Flashback to this summer: We were at one of our local pools. My littlest ones were showing their prowess by reading the rules for the water slide. Upon completion they ran over to me and asked, “Mommy, are you over 300 pounds? You can’t ride the slide if you weigh more than 300 pounds!”
Bless their hearts. It takes a while for kids to understand the concept of weight and put things into perspective.
Sometimes it takes a while for us as parents to work our way through weighty issues and put things into the proper perspective, too.
Take for example the decision about how to educate our children. There is so much to consider in the homeschool vs. public school decision. Here are seven helpful questions to ask yourself.
Who will teach my children? Take a look at the teachers at your local public school. You may be thrilled by what you find or you may not. Homeschool requires the commitment of an adult. Ask yourself – who would that be for our family? If creative scheduling or work from home can be an option, homeschooling does not necessarily mean loss of income.
Which system best instills our values? It’s all about environment. Does our local school reinforce our personal beliefs? What environment would best shape the adult our child will grow to be? Whose values and beliefs do I want to influence my children?
Where can my children get the best academics? Look at school ratings. Talk to families who have their children in the school you are considering and talk to families to homeschool. Even better, talk to the children of both of those families. Which do I want my child to sound like?
Is safety an issue? What is the local school’s response to bullying? Is the building secure? What kind of supervision happens before and after school and on the playground?
What are my child’s learning needs and how can they be best met? Does my child learn best one-on-one or in a group? Are there sensory issues that require careful monitoring? Does my child need a faster pace to prevent boredom or a slower pace to prevent frustration?
With whom do I want my children to socialize? Or rather, how much control do I want to have over their socialization? Would we get involved in a homeschool coop?
What about curriculum? Is our local school embracing Common Core standards? Am I OK with that? What curriculum would we use if we homeschooled? There are many choices, especially online. Global Student Network is a good resource for comparing various curricula. Visit www.globalstudentnetwork.com to see the excellent choices available.
All the best as you weigh the various options for your family!