As the deadlines for Atlanta's independent schools and area preschools approach throughout this month, many parents are now opting out of this process entirely and choosing to home school.
The U.S. Department of Education estimated in 2007 that 1.5 million students nationwide were home schooled, including a high percentage in the South. In Georgia, 39,207 students were home schooled in 2009, according to numbers compiled by the state Department of Education, though many think the numbers may be higher.
Dawn Covin, mother of 3 (soon to be 4), is a homeschooling mom in the metro Atlanta-area. She said she chooses to homeschool " so that our values, beliefs and principals are at the center of our children's lives." She continues, "I have huge goals and expectations for my children that transcends academics. I know in order for my objectives to be met it will require me to sow into their lives in a major way. "
Shenia Kirkland lives in the South Fulton area and is currently homeschooling her 2 young daughters, though she is open to the idea each year of sending the girls to school. She says "everyday is an adventure and we find lessons and learning every time we turn around."
CURRICULUM
Choosing a curriculum is an important part of the homeschool process. Gina Frank, a veteran homeschooling mom of 6 says, "choosing a curriculum is definitely a thoughtful process and nothing is perfect for every family." She chose to be part of a "virtual academy" which essentially makes her kids part of the public school system. Shenia, on the other hand, recommends and uses the following for her Pre-K daughter:
- For reading/writing: Abeka curriculum
- For math: Right Start Math
- For Science (Chemistry): Gravitas Publications
For families interested in starting to homeschool early, you may want to consider the Teach my Toddler program. For under $50, it is a learning system to teach your toddler (18 months and up) to master the basics (alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors) in only 20 minutes a day. The system can be bought online. It's great for parents who want to give their younger child a head start but aren't sure where to begin or how to present information in the right way to toddlers.
SOCIALIZATION
The main hesitation that comes up when families consider homeschooling is the socialization aspect. While there is not one right way to navigate this issue, it is becoming easier to find homeschool co-ops as well as field trip information with other homeschool families. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did a feature story on home schooling this past weekend with lots of information on homeschool events at area cultural institutions including:
- Atlanta History Center: "Homeschool Day - Struggles and Strides: 20th Century," 1-4 p.m. Feb. 9; $5 for children of members, $7 for nonmembers, adult members admitted free; 404-814-4018, homeschool@atlantahistorycenter.com.
- Zoo Atlanta: "Homeschool Academy," 1-3 p.m., Feb. 10; $12 for members, $17 for nonmembers; reservations and payment required at least 7 days in advance. 404-624-WILD, education@zooatlanta.com.
- Center for Puppetry Arts: "Home Educator Day," 11:30 a.m., Feb. 12; includes performance ("Rainforest Adventures"), museum admission and 1 p.m. Create-A-Puppet workshop only for home schoolers; $10; 404-873-3391.
- The National Archives at Atlanta: "Home School History - A Time of Beginning: The Early Civil Rights Cases in the Holdings of the National Archives at Atlanta," 10 a.m. and "The Time is Now: Civil Rights Cases from the 1950s and 1960s," 1 p.m., both on Feb. 17; free, no reservations needed, although advance notice of attendance is appreciated; 770-968-2530, joel.walker@nara.gov.
- Imagine It children's museum of Atlanta: "Home School Day - Cyberchase: The Chase Is On!" 1-4 p.m., Feb. 23; $8 for students, adults admitted free; 404-527-3693 reservations@childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Homeschool moms say that the best way to find out if homeschooling is right for you is to talk to other families who homeschool. Ask questions. Do your research. Then, make the decision that is best for your family.
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