Listen to “CHM031:What does it take to homeschool?” on Spreaker.
This homeschool podcast is about the basics of what it takes to homeschool. I answer a question sent in by a listener, specifically:
- Does the mother or father have to be super smart to homeschool?
- Is homeschooling costly?
- Must someone have a degree to teach a child at home?
In answering Kevin’s question, I come up with three major things it takes to homeschool. They are:
- The first thing it takes to homeschool is a desire, a purpose, and a willingness to do so.
- Choose your style, method, curriculum, and costs.
- Realize that all you need to homeschool are the ability to read, write, do a bit of math, and research. If you have access to the internet and can read and write, you’re well on your way to home educating your kids.
(Sorry for the hum in the background of the audio. I’m working a providing better quality sound, but that will come with time!)
In addition to answering Kevin’s question, I also provide some fun finds around the web.
- Homeschoogle-Its main focus is to provide an online forum for homeschoolers to create study groups, post homeschool-friendly events, and connect with other homeschoolers who have similar interests. I noticed that among the videos, photos, and group creation capabilities, there is quite a smorgasbord of groups available- including a variety when it comes to faith and religion as well as interest and geographic location. In addition to Christian homeschoolers, there are Jewish, messianic, and secular- and it’s not only for homeschool teens and tweens- but it seems to be targeting the adults in the family as well since I did notice virtual groups were created for moms and dads. The motto of the site is A Social Network for Homeschooling families.
- Homeschool Research– a study shows that adolescent homeschooled students slept an average of 90 minutes more per night than public and private school students, who were in class an average of 18 minutes before homeschooled children even awoke. (quote from sleep psychologist, Lisa Melzer, PhD at MedicaXpress.com)
- Etsy homeschool– Etsy is a one-stop shop to find all things handmade. But I’ve learned you can find homeschool items here too! Just do a quick search for “homeschool” or the topic you’re searching for.
- Headventure Land by Academic Press- An “educational playground” site created with the classical student in mind. It features games and videos, coloring pages, readers (and the readers are simply ebooks that you can read in digital flip-style- you click on the corners of the pages and they turn to a new page- and the readers are fun, easy lower-level and are in both Spanish and Latin).
- Loads of Currclick classes and summer workshops are on right now, so go check them out!
Thanks for listening! (I’d love to hear from you) Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating in Itunes. I’ll mention your name in the next podcast!
Ways to reach me…
