The Homeschool View
Inter-Views
By Hunter Fell

January 20 , 2010

___As promised, I am bringing you some other views on homeschooling. This week I bring you the opinions of three homeschooling moms regarding the best and worst aspects of homeschooling; let’s go talk with them, shall we?
___Homeschool View: What do you consider to be the best aspect(s) of homeschooling?
___Homeschool Mom #1: (homeschooled two, now adult, sons - one for one yr, one for six yrs)
___Flexibility is high on the list. I could work with him in the areas of his interest, use teachable moments, and encourage him in the areas where he resisted more. He could learn in the style that was most useful to him rather than trying to conform to a style that was ineffective for him. He was able to pursue knowledge that wouldn’t have been touched in a regular classroom and be tested in a way that truly showed what he was learning rather than how well he could learn with the classroom style of teaching. In doing this, he was very well prepared for college and able to go on to successfully complete a college degree.
___Homeschool Mom #2: (in 17th year of homeschooling seven children; three graduated, to date)
___Flexibility. It has become a lifestyle for us, not just a manner of education.
___Homeschool Mom #3: (in 5th year of homeschooling three elementary-aged girls)
___Flexible and independent study along with a fun education. The Christian co-ops ease our anxiety of our kids choosing the wrong path.
HV: What do you consider to be the greatest challenge(s) of homeschooling?
HM#1: It was difficult to put together a portfolio each year that was required by the state. We did so much verbally and portfolios needed to show written work and tests – sampling of what he was doing. It would have been much less stressful if we could have avoided the portfolio. I understand that the education system wants to know the child is being truly educated, but the required assessment by a professional educator should have been sufficient.
HM 2: Kids!
HM 3: It is too easy to fall into that laid back “do it tomorrow” attitude. Plus, the kids are always home with the parent and also with each other.

Thank you, ladies. Well, since this is MY column, I should probably also give you my view on these questions. In my opinion, the best aspect of homeschooling is the flexibility that I get with my school schedule; and the most challenging part is the fact that I don’t get to see my friends every day. Thanks for reading today’s Homeschool View and don’t forget to email your questions or comments to me at dillsburgbanner@dillsburgbanner.net.