Moms Talk: Should I Homeschool My Child?

Question: What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is an alternative to the traditional school setting and is done within the child's home setting. The parent(s) typically serve as their child's instructor(s) and is/are responsible for providing the child's education.

Why do people choose to homeschool? There are a variety of reasons. Some feel that they can provide a better, richer, and more diverse educational experience than the school system can. Others want to be a parent of their child's learning/growing/sharing experiences. Some parents wish to homeschool their children for religious reasons and to be able to infuse their religion into the curriculum.

In our state, there is a rapidly growing number of parents with special needs children who choose to homeschool, as they feel a traditional school would not meet these children's needs better than the home environment (in some cases parents may feel the traditional school is unwilling or unable to accommodate their child). Parents who live in very rural areas may see this as a great alternative to spending lots of travel time to get to the nearest school. Finally, some parents believe that the school setting is just not the best fit for their child's personality, temperament, or individual learning style.

Whatever reason families choose to become homeschooling families, it is a big commitment and responsibility. So how do you know if this will work for your family?

 Here's where to start. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Define your views on education. What's important to you and your family? How do you feel about the traditional school system (whether public or private)? How do you feel about your child being involved in that system? Does this work for them?

After thinking about those questions, and you feel like it's a good idea, then it is time to start. Here's how (don't worry—there will be helpful links provided below to get you started):

1. Research. Know the Washington State homeschooling laws. Contact your home school district to find out what you need to do to get started (districts typically require that you fill out a declaration document to homeschool). Reach out to support groups and other parents to get advice and to get started.

2. Decide what kind of curriculum you wish to use. They are wonderful curriculum options that can be purchased (a whole or partial curriculum) locally or online or you can create your own using a variety of materials from various sources.

Don't forget to consider a couple of other things. In our state, a child can be a part-time student and take maybe a couple of classes (like music or PE) at their public local school and homeschool the rest of the time. Perhaps your child/student can do part-time with an online program and part-time with you. Many local businesses and organizations offer homeschool activities and options for homeschoolers during the weekdays. See some of the links below.

There are growing contingent of local homeschooling co-ops where parents take turns teaching (then the other parents get a break). Lastly, for some people the growing unschooling methodology works well for them. Gaining popularity (especially in the Seattle and Eastside area), this is a flexible approach on child-led/child centered education. Click the word unschooling to learn more.

Here are some helpful links:

 Washington Homeschool Organization

Homeschooling in Washington

Tacoma Pierce County YMCA

Tacoma Metro Parks