Homeschooling as a Stopgap

I had to look up stopgap. I thought I knew what it meant, but I needed to be sure. Merriam Webster says it is a "temporary solution." Yep, that's what I thought.

A couple of weeks ago, during our homeschool group's leadership meeting, stopgap homeschoolers were brought up. Most of the people in our group are passionate about homeschooling and many would assume that everyone who homeschools feels the same way. How do we help people who don't feel the same way as we do? We don't want someone leaving homeschooling, with a bad taste in their mouth.

One of my oldest and dearest friends called me yesterday. She lives in another state. BTW, if you ask me about homeschooling in another state, I will always refer you to HSLDA's state page. Back to my friend; her daughter, who is N's age, has been very sick. She's missed a lot of school this year. My friend spoke with the teachers, principal and councilors. They all agreed that homeschooling her would be the best option for the rest of this year. My friend is planning on putting her daughter back in public school in the fall.

She called me for help. Help is what I do, I'm passionate about getting new homeschoolers started. This was different, though. I know my friend is not looking to homeschool for the long term. I know that she is not real excited about this new endeavor. She and her husband work full-time. She's looking for something that will fit. And I know that with the zillions of options, there is something that will fit their family. Homeschoooling is a temporary solution to keeping her daughter on track.

One of the things that I tell most people who are pulling their kids out of school, is that they might want to stick with a packaged curriculum. It's something that is familiar and makes the transition a bit easier. My friend was adamant that she could not actually do any teaching. And I think her daughter is a self- starter and would do well with something that is self teaching, or media based. In her state, they have an option of homeschooling under an umbrella school. Perfect. Because some umbrella schools will take the reigns and do assessments, lay out the assignments, keep grades and may be computer or video based.

I do actually intend for some of this post to be practical and not anecdotal about my friend.

• First, check the laws of your state regarding homeschooling. You can do that at HSLDA or simply by using your favorite search engine and entering "your state homeschool laws." 

• Get connected to other homeschoolers. Even if you aren't planning on homeschooling more than 5 months. I cannot stress enough, the importance of networking with people who can give you practical help. Again, use your favorite search engine and enter your "city or county" and "homeschool groups."
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• Get curriculum. Once you open the door of homeschooling options, you will be shocked at how much is actually out there. From virtual schools to books on how to write your own curriculum. There is an option that will fit your family. Things to consider are the age of your child, your work situation, your child's learning style and your state's requirements. Most people who are looking at homeschooling as a stopgap need curriculum fast. Normally, I would recommend taking a month, or so, off school to "de-school." That is for people who are looking at the long term and wanting the lifestyle of homeschooling. Places to look for curriculum fast are the internet, of course, a teacher store, even Barnes and Noble carries curriculum. If the idea of a virtual school is appealing, search "your state and virtual school." Not that you're necessarily confined to your state. But some states, my friend's included, have virtual schools as a public school at home option. 
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• Get started. Many parents are afraid that they couldn't homeschool because their child won't take them seriously as a teacher. I won't address parent/child issues specifically. Sit down with your child and talk to them frankly about why you are taking them out of school. Express your expectations about schoolwork, clearly. Take a look at some schedules on Donna Young's site, or Oklahoma Homeschool. Print one or two out and take them for a test drive. Putting yourself and your child on some kind of schedule will help a lot. They are used to being scheduled. I caution you not to make it too rigid. Life will happen, schedules will get thrown off occasionally, and you have to let that be OK. Print out a few planner pages too. Go ahead and sit down with your child and plan out what needs to be done when. Taking control of their own schoolwork may be just the thing they need to regain confidence in learning. 
  

Remember that homeschooling is a much more efficient method of schooling than a class of 30 6th graders. Your child will be able to get 7 subjects done in less than half the time of a public school day. So don't panic and lay on more work if they are done by lunch. If there is too much stress, be flexible and take a break. Send the child for a run, or two or three, around the house. Have healthy snacks on hand for energy.

Homeschooling is an option that any parent can take if they have run out of options. You CAN do it. You are the parent, you know what's best for your child.