want to stress that I am not an advocate of any one education model exclusively. I am a what’s-right-for-your-child advocate. Homeschooling is not “anti-public school”, it is merely an alternative. Our daughter thrived at Tecumseh Middle School. Holly and I substitute teach in this district, and we are continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of TMS educators. A school can be perfect, and still not be perfect for every family. You know your student better than anyone else in this world, so only you know what’s best for their welfare.
If you want more information on homeschooling, check out this helpful article on Parents.com: https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/homeschooling-101-what-is-homeschooling/. Whatever method of education you choose, know that there is plenty of support out there.