Which Homeschool Program Curriculum Should I Apply?

by Jayen Woods

Whether your child is homeschooled or state schooled, he or she must be taught the same general curriculum. Although in the case of home schooling one can go into more detail in certain subjects if one wishes.

The major differences between the 3 types of schooling are that a public and private school setting provide the delivering of education to children in a social setting and facilitated by a professional instructor. Where as home school courses are taught to a child, typically, within the confines of the family's home under the teaching supervision of a parent or professional tutor.

Obviously, it is the desire of parents to provide the best education available. Coupled with this desire is to control the educational environment as much as possible. Those controls include the provision of a safe environment and an education that reflects the values and beliefs of the parents.

Nuts And Bolts

There are 4 basic types of a home school course program to choose from. Those types include home schooling through the Internet, computer software, videotape instruction and from textbooks.

All of these mediums can be beneficial in the learning of a child and choosing which one you should use with your child may require some testing to see how your child takes to each one.

For example, some children are very visual in their learning process. Therefore, you may wish to consider the videotape instruction. If your child enjoys working at the computer then possibly the best home school course program to enroll in is through the Internet.

As home schooling has gained popularity over the years the laws and guidelines in each state have slowly got stricter. You must make sure when starting up a home school that you abide by all regulations.

Length Of Study

When a person takes it upon themselves to homeschool a child they are in complete control of the speed of which the child learns, however normally there will be exams to test your child's progress that the authorities will enforce upon your child and if they are not passed you may be obligated to put your child back into public school.

It is not uncommon for homeschool material providers to set deadlines to help reinforce this. For instance often when you obtain homeschool materials via the Internet you will be given a license for 365 days in which you must complete the particular course materials.

Government tests

In addition, many of the governments require that children enrolled in a home school course be tested to assess the learning being gained by the student.

Those authorities that require this test often require that it be performed once a year or once every two years.

Even if this is not a requirement in the area where you reside, it is often a good idea to have your child tested on a yearly basis. This will help you to evaluate the curriculum as well as the progress you and your child are making.