There’s value in our public school system and I think the wise homeschooler recognizes this and seeks to emulate some of its better parts. From inspiring teachers and innovative programs to curriculum guidelines, public and private schools are excellent resources to review as you establish your own homeschool philosophy and curriculum.
In my post Homeschool Curriculum: Where to Start, I talked about three points to consider initially – your strengths, your preferences, and what’s required. Let’s talk more about the requirements.
When you look at the homeschooling laws for your state, you’ll find the legalities you need to consider. Depending on the state, these can include a letter of intent, record-keeping, testing, and more. You also need to consider academics. In your state law, there will probably something like this:
Colorado law states that home school programs must include, but are not limited to, the subjects of communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and regular courses of instruction in the constitution of the United States.
Pretty vague, right? If you want more guidance, it can be extremely helpful to look at the website for your area school district and find a listing of the curriculum for each grade. You don’t need to strictly adhere to it, but it’s helpful to have some benchmarks.
One of the very best arguments for homeschooling is that it allows students to learn at their own rate. Public school systems are trying to educate a large number of students and progress them all on the same timeline. In contrast, homeschooling allows for much more individualized progress. In third grade, a child may be doing 5th-grade math and reading at a 1st-grade level. While the public school system seeks to pull the child up to grade level, homeschoolers can move at a slower pace in areas as needed. A student might need extra help and intervention but often they just need the gift of time. And once they ‘get’ it – whether it’s reading or math or another subject – they often leap forward, perhaps up and beyond grade level.
So, in addition to your homeschooling curriculum resources, consider these:
Local school district curriculum – This can serve as a checklist that you adapt to your homeschooling philosophy.
Private school curriculum – It’s fun to look at what money can buy and then figure out if you can replicate it at home.
Families you know who are in public school – Listen to what they’re doing. See if there’s anything you want to ‘borrow’.
There may be things you dislike about your public school system, but don’t overlook its strengths. Public, private, and charter schools can provide information and even inspiration. Be wise and use these resources to make your homeschooling efforts stronger.
