HOME EDUCATOR'S NETWORK, INC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a compilation of the top twenty questions most frequently asked by parents who are either homeschooling, or planning to home school their children. We hope you find the answers helpful in making your decision to either home school or not to home school. If you do decide to become a subscriber the information contained in this website will take the bite out of your planning and conducting your home school program. If you have any questions that are not explained herein, please feel free to contact us. educator@vvm.com.
One of the benefits of home schooling is the encouraging environment that the student can enjoy while pursuing his or her studies. Without the anxiety of physical, moral and spiritual endangerment, the student can concentrate on the importance of securing a quality education as well as character building for good citizenship..
The whole family benefits in many ways from this program. (1) The physical environment is safe and provides security for the learning environment. (2) The moral and spiritual environment created by the parent is encouraging and up building which leads to a desire to learn, and fulfill the requirement of Good citizenship. (3) The family can adjust their affairs at extraordinary time so that schooling can be completed at alternative times for the benefit of subject matter. (4) Family time together is increased which builds family unity and happiness. (5) Student can receive an education specifically to their need (s), learning styles and interests. (6) Student gets an early start on learning about the "real world." There are many other benefits that each family will experience with this outstanding program.
This program has been developed over several years, and is among the first to attempt and succeed at integrating technology into the curriculum. The program is designed to the needs of the students.
Q.
What do I have to do in order to home
school my children?
A. Our Instruction Manual and Power Point
Presentation and daily teaching tips will guide you through setting up your home
school program. Become a subscriber to the Home Educator's Network.
Q. Is homeschooling expensive?
A. More or less . . Yes. It depends on a few of factors. (1) The
material and/or resources you choose. (2) How many children are you home schooling ? (3) Who will be the bread winner? (4) Will that one
income be sufficient to support the family. (5) Will the grade level (s)
of the students different or the same. The least expensive that I know of
is creating your program using the internet. Our website provides the necessary
bottom-line resources for creating and conducting a successful home school
program. These resources are at your finger's tip by becoming a
subscriber.
Q. How do I know which materials and resources to use?
A. Some may say this is one of the most difficult questions to answer. If
you know your child's grade level, then the curriculum, materials and resources
is provided here for grades kindergarten through grade 12. Some are
simply selecting a corresponding resource and printing it. There are two
ways you can go. (1) purchase a packaged curriculum or , (2 )using a
universal curriculum, and tailoring it to the need (s) of the child. The
next thing that comes into play, is the learning style of the student.
This is the determining factor as to what materials and resources you will use.
Having this information, will (1) help to make the selection of materials and
resources easier and more accurate; (2) make the task of presenting
the material easier, (3) help the learning experience be easier and
more joyful. (4) help you determine the method of teaching you will use
the most. As a subscriber, you will have access to our Power Point
Presentation which will help you answer the questions: "what is my child's
learning style," and what is the most appropriate materials and resources use.
Q. Where can I get materials and
resources?
A. Our website provide suggested text books.
We also have links to various animated websites, video clips, and online daily
links to websites that contain daily activities. You are not limited to
our suggestions. You may find materials and resources in other places,
like libraries, book stores, television, video rentals, and packaged curriculum.
Again the determining factor here is our objective for homeschooling, and the
learning style of the student. As a subscriber
you will have access to links to some of the above mentioned materials and
resources.
Q. How will I know if my child is learning?
A. You will know if your child is learning,
by observing the growth of their understanding and skill level. Using our
suggested forms and procedure, and spending time with the student, you will be
able to acknowledge and document their growth in understanding and skills level.
The choice of your method of teaching, selection of appropriate materials and
resources, will reveal the student's knowledge, skills and ability.
Q. What if my child wants to learn something I can't
teach?
A. This is common anxiety among home
schoolers. Always wanting to learn something the parent can't teach.
That's normal. There are classes
(correspondence, video, support groups, community centers, colleges, etc.)
taught by experts, but many children are very capable of teaching themselves,
just as adults do when they have something new they want to learn. One of the
most powerful learning experiences for a child is to have a parent learning
right alongside him or her. Parents, thankfully, do not have to be the expert in
every area. Learn with your child, or search your community for resources that
will help your child learn. And when searching for "teachers," don't overlook
friends, acquaintances, and business people in your community. Most people are
delighted to have a young person around who is sincerely interested in what they
do and know
Q. How will I know if my child is keeping up with other
children her age?
A. The grade level curriculum which you
child completes will determine whether that student is keeping up with other
students their age. All students do not learn at the same pace or in the
same way. But there are standards that tell what a student should know or
be able to accomplish at any given age. There may come a time when the
student has to return to public school. The curriculum guides that we use
fits into most school district's curriculum. If you have followed the
curriculum guide that is provided here, and kept your records up to date, then
you have proof of what the student has learned and accomplished for a particular
grade level.. Also some states require annual testing that will verify your
student's knowledge, skills and ability.
Q. What about socialization?
A. This is always the question that comes
up. Many people feel that Home educated children, are very isolated.
This is not true. Home schooling exposes students to a much wider range of
personalities, people, professions, and the like. This is an area that should be
taken into consideration when planning to home school. As a part of the
curriculum, you may have add-in, like music, dance, community sports, etc. Just
regular outings can be of much benefit as well as a part of the learning
process. You can participate in some of the local support groups planned
field trips. Planned family outings to the grocery store, doctor's office,
church activities, neighborhood gatherings, or visiting other family members can
be a source of socializing for those homeschooling. Then there is another way
called Team Teaching. (discussed more fully on the website).
Q. What about college?
A. From experience, most homeschooled students are welcomed in many institutions of higher learning
throughout the country, ranging from local community colleges to Ivy League
universities. Most of these institutions value the ability and attitude of these
students.
Q
Is home schooling
legal? How do I find out the law in my state?
A Yes, homeschooling is legal. State laws
governing home schooling in your state
are found here You
want to know the state's law on "Compulsory Attendance". The some state's
laws will also require you to teach the core subjects others will not have any
teaching requirement for the student. This information is found in your State's Department of Education.
Your local homeschooling support groups would be very helpful in this area.
Q Does this program provide tests?
A We encourage parents to quiz student on a daily
basis and to review previous day's activities at the beginning of the next day.
This leads the student into the day's activities. We encourage and
demonstrate to the parent how to sequence the lessons and activities. At
the end to a semester, we encourage and assist the parent in administering end
of the semester tests. Standardized test is required in some states, and others
it is not. Parent will need to check with State and/or Local district for
specifications on this matter. Where possible, we direct parent to
standardized test that are online.
Q Can my child receive a diploma upon
completion of high school?
A: The parent of the student issues the
diploma. If the parent has provided Home Educator's Network, Inc with
valid sequential data that student has completed all requirements for
high school, Home Educator's
Network, Inc administrator will sign diploma/certificate also. Home
Educator's Network is not a school. We are a consultant/supervisor.
Q
Who can
participate in your program?
A: We will accept any
learning-capable person from infancy through senility. This program is
available to all regardless of race, color, religious origin, age or
ethnic background.
This is web site was
jointly designed and maintained by
Jacquie M. Eastland
and Central Texas Online™.