I received some email questions last weekend from a student who is researching homeschooling. This student had some very good and informed questions, and so I thought I would present some of his questions here, with my answers. The first questions involve my decision to homeschool. Another question asked about criticism and support. I will now address the questions and religion and finances
Does religion account as a contributing factor to your homeschooling?
Religion was not considered when we decided to homeschool. However, we quickly realized that this was a great opportunity for us as Christians. By homeschooling, the children did not need to have a split personality, so to speak. They could mention God any time they wished without being ridiculed or feeling uncomfortable. Their failure to believe in Santa Claus, and their lack of enthusiasm for Halloween and the Easter Bunny, was no longer met with hostility by teachers.
How much does GOD factor into the life of homeschooling? For Christian Homeschoolers, God is a huge factor in the life of a homeschooler. We can integrate our faith into our children’s curriculum, and put aside subjects that we feel are ungodly until a time when we feel our children are capable of handling them.
Financially, is it challenging to homeschool as opposed to paying to send your kids to public school?
Homeschooling doesn’t have to cost any more than an individual family’s budget allows. For me, I choose to spend a bit. Others do an excellent job frugally. When my kids were in public school, I found myself paying several hundred dollars at the beginning of every year for miscellaneous fees, and for classroom supplies throughout the year. Some homeschoolers pay even less than I found myself paying out of pocket for public school.
Where does you curriculum come from and do you opted to build your own curriculum course or buy a “course kit”. Many new homeschoolers start with a complete homeschool kit, and over the years, start designing their own curriculum to better suit their kids. The majority of homeschoolers use a combination of their own curriculum and purchased curriculum. There are hundreds of programs from which to choose. I prefer to take a complete curriculum and make adjustments as needed.
Read: On Homeschooling and Religion part 1 and part two
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?