Since we began homeschooling LilKsby when he was three, I have heard a lot of different misconceptions about what it means to homeschool. Today, I saw some that really take the cake. I kept thinking about these throughout the day, and though I know the people who were commenting on this particular post will never see my blog, I want to bust a few myths about homeschooling.
Myth #1 – Homeschool students don’t learn science. Let’s start with the one that left me the most shocked. I understand that there are some people that teach science with a non-secular world view. However, most families we know who homeschool including ourselves either use a science curriculum, piece their own together, or do a combo of both (what we do). He’s only 6, but LilKsby has learned about the solar system, dinosaurs, a variety of animals, various ecosystems, plants (including having to grow some), the water cycle, and more. He enjoys science so much that this morning (a Saturday morning) he woke us up and asked us to read about The Big Bang. We have also done more science experiments than I can count!
Myth #2 – Homeschool students can’t learn because their parents aren’t college educated and/or teachers. Let me count the ways that I can bust this myth! First of all, most curriculums for homeschool are designed in a way that anyone can teach the child(ren) no matter their educational or occupational background. Two, within our homeschool community, many of the parents are former teachers myself included. Additionally, many of the homeschool parents I know have at least one college degree. In our house, we have two parents with five degrees between us. I’m not usually one to brag about our levels of education, but sometimes I like to remind people that, “Yes, I am qualified to teach LilKsby” and “Yes, Mr. Kisby is qualified to teach LilKsby.”
Myth #3 – Homeschool students never get any socialization. Actually, LilKsby gets socialization with a variety of ages across a multitude of settings. First of all, we are part of a homeschool group. We have events multiple times a year. Guess what they include? Socialization! We also have opportunities to participate in a plethora of events at the library, gyms, and stores. Along this same line, LilKsby has no problem interacting with adults in settings that are going to benefit him as an adult. He can order his own food in a restaurant; he can talk with the bank teller or cashier at the grocery. He also knows how to ask for assistance in a store if we can’t find something.
Myth #4 – Homeschool students never go on field trips. Off the top of my head, this school year alone we’ve had eight field trips. They’ve been science, history, and performance arts related. Hey, look! There’s science showing up again!
Consider these myths busted!
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
The Great Kaysby 