Don’t Ignore These 4 Homeschool Roadblocks!
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There are some common traps that homeschool families need to be on the lookout for in order to ensure that they meet goals with integrity, value, and purpose. Avoiding these traps will also ensure their students have easy access to post-high school options. Several of these common traps can be avoided with a little attention to scheduling and accountability.
1 – Often, homeschool families try too hard to look like the local public school. They run from activity to activity, co-op class to co-op class, and think that every subject must be taught from a text book with worksheets and posters to create. This prevents many homeschoolers from utilizing fantastic resources and options such as on-line courses, block schedules, and modified daily routines, and it dilutes the freedoms that homeschoolers have. You have chosen to homeschool for a reason. Be true to your core values in your homeschooling program.
2 – One of the biggest mistakes that homeschoolers make is spending too much time on non-core subject activities hoping their students will be noticed by college recruiters for teams and organizations. This leaves homeschool students with core academic deficiencies and unprepared for college work. Be sure these activities are not the foundation of your homeschool program. Academics must take priority, and it's a myth that college recruiters offer as many drama or baseball scholarships as you hear that they do. This is not the place to hang your hopes - academics is!
3 – Not taking standardized tests seriously is another mistake homeschool families make. Nothing speaks louder to college admissions officers than a high score on an SAT or ACT test. Taking the time to prepare for and earn a high score on these tests will open many more doors to a homeschool student than not doing so. This must be included in your homeschool preparation if you intend to prepare your child for college entrance.
4 – Finally, while each family should have the freedom to design their program to fit their unique goals and objectives, it is a good idea to have an accountability partner for your students such as an outside adult or homeschool coach. Get feedback from others on how your homeschool program is doing and any areas that need strengthening. This will help to eliminate possible areas of concern before they become big problems.
It is easy to get lost in the freedoms of homeschooling because there are so many. However, with freedom comes responsibility. Responsibility to your program, children, and the community around you in which homeschooling is still scrutinized. It is important to be a homeschool family with purpose, accountability, and planning. These core values will allow you to equip students with solid academic skills, and train future leaders.
Mrs. Camille Rodriquez is a wife and mother, with experience as a pastor’s wife for more than a decade and as a homeschool mom for almost 20 years. Visit her website at National Homeschool Academy.
