The Unofficial Guide^TM to Homeschooling

by Kathy Ishizuka

• ISBN13: 9780028638140
• ISBN10: 002863814X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-05-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The most comprehensive volume of its kind,The Unofficial Guide to Homeschooling provides balanced information and invaluable guidance on one of today's fastest growing education alternatives.As many as 1.5 million children are now being homeschooled in a burgeoning movement that is seeing more and more parents taking a primary role in providing their children with quality education.If you seek guidance on homeschooling, or are considering this education option for your child, you'll need clear, thorough and practical information. This book will tell you: how to determine if homeschooling is right for your family; what's involved in complying with state regulations; how to choose a curriculum or create your own; how to motivate your child; and much more. Homeschoolers of every stage will find pertinent information, from insight on preschool issues to the college admissions process and beyond.

Author Biography

About the Author A freelance writer and mother of two, Kathy Ishizuka specializes in family and children's issues. She has published magazine articles on a variety of related subjects, from window falls and online educational programs to playdate issues and lead hazards in the home. Her books include 10,000 Names for Your Baby (Dell, 1997) and a collective biography of Asian American authors for young people.

Table of Contents

The Unofficial Guide Reader's Bill of Rights	xix
The Unofficial Guide Panel of Experts	xxv
Introduction	xxix
I A Homeschooling Primer	1	(70)
The ABCs of Homeschooling	3	(24)
What Is Homeschooling?	4	(1)
Is It Legal?	5	(1)
Who Is Homeschooling?	6	(1)
...And Why?	7	(3)
Why Homeschooling Isn't for Everyone	10	(2)
Homeshooling Children: How Do They Fare?	12	(6)
Academic Achievement	12	(3)
The Caveats on Homeschool Research	15	(1)
The ``S-Word'': Socialization	16	(2)
A Homeschooling Chronology	18	(3)
Advantages of Homeschooling	21	(5)
Home, Sweet Home	22	(1)
A Program Tailored to Your Child's Individual Needs	22	(1)
Flexibility	22	(1)
Real World 101	23	(1)
Goodbye, School Bureaucracy	23	(1)
An Improved Student-Teacher Ratio	23	(1)
Reduced Cost	23	(1)
Maximizing ``On Task'' Time	24	(1)
Spiritual and Moral Development	24	(1)
Learning Together	25	(1)
Just the Facts	26	(1)
Making the Decision	27	(24)
Is Homeschooling Really Right for Your Family?	28	(2)
Do You Have What It Takes?	30	(1)
Do You Need Teacher Training?	31	(1)
When Your Spouse Objects to Homeschooling	32	(1)
What Will My Mother-in-Law Say? Telling Others About Homeschooling	33	(2)
Preparing the Kids	35	(5)
Homeschooling an Only Child	38	(1)
Homeschooling with Siblings	38	(2)
How Homeschooling Works for Different Families	40	(7)
Working Parents	40	(1)
Involve Your Child in the Plan	41	(1)
Single Parents	42	(1)
Singles and Support Groups	43	(1)
When a Former Spouse Opposes Homeschooling	43	(1)
Homeschooling Dads	44	(2)
Ethnic and Religious Minorities	46	(1)
Location, Location	47	(3)
Homeschooling in the City	47	(1)
Rural Homeschoolers	47	(1)
An Overseas Homeschooling Adventure	48	(2)
Just the Facts	50	(1)
Homeschooling Children with Special Needs	51	(20)
Special Children in Public School	52	(3)
Advantages of Homeschooling Differently-Abled Children	55	(2)
Should You Homeschool Your LD Child?	57	(9)
Professional Evaluation and Testing	59	(1)
Alternatives to Testing	60	(1)
What to Expect in an Evaluation	61	(2)
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP)	63	(1)
Accessing Public Services While Homeschooling	63	(2)
Home-Teaching Special Children	65	(1)
Gifted Education	66	(2)
Special Needs Support Groups	68	(1)
Just the Facts	68	(3)
II Getting Ready for Homeschooling	71	(42)
The Financial Picture	73	(18)
How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?	73	(3)
A Sample Homeschool Shopping List	74	(1)
Optional Purchases	75	(1)
How to Keep a Lid on Your Expenses	76	(2)
How Much Can You Save?	78	(1)
Maximizing Your Income Options	79	(8)
Alternative Work Options	79	(1)
How to Approach Your Boss About an Alternative Arrangement	80	(1)
Working at Home	81	(2)
Involve the Family in Your Decision	83	(1)
``Close That Door,'' and Other Home Office Guidelines	83	(2)
Starting a Home-Based Business	85	(1)
Beware: Home Business Scams	85	(1)
Ten Tips for Avoiding Scams	86	(1)
Should Both Spouses Work?	87	(2)
Just the Facts	89	(2)
State and Local Homeschooling Requirements	91	(22)
Know the Laws in Your State	92	(1)
Homeschooling Under the Law	93	(7)
``Equivalent Instruction''	93	(1)
Establishing and Operating a Private School	94	(1)
``Umbrella'' or ``Cover'' Programs	95	(1)
Independent Study Programs (ISPs)	95	(2)
Charter Schools	97	(1)
Government Homeschool Programs: A Hot Topic	98	(1)
Tutoring	99	(1)
Homeschooling Outside the Law	100	(1)
Other Homeschooling Legislation	100	(2)
Access to Extracurricular Activities and Sports	100	(1)
Driver's License Law	101	(1)
Curfew Laws	101	(1)
The Nuts and Bolts of Compliance	102	(1)
First Step: Notifying Your School District	102	(1)
The Homeschool Facilitator	103	(1)
Your Notice or Statement of Intent	104	(1)
Withdrawing from School	105	(1)
Working with a Supervisory Teacher	105	(1)
Assessment	106	(3)
Portfolio Review	106	(1)
Other Reporting Methods	107	(1)
The Homeschool Evaluator	108	(1)
Testing	109	(1)
Evaluation Results	109	(1)
Handling Problems with Officials	109	(2)
Just the Facts	111	(2)
III Preparing to Teach	113	(58)
Other Education Options	115	(20)
Private Homeschooling Programs	116	(3)
Distance Learning	119	(3)
Public Schools Open Their Doors to Homeschoolers	122	(3)
Why Homeschoolers Are Wary of Public School Extension Programs	123	(1)
Public Independent Study Programs (ISPs)	124	(1)
Charter Schools	125	(2)
Dual Enrollment	127	(2)
Afterschooling	129	(1)
Extracurricular Activities and Other School Services	130	(3)
How to Approach Your School	131	(1)
Sports	131	(2)
Driver's Education	133	(1)
Just the Facts	133	(2)
Homeschooling Methods	135	(18)
Interest-Initiated Learning	136	(1)
Unschooling	137	(2)
Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles	139	(2)
Structured or Traditional Method	141	(1)
Unit Studies	142	(2)
Charlotte Mason Method	144	(2)
Moore Formula	146	(1)
Classical Education	147	(1)
Montessori	148	(1)
Waldorf School	149	(1)
The Eclectic Approach	150	(1)
Other Homeschooling Methods and Philosophies	151	(1)
Devising Your Own Homeschool Philosophy	151	(1)
Just the Facts	152	(1)
Your Homeschool Plan	153	(18)
Devising Your Own Plan	154	(1)
Ready-Made Curricula	155	(2)
Packaged Curricula: Be an Educated Consumer	155	(1)
Tips for Choosing a Curriculum	156	(1)
Curriculum Guides	157	(1)
Creating Your Own	158	(1)
Lesson Plans	159	(1)
Schedules	160	(2)
The School Year	160	(1)
The School Day	161	(1)
Your Homeschool Records and Evalution	162	(8)
Portfolios	163	(1)
Journals	164	(1)
Transcripts and Grades	165	(1)
The Controversy Over Testing	166	(1)
What Are Standardized Tests?	167	(1)
Fulfilling State Requirements	168	(1)
When Homeschoolers Choose to Test	169	(1)
Just the Facts	170	(1)
IV Living and Learning	171	(86)
Joining the Homeschool Community	173	(20)
Finding a Support Group	174	(2)
With a Little Help from My Friends	174	(1)
State Networks	175	(1)
How to Find a Local Support Group	175	(1)
But Is It the Right Group for Me?	176	(6)
If Everyone Does Their Share	177	(1)
Homeschool Co-ops and Resource Centers	178	(1)
National Organizations	179	(1)
It's Okay Not to Join	180	(1)
When a Support Group Doesn't Work Out	180	(1)
Starting Your Own Group	181	(1)
Networking Online	182	(5)
How Do I Join?	184	(1)
Kids Online	185	(1)
Chat Rules for Kids	185	(2)
Homeschooling Conferences and Curriculum Fairs	187	(2)
How to Get the Most from a Homeschooling Event	187	(1)
Event Calendars	188	(1)
Keeping Costs Down	189	(2)
Shopping for a Used Curriculum	189	(2)
When There's a Problem	191	(1)
Just the Facts	191	(2)
Tools of the Trade	193	(22)
For the Love of Books	193	(4)
Build a Home Library	194	(1)
Finding Great Books	195	(2)
Visit Your Public Library	197	(4)
Tips for Helping Your Children Use the Library	198	(1)
A Research Checklist	199	(1)
Volunteering at the Library	200	(1)
Librarians and the Needs of Homeschoolers	200	(1)
Audiotapes/CDs	201	(1)
The Internet	201	(4)
How to Evaluate a Web Site	202	(1)
Objectionable Sites	203	(1)
Kids' Rules for Online Safety	204	(1)
Tips on Choosing Children's Software	205	(2)
Learning Activities, Creativity, and Games	207	(1)
Television as a Learning Tool	208	(1)
Getting the Most Out of Videos	209	(1)
Exploring Community Resources	210	(2)
Homeschooler Denied Access	212	(1)
Just the Facts	213	(2)
More Ideas for Resources and Materials	215	(22)
Creative Learning Opportunities at Home	215	(15)
Not Just Playin' Around	216	(1)
Guidelines for Games	217	(2)
Portrait of the Artist	219	(1)
Crafts	220	(1)
Sample Art Project: Woodshop	221	(1)
Write It	222	(2)
Tying History to Your Family Tree	224	(1)
How to Discover Your Past	225	(1)
The Value of Dramatic Play	226	(1)
Kitchen Science	227	(1)
Backyard Science	228	(2)
Out and About: Field Trips	230	(2)
Virtual Field Trips	232	(3)
Americana	232	(1)
Time Travel	233	(1)
Around the World	233	(1)
Science and Geography	234	(1)
Museums	235	(1)
Freebies!	235	(1)
Just the Facts	235	(2)
Learning Life Skills	237	(20)
Around the Home	238	(5)
Why Can't I Get My Family to Cooperate?	238	(1)
Call a Family Meeting	239	(1)
Pitching In: How to Get Kids to Do Their Chores	239	(3)
Reality Check	242	(1)
Everybody into the Kitchen!	242	(1)
Living a Moral Life	243	(2)
Extending Care and Concern Beyond the Home	245	(4)
Volunteering	245	(1)
The Benefits of Service	246	(1)
So Many Ways to Help	247	(1)
Volunteer Vacations	248	(1)
Growing a Garden	249	(3)
Cultivate Learning	249	(2)
Suggestions for Growing Things	251	(1)
Grow a Famous or Historic Tree	252	(1)
Kids at Work	252	(2)
Avoiding Burnout	254	(1)
Just the Facts	255	(2)
V School's in Session	257	(52)
``Preschool'' and the ``Primary'' Grades	259	(24)
Preschoolers: Too Early to Teach?	260	(1)
Reading	261	(7)
Two Approaches to Reading: Phonics and Whole Language	262	(1)
Conclusions on Reading by the Experts	262	(1)
Reading, in Practice	262	(3)
Reading Difficulties	265	(1)
Dyslexia and Other Reading Impairments	266	(1)
Are Reading Problems Learning Disabilities?	267	(1)
Writing	268	(6)
How to Encourage Young Writers	268	(3)
Teaching the Conventions of Writing	271	(1)
How to Help Your Child Become a Better Speller	271	(1)
The Value of Self-Assessment	272	(1)
Challenges to Writing: Dysgraphia	273	(1)
Mathematics	274	(6)
Things to Consider When Teaching Math	275	(2)
Math Subjects	277	(1)
Difficulties in Math	278	(2)
Math Competitions	280	(1)
Just the Facts	280	(3)
Homeschooling, by Subject	283	(26)
What Should the Children Study?	284	(1)
What If I Need Teaching Support?	284	(1)
History	285	(7)
Why Study History?	285	(1)
Key Elements in Teaching History	286	(2)
``Doing'' History	288	(1)
Primary Sources and How to Use Them	289	(2)
Make History Personal	291	(1)
An Oral History Project	291	(1)
What to Study: The Debate Over the History Curriculum	292	(1)
Geography	292	(3)
Science	295	(4)
Science as Process	296	(1)
What Should They Be Studying?	297	(1)
How to Promote Science at Home	298	(1)
The Arts	299	(3)
Integrating Art with Other Academic Subjects	300	(1)
Music	300	(1)
Encouraging Music at Home	301	(1)
Foreign Language	302	(2)
The Ins and Outs of Learning Another Language	303	(1)
Foreign Language Software	304	(1)
Technology Skills	304	(1)
Physical Education	305	(2)
The Physical Education Curriculum	305	(1)
The President's Challenge	306	(1)
Everyone Off the Couch!	306	(1)
Just the Facts	307	(2)
VI High School and Beyond	309	(56)
Homeschooling Teens	311	(28)
Weighing the Pros and Cons	312	(2)
The Culture of High School	314	(1)
A Flexible Program	315	(1)
When Older Children Leave School	316	(1)
Self-Directed Learning	317	(2)
What About Teenage Rebellion?	319	(2)
The High School Curriculum	321	(5)
Handling Advanced Math and Other Tough Subjects	323	(1)
Correspondence Courses or Distance Education Programs	324	(2)
Engaging the World	326	(2)
Looking Up to a Mentor	326	(1)
How Does One Find a Mentor?	326	(1)
Joining Group Activities	327	(1)
Participating in Your Local School	328	(1)
The World of Work	328	(4)
Apprenticeship/Internship	329	(1)
Volunteering	330	(1)
Get a Job	330	(1)
The Young Enterpreneur	331	(1)
Travel	332	(1)
``Graduation''	332	(1)
Your Homeschooling Progress Report	333	(3)
Your Child's Motivation	334	(1)
A Homeschooler Reflects on Her Experience	335	(1)
Entering School	336	(2)
Just the Facts	338	(1)
College and Beyond	339	(26)
Homeschoolers and College	340	(1)
The Challenges	341	(1)
Get a Head Start on College Admissions	342	(1)
Earning College Credit in High School	343	(1)
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses	343	(1)
CLEP Exams	343	(1)
Choosing a College	344	(1)
What Admissions Officers Look for in Homeschoolers	345	(2)
Gaining Admission to the College of Your Choice	347	(1)
What About a High School Diploma or GED?	348	(1)
Homeschool Transcripts	348	(3)
How to Create Your Own	349	(1)
Translating Homeschool Activities to Your Transcript	349	(1)
Computing Credits and Your GPA	350	(1)
Other Important Elements of Your Homeschool Record	351	(2)
A Portfolio	351	(1)
Letters of Recommendation	352	(1)
The College Interview	353	(1)
College Admissions Testing	353	(4)
The SAT	354	(1)
The ACT	355	(1)
The PSAT/NMSQT	356	(1)
The SAT II Subject Tests	356	(1)
Financial Aid	357	(1)
A College Progress Report	358	(1)
Alternatives to College	359	(1)
There Is Life Without a Four-Year Degree	360	(1)
Be Your Own Career Counselor	361	(1)
College by Mail	362	(1)
Just the Facts	363	(2)
A Glossary	365	(10)
B Resource Directory	375	(28)
C Recommended Reading List	403	(10)
D Important Documents	413	(6)
E Important Statistics	419	(32)
Index	451