Homeschool To Us - FAQ

Below is a list of questions that Anthony and I are asked on a consistent basis regarding homeschooling. 

Do I have to have a degree?

No, you do not have to have any type of training or degree to homeschool.

Is homeschooling legal?

Yes, it is legal in all 50 states. You just need to find out the laws in your state. Here in Utah you have to send a notarized affidavit to your school district each year notifying them of your intent to homeschool. They can not tell you no, they can only send back a letter telling you that they received your affidavit and that your children are exempt from school. {Starting with 1^st grade… Kindergarten is not required here in Utah}

For sample affadavits and more info go to http://uhea.org/

How much does it cost?

Homeschooling can cost as much or as little as you want. The library is your BEST FRIEND!! ;)

How do I make sure my kids are on track?

This can get tricky for some people. We don’t worry so much about our kids staying on track with the kids that go to school. I would rather see progress rather than making sure they are ready for a test or making sure they get through a certain textbook within a school year. 

Do my kids have to be tested?

It depends on where you live. Here in Utah, no! You can choose to have your kids tested at certain points. We choose not to at this point.  Below you’ll see a couple of illustrations.... this is exactly how we feel about tests!

 

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Babblin' on Pinterest

 

Source: classroomcollective.tumblr.com via Babblin' on Pinterest

 

Do I have to keep a log of what we do?

Again, it depends on where you live. Here in Utah, no! Some states require a log and that you keep attendance.  And some also require that you show which curriculum you are using. 

What about SOCIALIZATION?

This is the #1 biggest question people ask.

We believe that the socialization in the schools, for the most part, is negative. Public schools are, in our opinion, an artificial environment anyway.  And I find it interesting that this is the most concerning question for most people.  Are we sending our kids to school to be ‘properly’ socialized or are we sending them to get an education?  Funny that the burning question isn’t, “**Gasp!** What about their education??” 

What curriculum do I use?

This is absolutely a personal choice! What works for one child may not work for another. In that case you may need to try a different approach or an entirely different program to help certain children understand what’s in front of them.  More on this later.

What should our day look like?

It’s going to be different for every family. Our day starts with devotional and chores. Then we move into individual work while mom works with and plays with the younger boys. Once the boys are down for quiet time/naps we start on group work.

How do you teach multiple children at multiple levels?

I suggest doing as much as you can together. At our house History, Science, Nature Study, family book reading, etc. are all done together. Other things like math, spelling, individual reading, etc. are all done separately at each child’s level of understanding and comprehension.