Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Compositions

by Cyndi D.

One of the challenging areas for our homeschool middle school child is Composition. It's hard to explain exactly how to write well, and many parents are intimidated because it's not a skill they practice often any longer.  However, like many homeschool parents, I know when I read something if it's done well.

Our middle schooler is working on a two-page Compare and Contrast essay.  The virtual school teacher gave a choice of three topics in Science (double yuck - Science and Composition together!)  Normally, our middle school daughter writes very well and it's awesome to read her work.

Yesterday, she brought me what was supposed to be her finished draft and, well, it was just not acceptable.  It was terrible in substance and organization.   Tears and angry looks ensued when I explained that I would not accept it because it was terrible.  I was mystified that she wrote so poorly until finally it came out that she had just skimmed the sources, not read them, so she could get it done faster. Bingo! 

Oh, the lessons we must learn in middle school don't change!  But the joy of homeschool is that there wasn't a long delay to get feedback.  She didn't have to wait for weeks while the teacher grades 30+ papers, while the books get returned to the library and while the subject is forgotten in the sea of school work.

So for a good hour we talked and worked together to get back on track.  She will be starting all over and turning in a new draft in two weeks.  She is learning that cutting corners doesn't cut it, that I won't give her a good grade if she doesn't earn it, and that she shouldn't turn in anything that she is not 100% proud of.  I think these lessons will last a lifetime! 


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Considering our options...

by Cyndi D.

Our favorite part of homeschooling our middle school child is choosing the best way for them, that our schedule can be flexible, the child is never "failing" because they don't go on until they understand the material, and the child learns how to navigate their own life-long education.

And it was going great, until this year.  We have been with virtual schools for the past four years.  But now, our virtual school program isn't happy that my daughter is five months ahead of "her class".  They insist she get back on track with her class (as though being ahead is something to be ashamed of.)   The virtual school program isn't happy that she doesn't attend online teaching sessions for work she did four months ago because they are a waste of her time and attention.  No, they want her to attend so she can help her classmates understand the subject.  And the program keeps heaping on demands for weekly checkpoints, and monthly samples, and attending this, and doing that....  It feels like we've lost all control.

So we are coming to a decision for our middle school homeschooler.

I hate to leave the comfort of what is familiar and great, but the virtual school is becoming more and more like regular school with the teacher dictating every little move and penalizing those who dare to excel. It is no longer working for her, it is working against her.  Any teacher who would consider that instead of promoting her when she finishes in February, instead she would be doing "make-up" work for five months to wait for the rest of her class to catch up with her isn't considering if it is good for her, but rather what is convenient.  The virtual school is becoming a drag on her education and I will not allow it. 

After a lot of conversation and consideration, today we presented the options to her.  And though I have agonized over it, she was pleased to move on.  She has decided she wants more control, and the right to move ahead at her pace.  We are going to put her back into full homeschool mode.  She is excited to consider the different possibilities, including how soon she could try our local community college. 

We're going to be spending a few weeks combing through curriculum reviews, and getting ready for the transition.  I do so with a bit of fear and trepidation, but she looks forward to the challenge.  The change does not frighten her, it excites her to see what comes next. And in this moment, I realize my middle school child is so capable and so much more ready to face the future, if I just free her to try it.  I guess I learned something today.  So off we go! :o)

Monday, September 17, 2012

11 Common Questions About Homeschooling

Photo by Susy Morris
Homeschooling has come along way from the underground movement of the 60s and 70s. Homeschooling children of all ages is now a mainstream activity. As more people are coming to contact the homeschooled children, they have a lot of questions. This article will address 11 of the most common questions asked of homeschooled children and their families.

Question #1: Do homeschooled middle school students have friends?

Homeschooled children do not live in a world of isolation. Like children who attend regular public schools, they have friends from many different backgrounds. Middle school children are often involved in sports, dance lessons, choir, community theater, church activities, or other clubs such as Boy Scouts or American Heritage Girls. In general, homeschooled middle school students are equally as well socialized as a public school peers.

Question #2: How homeschool students meet people?

Homeschool students meet other kids just like any other kids too. Instead of meeting a lot of them at school however, they meet them by playing in the neighborhood or at other activities. Many homeschool families find church activities to be a perfect place for their children to meet other children. Volunteering and other community activities are another way that homeschool and middle school children meet other friends. Scouting activities, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts are another way that middle school students meet friends. A homeschool student's ability to make friends with limited only by their imagination.

Question #3: Are homeschool students socially challenged?

Many parents considering homeschooling their children are concerned that their students will not be properly socialize. Nothing could be further from the truth. Often times, Hey homeschooled child will be much better able to communicate with grown-ups than their public school peers. Homeschooled middle school students interact with a variety of different people and ages are able to have conversations across the spectrum instead of with just their same age peers. At the beginning, socialization is an important concern of many parents. After homeschooling for a while, the concerns disappear as they realize that homeschooling is not hindering the social development of their child.

Question #4: Do homeschool students get to eat whenever and wherever you want?

Instead of eating lunch during the assigned. At a public school, homeschool students eat when they are hungry and are able to eat healthy meals at home. The food in my kitchen is much more appetizing than any public school's cafeteria. It seems odd, but this is an common question that we frequently get is a homeschool family. As a result of eating at home, homeschool students have better supervision over their nutritional choices which may lead to healthier life choices down the road.

Question #5: Do homeschooled children get to sleep late?

The answer to this question depends on the family. Many families keep a fairly rigid schedule and start school at the same time that you'd expect a public school to start. However, homeschooling is much more flexible to the particular sleep needs of your children. You can schedule subjects Monday when your child has the most natural energy and leave other subjects too when their energies a little bit lower. For example, we scheduled map in the morning when her students of the freshest and let them do other subjects little bit later in the afternoon to take a little less brainpower.

Question #6: Do homeschoolers do school in their pajamas?

Yes! Absolutely! Since you aren't attending a brick-and-mortar school, a homeschooler can work however he or she is most comfortable. If that involves wearing your pajamas to school, that is totally acceptable. You can teach and learn and they homeschool environment wearing whatever makes you comfortable. And unlike middle school in the public school system, there's no peer pressure to where the latest brands, or the trendiest fashions, or to have young girls try to look "sexy" before they are mature.

Question #7: Do you have homework, grades, and tests?

Homeschool is just like regular school in this regard. Homeschooled middle school students have homework, grades, tests, assessments, and all those other instruments of education. The only real difference is that the instruction and assessment is delivered at home.

Question #8. Do homeschooled middle school students have formal dances?

Tell homeschoolers belong to groups or co-ops that have formal activities for students of different ages. It's not uncommon for some of these groups to offer dances for middle school students. As your middle school student graduates to high school there are even homeschool groups that offer homeschool problems. Being homeschooled does not mean that students have to miss out on some of the formal social events that typically occur in adolescence.

Question #9: How homeschool students graduate?

Homeschool students advance through grades just like public school students to you. Their progression depends on how fast they worked through the school work and I'm the type of curriculum or program that they belong to. For my middle school daughter, she attends a virtual Academy and progresses through the work at her pace which generally keeps pace with the public school calendar.
As my middle school daughter progresses through high school, she will have the ability to graduate with a high school diploma just like public school kids do. The exact mechanics of the system depend on the curriculum that you're attending or if you want to virtual Academy of another sort of formal Academy. These diplomas are recognized by colleges, the military, and employers As real high school diplomas. Lee Binz at the The Home Scholar has a quick video that explains how to get a real diploma.

Question #10: Do homeschool students get to go to college?

Absolutely! Homeschool students are well prepared for the rigors of college. Some elite private universities are actively seeking out homeschoolers because they perform well academically and socially an Ivy League environments. Don't worry that if you homeschool your child, they will not be able to attend a high-quality university. In fact, an article from the Journal of College Admissions Reported that homeschool students have a higher GPA and higher likelihood of graduating college in four years in private school students, or public school students.

Question #11: Who teaches homeschooled middle school students?

When homeschooling a middle school student, the primary instructional leader is the parent. But, that doesn't mean the parent is the only teacher. Depending on the curriculum you choose, the student may get instructions online, through video courses, or in a homeschool co-op environment. Many homeschool families or programs blend all three types of instruction delivery. If you're a parent and afraid that you're going to have to be the only teacher your child has, there are lots of options to help you. For example, my daughter attends a virtual Academy. Much of the instructions delivered online through course modules and traditional textbooks. We also help her with her work and help address questions that she may have, but she also has a teacher assigned for each subject. My middle school student is able to attend online classes where there's online chats and also my voice interaction over the Internet to facilitate instruction. There are many options for teaching and learning in homeschool.

Homeschool Question & Answer Bonus

Well surfing YouTube the other day, I came across this very dynamic video that explains the answer to several common questions people have about homeschooling.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Middle School Homeschool Learning Environment

Setting Up A Learning Space For Your Homeschooling Middle School Child


Setting up a middle schoolers homeschool learning environment is an important thing. Whereas elementary students need more structure and more direct current supervision, middle schoolers are more independent and are able to a great deal of learning on the road with some oversight from their parents.

If your child has a room to himself or herself this may be the perfect environment. A place for the can sprawl out on the floor or lay under their stomach or on their back while doing schoolwork is an ideal environment for many children. This flexibility with the learning environment is something that children do not get in a typical brick and mortar school. Every child is different. Some enjoy a messier environment that may drive parents crazy but is actually constructive for their learning. Other students are rather neat and need more structure in order in their learning environment. Either type of learning As fine as long as your child is able to feel comfortable and accomplish the goals set forth in the schooling.

I found this video on YouTube or another homeschooling parent describes how she set up her environment for her homeschool middle school student. She brings up some good points.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

An Average Week in Homeschooling

by Cyndi D. - Homeschool Mom of 3 (grades K, 3, and 6)

homeschool fieldtrip
Homeschool field trip. Photo by Bill Townsend Photography
My average week in homeschooling is anything but average!  Every week brings new topics, new challenges, and new understanding.

We use virtual school (K12 curriculum through Arizona Virtual Academy), so my week as the parent / teacher / learning coach starts on Sunday afternoon.

I spend about 60 minutes per child reviewing this week's lessons, assignments, and pulling (or creating) materials needed for the entire week.  I also look over the teacher-led internet classes and office hours for the week and decide if she needs to attend any of them.   I am especially looking for things that she will definitely need my help with, and things she should do independently.

Subjects that I monitor carefully include:
  • Science (labs, interesting topics)
  • History (for writing assignments, content)
  • Math (topics that may be difficult or confusing)
  • Grammar (topics that may be difficult or confusing)
  • Composition (project and pacing).   
Spelling, Vocabulary, Art, Foreign Language are generally independent subjects that don't require my input.  I note on the schedule if I think a subject requires me to teach it first, otherwise, I let my middle schooler take a crack at it and come to me if she runs into trouble. 

For my middle-school child, I then spend about 15-20 minutes with her to discuss the upcoming week and what I expect her to complete by the end of the week.  (Note: She is extremely self-directed!  However, for a child who is not, you may want to write a daily schedule.)   I do use the "Progress" feature though to keep us on-track.  I like to see about 10% progress per month (we do school for 10 months from August 1st through May 31st.)  

Our schedule includes subjects and lessons for the entire week, and also notes social activities (Cub Scouts, family events), religious education, doctor appointments, chores, everything for one week.  For my middle-school student I let her choose how to organize her week (unless I specifically assign a day to something.) 

Daily

Each morning, I check in with the middle-schooler first.  I make sure she has a plan for her day and she is on track with today's activities, work, and make her aware of any foreseeable problems that may erupt (eg if my other kids have a teacher conference she may need to watch the baby, etc.). 

Mid-morning

I grade any assessments she has completed, and check if she needs help with anything.  I also schedule time for instruction if she needs it, for example "See me about 11:30 for Composition Review."  She gets 45 minutes for exercise break, then back to work.

Lunch

Lunch is the time to closely review the schedule and note if my middle-schooler is behind where I think she should be.  I grade assessments, and check if she needs help and schedule a block of afternoon time for her.  See gets 90 minutes for lunch and recess.

Afternoon

About 3:00 pm I start checking for attendance, tracking for day and week, and checking assessments for the end of the day.  I make a note of any problem areas and begin with those first on the next day.  We usually close the day about 3:30-4:00 pm.

Best of all - NO HOMEWORK! 


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Types of Homeschooling for Middleschool Students

There is no one single type of homeschooling. Homeschooling parents use several different techniques and types of homeschooling to educate and middle school students. Sometimes of homeschooling techniques such as schooling, are more useful for some families and others. Many families prefer to purchase a curriculum, such as the K-12 curriculum, or use another Christian curriculum.

Here are a few different types of homeschooling:

Unschooling

Unschooling as a type of homeschooling philosophy that is completely child-led. This type of schooling totally focuses on the interests of child and/or parent without a rigid curriculum and typically eschews testing.

Pros and Cons of Unschooling

  • Positive learning experience for child following their own interests.  
  • Parent must develop/find own resources and create lessons. 
  •  Generally unschooling families do not use a packaged curriculum.  
  • Some skills (i.e. reading, writing, math) may be developed significantly earlier or later than peers depending on the child's interests.
  • Unschooling is a lot of work for the parent. The topics studies varies by age and interest, but is generally quite dependent on parent to find and put together an academic plan, curriculum, lessons, as well as prepare school area, daily activities, lab activities, create and keep portfolio, etc.  
  • Many children find greater independence at early age. 
  • The unschooling student's interests will begin in general areas and get more in-depth. Often, the parent must be resourceful and find "experts" via internet, books, community to assist in learning.
  • Socialization varies depending on the child's focus.  Unschooling children are frequently out in the community and interacting with many people of all ages. 
  • Unschooling families generally eschew standardized testing in all forms and favor their child developing deep expertise in a few specialized subjects.
  • No degree is earned. Most families keep a portfolio of work.
  • Time management is fairly simple. Activities are child-led and focused.
  • Homework is generally at child's discretion. 
  • Schedules are flexible and families can take time off (vacation, etc) at any time.

Traditional Homeschooling

Traditional homeschooling taking place in the home with a parent leading all instruction using a  regular curriculum. Many homeschooling families participate in standardized testing.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Homeschooling

  • Curriculum varies by parental choice.  Some parents choose to create lessons themselves using multiple sources. Other families prefer to purchase a packaged curriculum from one of the many homeschooling curriculum providers. Many families purchase a ciriculum and supplement with subjects or lessons to accommodate their child's interests or academic needs.
  • Academic skill level varies depending on curriculum. Studies indicate that homeschooling students are generally close to or superior to similar peers in traditional public schools.
  • Parental preparation time varies depending on the choice of curriculum. Parents generally spend several hours a week to find and put together an academic plan, curriculum, lessons, as well as prepare the school area, daily activities, labs, create and keep portfolio, etc.  
  • Some children find greater independence and increased study skills.
  • Traditional homeschooling requires the parent to do most of the direct instruction. 
  • Socialization varies depending on the student's choice of activities outside the home.  Often homeschoolers are very active in their community, church, scouting, sports, and other activities with many people of all ages.
  • The amount of academic testing varies widely depending on the parent and curriculum. Generally, there is some testing within subjects. Many homeschooling parents choose to have their students participate in standardized testing.
  • No degree is earned through homeschooling. It is wise to keep a portfolio of your student's work for proof of academic performance. Homeschooled high school students typically take the GED exam in lieu of a high school diploma.

Virtual Schooling

In virtual school, academic instruction taking place at home under contract with a school (usually charter school) with a combination of parent and teacher instruction.  Virtual schooling usually has a rigid curriculum developed by a third-party curriculum developer. Instruction delivery can take place with either by books or an online delivery system. Standardized testing and ongoing test preparation is mandatory.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Homeschooling

  • The curriculum is selected by the school and usually covers all state mandated education subjects.  Skill level varies, but are generally close to or above similar peers in public schools.
  • Parental preparation time is manageable because the curriculum is provided by school. Most preparation time is spent preparing for daily activities, grading, preparing the school area, labs, etc.  
  • Some children find greater independence and increased study skills.  
  • Failing skills must be addressed before student is allowed to continue program.
  • Teaching and instruction is required by parents, but teachers are assigned to assist parent with any problems in elementary and middle school.  
  • In many areas, teachers take over the majority of teaching in high school via internet classrooms.
  • Socialization varies by the child's choice of activities. Virtual school students are often very active in their community, church, and other activities. Schools may occasionally sponsor activities (online or locally). 
  • Some virtual schools have clubs and other extracurricular activities.
  • Testing occurs regularly within every subject to demonstrate mastery.
  • State-mandated standardized testing is required for all students.
  • Depending on the school, usually a high-school diploma is earned upon completion.
  • Time management is effective. Your child can proceed through lessons by mastery. 
  • Most school work is done only as needed and completed during school hours.  
  • School can add or remove requirements at any time.  
  • Vacations and time off are usually within school schedule (although there is some flexibility) because lessons can not fall behind.

Benefits of Middle School Homeschooling

The preteen years are a special time in a child's life.

During sixth, seventh, and eighth grade a child develops rapidly and dramatically. Along with their developing bodies, there minds are also growing and developing rapidly.Unfortunately, public middle school is not always the best environment for our middle school age children.

The Perils of Public Middle School
Many children and parents have found that public school is not the ideal environment for the middle school preteen years.
  • Peer pressure and negative influences from friends and classmates can start a child down a path full of self-destructive, life altering behaviors.
  • Public school security has gotten out of hand and it's turned our public schools into areas that look more like correction facilities or jails than welcoming learning places.
  • Many public school teachers do not support same values that your family believes in. Your child may be exposed to worldly views and sexual morality that you find offensive and immoral.
  • Middle school social life seems to be a popularity contest full of drama. Sometimes the drama gets in the way of real learning.
Your child does not have to be condemned to this hostile, negative environment education is not the most important thing.

Other educational options exist other than public school.

Homeschooling is one way that families deal with the negative social pressures found in the typical public middle school. There are many other benefits of homeschooling your middle school child.

There are many benefits to homeschooling your middle school child
  1. Healthy social and psychological development
  2. Ability to meet special needs
  3. Academic curriculum paste at your child's learning ability
  4. Develop a love of lifelong learning
  5. Superior academic performance
Physical and Psychological Development
There is no greater time in a young teen's life where more physiological and psychological changes take place. Middle schoolers need gentle firm support while they're developing physically and mentally. Homeschooling with the family is the perfect environment to help support your middle school student grow into a confident and well-educated teen.

Flexible Scheduling
With homeschooling, you can adjust your schedule to match your students body rhythm. Some families start school earlier in the day but others allow their children to sleep in and start at a more leisurely hour. Homeschooling allows you the flexibility to meet your individual child's body rhythm and meet your own schedule.

Foster a Lifelong Love of Learning
The public middle school experience can sometimes deter kids from learning and extinguish the love of learning. Homeschooling allows you to follow your children's lead and let them explore their interest with a naturally gravitate to in education. Not all homeschooling has to occur in the home. There are homeschool meet-up groups and homeschool co-ops that you can use to help socialize your child and meet in different learning locations. Field trips are also much easier to accomplish for the homeschooled child than the public school child. The family vacation can turn into a homeschool adventure.

Build Positive Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is an important issue for middle school children. Homeschooling can help foster a positive self image that will last a lifetime. Public middle school is known for the drama in the social cliques which can have a negative, long-lasting impact on your child's psyche. As a homeschooling parent of the middle school child, you will have a greater understanding of what influences and social pressures your child is facing. Your experience can help guide them through these difficult middle school years.

Superior Academic Performance
In addition to physical, mental, psychological, and developmental benefits of homeschooling middle school children, homeschoolers also on average perform better on standardized tests. A 2009 study shows that homeschoolers on average score nearly 40 point higher on standardized achievement tests. The one-on-one instruction that homeschooled middle school students receive helps them be better prepared for high school and college.

Homeschooling is a Personal Decision
There are many benefits to homeschooling your middle school-age child. Homeschooling families help their middle school child be better prepared academically for school, college, and life in general while creating a well-rounded person who can perform at his or her full potential.

I have personally made the decision to teach my middle school student at home and have seen a great deal of academic and psychological growth. Homeschooling our middle school-age child was the right decision for our family and may be the right decision for yours.