Homeschooling is something that's rising in the U.S. According to the Department of Education an estimate of 1.5 million students were homeschooled in the U.S. in 2007 which is a .7 increase from 2003. Many parents are opting to homeschool their children due to the flexibility and freedom that it offers. Homeschooling creates the opportunity for parents to become more involved in the choices of their child's education. Among the various reasons for the decision to switch to non-traditional schooling, religion was the most significant.
As a parent of a child that is homeschooled, you are given the liberty to incorporate your religious beliefs into your child's education. Also, parents are presented with the ability to become more involved by choosing the curriculum and resources their children utilize to receive their education. This is crucial if you're currently dissatisfied with the education your child is receiving from a traditional school.
Disabilities and anxiety issues are some other reasons parents choose to take an alternative approach to their child's education. Since some children with special needs aren't able to cope in a traditional learning environment, homeschooling can make a tremendous impact on their learning. They won't have to worry about social fears such as anxiety, peer pressure, or bullying, and they'll be able to receive the focus and undivided attention they might not necessarily receive in a traditional school environment due to the needs of their peers.
Some parents have a natural curiosity to homeschool their children but limited knowledge regarding the process and fear that their children will be isolated from other kids is usually a deterrent.
A support group in the Cleveland, Ohio area is being launched. This support group specifically focuses on homeschooling children with special needs. Parents who've been homeschooling their children for years are encouraged to join as well as newcomers and those who are seeking information. This is an opportunity, for those more knowledgeable about the subject, to educate those who might be interested in homeschooling but know little about the process. This also provides the chance for parents to meet and discuss arrangements for future field trips and group activites so their homeschooled children may be offered the opportunity of social interaction with children their age with similar disabilites. This will provide your homeschooler with the chance to become more comfortable with the homeschooling process (if they aren't already) as well as help alleviate the feelings of isolation and seclusion they might have.
For more information regarding the support group, please send an email to missquamia@gmail.com
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