Back to school shopping is an indication that the long, lazy days of summer are coming to a close. While parents pick up the last of the necessary school supplies, they are also picking up the pace in anticipation of another busy school year. But what about those Collier families whose kids receive an education at home? Are they blissfully unaware of the hustle and bustle of last minute school preparations?
We’ve talked to a couple of home schooling families and asked some of those curious questions that people want to know about the home schooling lifestyle. Why do you home school? Do you feel your child is receiving enough socialization? What are some of the best aspects of home schooling? And, let’s be honest, what are the toughest aspects of that lifestyle?
We have answers to those questions and more. So, take a break from those back to school preparations and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with an alternative method to conventional schooling that is gaining popularity. Who knows, maybe next year you might skip the school shopping and decide to give it a try yourself.
About the Reasons There are probably as many different reasons why some parents decide to educate their children at home as there are ways to do it. From religious reasons to behavioral issues, some families have chosen to take a different route when it comes to their children’s education.
Naples resident, Teri Rodriguez, says that she made the decision to home school her four children out of a desire to give them an education based upon a Biblical perspective. Looking back, Rodriguez says, “I still remember wondering, ‘What am I going to do with all of them at home all that time?’”
But years later, she has no regrets. She says that the most rewarding benefit is the impact her decision made in sibling relationships.
“To see my kids all play together regardless of age differences…makes me really happy. They are not perfect, fight like dogs and cats sometimes, but I do believe they are able to share so much more with each other. And I love being able to see that happen, because they are with me at home.”
Area Home School Support Collier County parents who decide that home schooling is a good fit for their family are in good company. There are a number of local home school organizations and networks that connect home schooling families with each other to provide a sense of community as well as give home schooling families the support and guidance they need.
Jody Carroll, home school mother to three, has ties to other home schooling families in the community through CHEACC (Christian Homeschool Education Association of Collier County), HOCC (Homeschoolers of Collier County), HEED (Home Education Enrichment Day), Shining Stars Co-op and her church, First Baptist Church of Naples. She recommends that families new to the home schooling lifestyle get connected with a network of other home schooling families.
She also answers one of the most frequently asked home schooling questions, “Do you feel that your child is receiving enough socialization?”
According to Carroll, “Between co-ops, group lessons and most importantly, the social interaction between a variety of children, I believe home schooling makes a child more able to interact socially than a child in a ‘typical’ public or private school. In…schools children are almost always segregated by age and spend most of their time with children their own age. In home schooling kids …interact with a wider age range of children and even adults, giving them the opportunity to relate to those younger and often much older.”
Home School Rewards By far, one of the most rewarding aspects of the home schooling lifestyle is its flexibility. With few time restraints, families are free to customize a schedule that fits best for their family’s needs, as well as make changes to that schedule when necessary.
It is that flexibility and freedom that Carroll incorporates into her teaching style. “One of the best aspects of home schooling is being able to teach to my child’s individual ability. If he or she excels in math or history, we can move at a much faster pace than would be considered normal. Also, if my child is struggling in one area, we can camp out in that area until that area is mastered.”
When asked about the hardest aspects of the home schooling lifestyle, Carroll decidedly states that the time demands associated with home schooling is the most difficult facet. She acknowledges that home schooling parents must make substantial sacrifices of their own personal time. But, she is quick to say that the investment is well worth the trade off.
Rodriguez is in agreement, “Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been without it’s hardships. But never have I on the worst home schooling days wanted to trade the precious time I have with them.”
They’re not alone. First Baptist Academy of Naples recently opened an extension program to support local home schooling families. Families were able to reap the benefits of the program which include: enrichment after-school classes, sports participation, classes during school hours and field trips. Because of the strong interest, they are looking for ways to expand the program to include more options for involvement in the fall.
First Baptist Academy Home School Extension Director, Jennifer Carter, has high hopes for the program, as well as for the families who will benefit from it. Having formerly been a home schooling mother herself, she understands both the sacrifices and the joys associated with that lifestyle.
In addition to having home schooling experience, she has also taught in both public and private school settings. With such experience, she is able to confidently point to some key components in helping children succeed in life, as well as school.
According to Carter, “I have taught in public school, in private school, and have home schooled and I truly believe that a child who feels loved and secure and who is taught to love learning will thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.”
Now that’s something that we can all give our kids.
For more information about home schooling opportunities within Collier County contact the Coordinator of School Counseling, Dr. Diedra Landrum at 239-377-0505 or go to the District School Board of Collier County’s home education Web page at www.collierschools.com/student_services/homeschool.asp.
First Baptist Academy’s Home School Extension Program
www.fbalions.org
CHEACC (Christian Home Educators Association of Collier County) www.cheacc.org or call 239-435-8758
Shining Stars Home School Co-op
http://sites.google.com/site/shiningstarscoop/
HEED (Home Education Enrichment Day)
www.takeheed.org
Jennifer Morgan has enjoyed home schooling her children for the past six years.
