Secular homeschoolers aren’t just homeschoolers who aren’t christian. Even some Christian homeschoolers, and homeschoolers of other religions lean toward secular homeschooling. While I am a Christian and Homeschool I feel strongly for secular homeschoolers and other people who just want to teach their kids without the weight of a Christian mandate to do so.
These people want homeschool groups where they can be themselves. They also want curriculum that teaches the subjects and nothing more.
In my homeschooling circles, I have come across attitudes and curriculum that can make secular homeschooling difficult or at least uncomfortable. I have also come across secular homeschool groups that made me uncomfortable as a Christian. I thought I would share that with you today.
Inclusive homeschool groups: There are homeschool groups that invite homeschoolers of all religions, faiths, creeds, and lack thereof. The key in keeping these groups comfortable and friendly is to live and let live. I have noticed however that in some groups inclusive groups allow talk and emails about everything except Christian subjects however, and I find this disturbing. If a group is going to be inclusive, you have to allow all, or agree that all religious conversations will be kept close to the chest. I have found that groups that do this are advantageous for everyone.
Inclusive curriculum can be a challenge as many of the more popular homeschool curriculum programs have Christianity lessons built in. You should know that there are several homeschool programs that do not.
Some programs you can look into that teach the curriculum with no frills are:
Depending on where you live, secular homeschooling can be somewhat lonely. It is important to at least have online support. Secular homeschool.com lists secular homeschool groups in all states so you can connect with other secular homeschoolers.
Secular homeschoolers will also want to check out:
Homeschool Buyers Co-op saves money on homeschool materials
Easy Low Cost First Year Curriculums
Free homeschool math resource: Khan Academy