Homeschooling Myths: Gwen Pielstick

I must admit, I too, was once a person who felt that kids needed to be in a classroom setting, with others his/her own age, for seven hours a day. However, my ideas have certainly changed. A traditional classroom is not the real world. At no other time in life will we be placed in an environment filled only with people of our own age. While throughout life we may have to interact with those we don't like, we WILL have the freedom to remove ourselves from the situation if it is unacceptable. That can't be done easily in a classroom. Our children don't need to be limited to the "school" world. They also have friends from church, our homeschool group, and activities in which they are involved. We have also encouraged our children to have certain friends from their public school days over occasionally. We have more control and input over our children's friendships. We can't isolate our children, but we can show them what is and is not acceptable behavior.

I Corinthians 15:33 says: "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." This verse basically means, that we should not be fooled, that being around other people who do bad things, have bad habits, criticize others, etc., does have a negative effect on us. The most grounded (in their faith) adults, can fall into the trap of doing what their friends do, or acting like them. How much more then, are kids likely to follow the crowd? We told our kids that they could still have certain friends over occasionally, from the public schools. But we were going to help them make better choices concerning their friends. If one of them says they like a certain person, we talk about why. What traits does this person have, that would make you want to be friends with them? Some of the children we talked about, we discovered, really weren't kids they wanted to be friends with after all. Our children also have friends from church, our homeschool group, etc. that they associate with. There are some children in the neighborhood also, that do attend public schools, that we allow them to play with. These friendships are monitored, however, and if we see or hear any "bad" language, negative attitudes, etc. we are quick to remind them that we don't say these things at our house. If they cannot abide by our rules, they can leave, and maybe come back when their attitudes have improved.

This is true, I am not a certified teacher but homeschooling parents don't have to be. Certification simply demonstrates passing of tests that the state requires. No one person knows everything about everything – not even a "certified teacher". However, we can learn along with our children. We can also pass on the excitement and enthusiasm of sharing this learning adventure. Some parents might be intimidated by the idea of having to teach academics to their child(ren). However, as parents it is a continuation of what we have been doing since our child's birth. We have already taught them how to walk, talk, feed themselves, read, write, sing, and so much more! While the thought of teaching academics may be challenging, there are a tremendous variety of resources available to aid in educating your child. If you choose to use a prepared curriculum, you'll find many available, and these will include teacher's manuals with lesson plans and tests to guide you. You may also choose to teach your child using your own resources – the internet, the library and the community. There are sites with guidelines of what to teach for different ages – or you can use your own course of study. You are someone who has a vested interest in your child's success. As a homeschooling parent, you can help pace your child according to his abilities, helping him have a positive experience. You can also choose the curriculum you want to use instead of having to accept what a secular or private school he attends uses. (You aren't limited to using a secular, Evolutionary curriculum.)

While none of us remember all those algebra formulas, we have the resources to support any of our child's learning. Some homeschooled groups even offer classes with parents swapping teaching roles, (one parent teaching Science for instance once or twice a week to a group of homeschooled students, while another might teach algebra concepts). These groups may also offer such events as Science and Speech fairs. Some curriculums, such as A Beka & BJU, also offer video programs for older students. These can be an option to try as well and include teacher's editions of textbooks and tests.

Not true. In fact, our oldest daughter Sarah, has the opportunity to participate in Orchestra with our local public school. This is offered a couple of hours per week. Many children take private piano lessons (or other instruments). They may sing in their church choir or take a dance class. However, music and art needn't be formal classes. Practicing or playing an instrument, singing, dancing – all are family activities that can be enjoyed. Drawing, painting, making pottery – these are wonderful home art activities – or these may be offered in your community. Public or private schools in some districts allow homeschoolers to participate in extra curricular activities, such as music and sports. Our son has been involved in local sports programs. Some homeschool groups have weekly P.E. classes, and some have even formed their own sports teams – complete with cheerleaders!! P.E., however, does not need to be a formal class. Playing basketball in the driveway, or throwing frisbee with the family are great exercise. Hiking on a Saturday morning or swimming at the lake will certainly increase physical fitness!

This, I suppose, depends on what you consider 'real life'. A traditional classroom is not the real world. At no other time in life will we be placed in an environment filled only with people of the same age. Our children, I believe, are very much learning about "real life". They have learned how to interact with kids younger and older than they are, not just their own age group and they have learned to discuss issues with adults. They have dealt with people from all walks of life. They have experienced death (in the passing of loved ones), life (in the birth of a cousin) and that life in general isn't always fair. At home, they are learning to love others, to befriend someone who may not be "popular" and to be kind to elderly neighbors. Our three children are also involved in our neighborhood association, and actively participate in cleanups, soup benefit suppers, and other community involvements. They are also active in our church; helping me clean on a weekly basis (teaching stewardship), and our oldest daughter, Sarah, is a teacher's aide in our Jr. Church program and was a substitute when a teacher was ill.

True, we are supposed to witness, and I believe children can learn to do this, during weekly visitation with their church, when talking with the kids in the neighborhood, at the park, or wherever they happen to be. This is not something they would be able to do in a public school. In many cases, even a child who goes to Church regularly, reads his/her Bible faithfully, can be tempted to do wrong. If a child knows that he/she will face ridicule (or worse!) if they don't "follow the crowd", they may give in to the peer pressure. As an adult, do you find it easy to talk about your faith? Can you easily separate yourself from other adults who tell dirty jokes, and cuss? It has to be far worse for children who are faced with the same situations on a daily basis. When they are young, they are still in the "Train up a child..." stage. Allow them to grow up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4), before sending them off into the world.

Yes it is! Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, and other countries as well. Local or state homeschooling groups are a great source of information about how to fulfill the requirements of the law in your state. Many groups have packets for new homeschoolers which include information about laws and regulations. Since in almost all states you will need to file some type of letter or notification of intent, you should find out first what your laws are. Your local school district may not always be the best place to gather information about homeschooling law — often they don't know, and they may give you misleading information. There are also many other alternatives to support homeschooling. Many states have charter schools – free programs to oversee homeschoolers – providing resources, support and information There are also many private cover schools who do the same thing (for a fee). Even local school districts may offer home study programs. Your decision will be based on your own philosophy and needs. The Home School Legal Defense Association exists to defend and protect the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children, HSLDA is providing extensive on-line resources to the home school community. Click here to get your state info from HSLDA.

Yes they can!! More and more colleges are recognizing and even recruiting homeschooled students based on their academic achievements as well as community involvements. (Homeschooled children often have more opportunities for volunteer work, as their academic study times can work around other schedules they may have.) Most colleges and universities have entrance exams, and homeschooled students have the same rights to take the tests. Colleges often place much more weight on an individual student's ability and aptitude. Home schooled students are welcomed at local community colleges, Ivy League universities, vocational institutes or other avenues of higher education. Click to see a list of Colleges that accept homeschoolers. Many of these institutions value ability and attitude over formal transcripts, diplomas or GEDs. Home schooled children have encountered little difficulty continuing their education.

While I realize that homeschooling isn't for everyone, I wanted to present you some basic facts about homeschooling. People not familiar with homeschooling, often misunderstand what a homeschooling family does all day. I have even had other children tell me they wish they could stay home and sleep all day! I have to laugh at that! Our kids certainly do NOT sleep all day! Each child is an individual, with individual work, and goals for the year. We work with each child one on one, to help them reach their academic and spiritual goals. The nice thing is, that we can be there, as they learn. The most wonderful experience is to see what I call the "lightbulb effect": when a child "gets" something for the first time, and to know that I had a hand in helping my own child learn! Even if your choose not to homeschool, your responsibility is to see that your child is educated. While I personally don't agree that public school is the BEST place for learning, it is sometimes the only alternative. You can, however help your child in this situation, by being involved in their classroom and school organizations. You can also supplement what your child is learning at school, with activities and trips. Be sure to ask open-ended questions of your child, questions that can't be answered "yes" or "no", and know what your child is experiencing at school all day. If you feel led to homeschool, make it a matter of prayer and do what you feel you should do.

I welcome any e-mails concerning homeschooling. Please feel free to write if you should have questions or comments about this or any other article featured on this site! Thanks for taking a look around! God bless!!

Gwen Pielstick lives in Nebraska with her minister husband Brian, their three children and family pets. Gwen and Brian homeschool their children, teach Sunday School classes in their church, as well as sing in the church choir. They both work secular jobs also with Cabela's outdoor sporting goods.