Begin Homeschooling

What about standardized testing for homeschoolers? Today tied up with testing is day 7 of the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

If there is one pointed question I get repeatedly in my workshops, it is how do I go about testing my children?

My knee jerk answer to this question would be WHY?

Thankfully, I have never responded that way.

However, there should be a purpose for everything you choose to do in homeschooling.

You can’t decide if testing is right for your family unless you think about your goals and have some background information on testing.

Instead of focusing on explaining the myriads of tests and how to do it, I feel as a new homeschooler you need to have time to decide if you want to or not.

I will, however, put links at the bottom to explain some of the them, but again I encourage you to pause and focus on the fact if it would benefit your family or not at this time.

Determine Your Purpose for Testing

Some homeschool parents just assume that you have to test when you start to homeschool.

Until I started homeschooling, I did not think that testing could be used for any other reason than to measure one child against another.

From my public school experience as a student that is all I remember. There are many reasons to test and some of the more main streamed ones are:

1. To diagnose areas of weakness or strengths in your children.
2. To evaluate what is age-appropriate knowledge.
3. To place for entrance into colleges or to determine scholarship money.

I have used testing for the reasons listed above.

But also for something not so mainstream and that is for memory retention purposes. I have used old tests put out by the state of Texas to test my children. The tests are free and I printed them and administer them in a test environment.

Seeing what was on the test help me to determine if I wanted to cover other concepts in math and other areas of history.

Though we left public school so that we do not have to stay in sync with it, there is nothing wrong with getting an expanded view of what other children who are the same ages as yours are learning.

I have created our unit studies based on a question we saw on a test because I realized we wanted to know more about that subject.

Other parents want their children familiar with the environment of a test no matter how much anxiety their children have.

Tips for When Testing is Appropriate

If you live in a state that requires accountability, then you will need to test.

However, you can ease testing anxiety by perhaps using another homeschool mom to test your child in a more homeschool friendly environment.

Tension can be eased somewhat because the child is familiar with the other homeschool children and teacher.

Up until high school, a lot of homeschool parents choose to test informally.

The Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is just really a “readiness test” that tests logic and critical thinking skills.

Although it’s an important test if you want your child to go to college and get scholarship money, your high school teen can still prepare for it.

A SAT test can be important to prove mastery of material for college admissions.

Testing Can Be Harmful

Many times I have seen parents who plan to fail homeschool their first year.

Unintentionally, they have a “what if we go back to public school mentality” that they do not let go of when they start to homeschool.

On Day 3: What is NOT Homeschooling and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp I talked about what is not homeschooling.

One of the greatest inhibitors to letting go of the way the public school does things is fear.

If you commit more time to making homeschooling work for you instead of thinking one day you will return to homeschool, you’ll have a more meaningful year.

I don’t say this lightly because I am one of “those” homeschoolers who thought that the public school would offer my sons something better than I could. At first, I did not plan with eternity in mind.

Testing your child constantly to keep up with his peers to prepare for the what if is living in fear.

My mind-set changed because I viewed my sons as gifts that were given to me.

I thought back to the day that I held my first born. Just because sleepless nights, constant rocking and probably over parenting followed, it never crossed my mind to give up or give him back. 

Too, I’m going to switch gears here on you.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world. It has been several years since I wrote this series and I want to update you on my successes. And I’ve helped HUNDREDS get on the road to homeschooling.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

• I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

That is enough about me.

This new homeschoolers free boot camp is about you. I’ve not only been helping new homeschoolers in person, but here at my site for years.

Do you view your homeschool year as a trial period or for the duration? Your view of your lifestyle change affects how you will view testing.

Testing can be a valuable tool if you wield it to benefit your family or it can undermine a child’s self confidence. I do know that a test will never be able to measure all that we have learned along the way and it can never identify the uniqueness of each child.

Don’t be tied up with testing. Become familiar with the various types of testing, then determine if it will work for your family.

Homeschool Testing Resources

• Homeschool Testing Service
• Choosing Standardized Tests
• Testing and Evaluation
• Edinformatics
• Released tests by Texas which can be used for any measuring you need.
• BJU testing

Days 1 – 6 of the 31 Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers

• 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)
• 2: Homeschool Roots Matter and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 3 What is NOT Homeschooling and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 5: The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round & ‘Round – So Get Off! And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 6: Homeschool Hangouts & Socialization Situations And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Today is day 6: Homeschool Socialization of the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. Homeschool hangouts socialization situations can be hard to know at first.

Grasping clearer how homeschool groups function will help you to find places for you and your children to socialize and maybe even set up field trips yourself.

Also, it is important to understand that a lot of homeschooling children are not socially inept and are very well rounded individuals.

I say this because of the many opportunities they have to participate in sports, to geography bees to drama. There is simply no need to isolate yourself.

First though I want to share some common misconceptions about homeschooling field trips that will help you to find a group that is good for you or as I mentioned earlier, create yourself.

Yes, many homeschoolers are empowered to be leaders and achievers and new homeschoolers are no different. However, there are some things you need to know about how the homeschool world is set up.

3 Common Misconceptions About Homeschool Hangouts

• 1. That there are many active field trip groups. I have a lot of groups in my area, but not all of them actively plan field trips. Every once and a while, a new homeschooler will post a question in my group and ask: “Where are all the field trips?”

Understanding that all parents are busy like you will help you to see that you have joined one huge co-op. Look back at Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary) to get the meaning of co-op.

This means there is no need to take the wait and see attitude when planning. Many seasoned veterans welcome new and fresh blood that can take some of the burden off of them.

I hope you live in a city where you have an active group that plans field trips regularly. If not and you are part of a local group or forum, can you plan them?

Make field trips happen. When I started to homeschool, I wanted to connect with others and found out that other mothers in my area wanted the same thing. It just took somebody to head it up.

{Uhmmm that is Mr. Senior 2013 holding the “Chamber Pot” I believe. A VERY valuable history lesson. Tee hee hee }

• 2. Field trips and activities are right in your backyard. Talking to any seasoned homeschooler, she can tell you about the miles and miles put on her vehicle.

Field trips and opportunities with other like–minded individuals has been worth every effort of driving long distances.

Sometimes we drive up to 2 or more hours one way for my sons to participate in events. We have created lasting memories because I have stayed flexible and planned field trips according to our family’s schedule.

• 3. Field Trips Planned By Local Groups are Balanced. There is nothing harder about running a field trip group than trying to strike a balance of field trips for all ages.

Moms of younger children want more zoo field trips, play dates, and crafts. And moms of older children want more field trips that teens and highschoolers will benefit from.

It is not uncommon for a group to have a committee that heads up field trips for either age but it is more common for a group to lean towards one age range than another. Search and ask questions of groups close to you.

Opportunities for Socialization & Homeschool Hangouts

Each area can focus on different things but if you are willing to work and travel to widen your learning zone, you will find many opportunities.

(Mr. Awesome taking ballroom dance lessons. Long story how hubby convinced them to do it. Once they started, they didn’t want to stop.)

Look at this list of classes and groups I have seen form in different areas that I have lived in.  Some of these classes/groups my family has been part of. We have not been in want of any social activities.

(My days at Library Day have been worth EVERY effort to raise life-long readers. Sniff sniff, but I get teary eyed looking back at how quickly it is going by.)

When you start homeschooling, try to remember that thousands upon thousands of other homeschoolers have gone before you to pave the way.

There is no need to think that you are alone and have to come up with all ideas for opportunities for enrichment and socialization; you do need to be flexible and may need to go out of your comfort zone so that your children can make life-long friends.

Too, I’m going to switch gears here on you.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

• I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

That is enough about me.

This new homeschoolers free boot camp is about you. I’ve not only been helping new homeschoolers in person, but here at my site for years.

Online Forums & Blogs are Life Savers. Because homeschoolers hail from all over the world and even tiny remote places, a lot of us get our encouragement from online group forums and blogs.

Also look for blogs that use a homeschool approach that you are interested in. Even if you are not following that approach right now, you will still get some facts to make a good decision for your family.

I encourage you to not be a field trip follower always, but to make moments happen for your family.

I have had MANY exhausting days as I plan and lead field trips, but I have NEVER regretted planning any of them.

Opportunities to expand your friends in the homeschooling community exist abundantly and they are just waiting for you to make them happen.

What you have found so far in your area?

Days 1 – 5 of the 31 Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers

• 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)
• 2: Homeschool Roots Matter and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 3 What is NOT Homeschooling and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
• 5: The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round & ‘Round – So Get Off! And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Today is day 4 confronting relatives and naysayers in the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. Sometimes when our friend and family confront us about our choice to homeschool it can affect us.

I have never been to a wedding where the minister asks why a couple should not be joined in holy matrimony and somebody speaks ups to object.

Often times I wonder what would happen if somebody did object. What, the couple won’t get married if they are both adults? I think it would make for some great drama.

Then you hardly ever hear the old fashion line speak now or forever hold your peace, but that is just what is needed from relatives when you start to homeschool.

Too, sometimes relatives and family confront us with negative comments because they understand our lifestyle. I always think of it more like them questioning us instead of us confronting relatives and naysayers 

Also, if we focus on the criticism and negative talk it can take us away from what is important at the moment.

For example, my first instance of being criticized for homeschooling happened went I went to the mall one day. I was in line to pay for my items with my children cheerfully in tote.

Confronting Relatives and Naysayers

The lady behind me asked why my oldest was not in school. My reply with such conviction as if the whole world was going to be happy about my choice was “because I homeschool him”.

Her quick witted reply was “like you are doing now”.

Being crushed in spirit, I thought at that moment, if only I had some facts to support my decision to homeschool it would have made a difference.

What I have learned now is that any statistics and homeschooling facts should have been for my own sanity so when statements like that happen it doesn’t pierce my armor of conviction.

Have you taken time to read some studies and grab some facts?

My previous post on Day 3 directed you to the NHERI.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting some facts on your phone and keeping them handly to pull out and read

Of course, you would look smokin’ hot smart if you were to whip out your phone and pull up the website.

The truth of it is that there is nothing that really can prepare you for the criticism of family and friends other than to say it will happen.

Teaching in my new homeschooler workshops for ten years, I have to come realize that are two types of new homeschoolers when it comes to family criticism.

New to Homeschooling Where to Start

One group determines this is what is best for their family and is not really affected by family comments and opinions and doesn’t solicit them.

The second group however is more affected and desires family approval or they are at least affected by the comments of others. The second group of moms are tender souls and it is hard for them to just shake off the dust of comments by others.

How to Prepare for Homeschool Criticism

One. Grab Facts & Statistics Speak Volumes.

Not everybody is moved by your desire to homeschool and are only silenced or at least give pause for thought when you talk about facts and numbers.

Two. Prepare Your Answers in Advance.

It took only one time for me to get caught off guard when asked why I decided to homeschool.

I not only wanted to prepare my mind,  but I wanted to represent other homeschoolers proudly. I had many replies and a few of them were:

• I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
• I homeschool because my son was advanced and I needed to move at a different pace.
• We homeschool because the public school schedule is not our family schedule.

Three. Google More Reasons to Homeschool and Create Your Own List.

There is no lack of the advantages for homeschooling. I created a list of reasons why I wanted to homeschool and then added more as I schooled longer.

Creating your list now will add conviction to your tone and strengthen your resolve to homeschool.

Four. Just Be Nice.

Understanding that we all have a choice in how we educate our children and many will not agree helps to season your speech.

It is hard to determine at times when to speak and when to keep quiet.  I feel many times that I have to defend homeschooling choices, but I have learned sometimes it is better to say it is not for everybody.

Homeschooling does require self-sacrificing and we live in a world that does not engender that spirit.

I have given up many things to homeschool my sons, but none of them are worth trading for all the precious time and memories we have created so far.

I won’t look back and regret not learning professional photography, but I may have time in the future to learn it.

People are down on what they are not up on. I use this saying many times because everybody has a preconceived idea of what is homeschooling.

Maybe they know somebody that did not take their responsibility serious and didn’t really homeschool her children.

It happens. Appreciating that sometimes people are misinformed helps us to deal with them in kind ways.

I always try to encourage a conversation with naysayers instead of rapid fire come backs. If they are truly interested they will have a conversation with you, but if they only want to criticize then don’t waste your time.

New to Homeschool

Also, look at a few other things about me.

• I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

Also, prepare your children so they are not pawns by the relatives.

Relatives and other people alike can be very bold thinking they have a right to quiz children about what they are learning. Is it harmful or helpful? You can determine this by weighing in on what their motives are. Would this person be questioning your child if they went to public school?

When relatives speak up to criticize, it can create drama or not.

Negative drama depends on your response, not theirs.

Strengthen your homeschool resolve by preparing now for the fact that not everybody will be delighted about your lifestyle change, but then again you do not need their approval to embark on this exciting and memorable journey.

Other Resources for New Homeschoolers

Have you got any responses ready?

• I’m Homeschooling Because  I Want Them Socialized
• What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool (25 Silliest Questions Ever
• Dear New Homeschooler – Are You Making this BIG Mistake? (I Was)

Hugs,

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Homeschool roots matter because without knowing roots, you can’t appreciate how precious your choice is. So in Day 2. of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers savor the homeschool lifestyle by understanding how it got started.

For instance, I did a unit study with my children on the American Civil War or as my grandmother called it The War Between the States,

I added in lesson plans on our family genealogy during the Civil War because we had a family member who fought in the war.

Looking at the war through the eyes of past family members heightened the feelings of my children for the sensitive issues on both sides of the war.

Homeschooling is no different.

Understanding the history and struggle of pioneer homeschoolers builds appreciation for the depth and value of teaching your children at home.

New to Homeschool

Taking time to understand your homeschool roots and heritage gives your journey meaning and richness beyond focusing just on a new math or history program.

When the time comes for struggling, you can take heart that thousands and thousands of homeschoolers have gone before you.

They not only pioneered the way, but in the process homeschooled, nurtured and cared for their family.

You too can do this by taking time to look at some of these homeschooling pioneers, past, and present.

{From left to right, Dr. Ruth Beechick, Dr. Raymond S. Moore, standing: Charlotte Mason, John Holt, Mary Pride.}

JOHN HOLT

One name written large in the history of homeschooling is that of author, relentless education reformer, and respected social critic, John Caldwell Holt.

Certainly, a pioneer in the homeschooling world, he is the author of Growing Without Schooling started in 1977.

It is no longer in print, but several of his articles can be found on-line and are worth poring over for encouragement. But also check out any books he wrote that you can.

Look at this link to grab some homeschooling roots and immerse yourself into the thinking of the past.

Click here to read Growing Without Schooling Resources.

CHARLOTTE MASON/CHARLOTTE MASON APPROACH

An 18th century British educator and a popular method of education that a lot of homeschoolers follow. She believed that education is “an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”

Some of her methods include narration, use of living books, short lessons and nature studies.

Click here to read Simple Charlotte Mason

New Homeschooler

DR. RUTH BEECHICK

Dr. Ruth Beechick was a former teacher, professor, and curriculum developer. A respected pioneer in the homeschooling world and now retired.

She writes for homeschoolers whom she sees as the greatest hope for the future of our society.

There are too many excellent books and curriculum to list here. You will want to add most of her books to your homeschool library.

MARY PRIDE

Because there were not many books in the 80’s on homeschooling, Mary Pride’s work is considered pioneering.

She is also considered a curriculum guru in the homeschooling world. Founder of Practical Homeschooling magazine, her books are still considered some of the very most informative. In addition to a long list of books she wrote on homeschooling, we have to mention she did all this with nine children.

RAYMOND MOORE

Often referred to as the “Grandfather of Homeschooling”, he authored Better Late than Early.

The Moore formula of homeschooling can be summed up as follows; high success comes when you pay attention to the individual needs of the student, follow their interest and allow them to mature at their own rate.

This is NOT a complete list by any means of pioneers or those that paved the way. 

Look at the National Home Education Research Institute Left, Right, and Online: A Historic View of Homeschooling.

By avoiding the “I’ll-give-homeschool-a-year ” attitude you are on the road to understanding that homeschooling is so much more than choosing curriculum or taking it for a test run.

It is a lifestyle change and it takes longer than a year to adjust to any major change in your life.

Absorb the gems and pearls of thoughts from the minds of the past and the present and be determined to stay the course by watering your homeschool roots.

Other Resources for New Homeschoolers:

• Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)
• The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
• Top 5 Homeschool Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know

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