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Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?

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Anybody that homeschools has probably faced homeschool socialization interrogations. Also, look at more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Today, I’m sharing about socialization in our homeschool world. Are we as isolated as some think?

First, I want you to hear my story.

Back in the covered wagon days like my kids think or at least LBK (life before kids), I worked with lawyers.

Socialization - A Homeschool Hallucination?

I worked as an assistant to prepare clients for upcoming trials.

See, I’ve always been in preparedness mode.

I took pride in preparing the lawyers for objections from the opposing side.

And I always tried to think outside of the box for one-liners and comebacks when they were needed.

When it comes to homeschool socialization, I feel the same way.

In many ways it is similar to a battle or drama that is always brewing.

Get Those Kids Out of the House

You know what I am talking about.

Maybe you have gotten similar statements  –  ”homeschoolers are a bunch of holy roly weirdos”, “they’re just weird” or “Mom, those kids are gonna have to get out of the house sometimes”. 

I’m sure you have some to add.

Looking back at my LBK days, I probably enjoyed the process of preparing for those far-fetched objections just as much as actually assisting in the courtroom.

Oh sure, once in a while I may have a quick comeback or I might shock astound folks with my quick wit (shock myself too).

But most of the time preparation is key to giving a good defense to the dreaded socialization issue.

It has been facing homeschoolers from the time they mouth the words: “I’m  homeschooling”.

First, comes the silent strong look from even complete strangers.

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Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

They might as well just say what is on their mind.

It is written all over their face and then comes the blanket statement, which by the way is obvious that they have not researched this topic well.

Each year many new homeschoolers join the ranks with us in homeschooling.

And because we don’t want to be among the ones that are not well-researched,  we need to take the time to get a clear cut picture of the meaning or definition of socialization.

Too, it’s hard to be prepared for something that we are not clear on.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination

Getting the full flavor of these words, I chose not to use a free definition found online.

Take a glance at these definitions that I took from The New Oxford American Dictionary- Second Edition, which is my dictionary here at my home.

Sociable –  willing to talk and engage in activities with other people: friendly

Socialize – 1. mix socially with others 2. make someone behave in a way that is acceptable to their society 3. organize according to the principles of socialism.

See a problem with the definitions? 

We certainly don’t want to defend something that we are against because we are not using society’s measure on education or values.

However, probably all of us want our children to be willing to engage in friendly activities with other people and be genuine, compassionate, and caring.

For the most part, we have to assume too that most people think we hide under rocks and come out only at night time and that normally is the thinking that we are defending.

From “Catty” to Congenial Comments

So in the spirit of preparation and not condemnation and because I always want to say “it looks like a prison to me” which is probably not the most gracious reply to someone in public school,  I have created a list of one-liners and comebacks.

Here is the question/statement: So why do you homeschool and what about socialization? You are sheltering your children.

  • I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
  • I want my kids to get along with all kinds of people.
  • We choose to participate in activities with others because we want our kids to accept people of varying backgrounds and ages.
  • My proof is in the pudding- – would you like to see my lesson plans for the week?

How to Answer Others

Also, look at three more

  • I am seriously considering cutting back some activities because our week is bulging with social activities and I need time to be at home.
  • I want my children to be around people who model respect, are considerate and well-spoken. What is learned from an early age will be emulated when they are older and around others that are not respectful or considerate.
  • Yes, you are right.  I am sheltering my children. I won’t be able to do it forever, but I can do it as long as I can and help them to become strong in their faith and values. Seems like what any good parent would do.

And as you can see there is no shortage of ways to reply.

  • Yes, have you heard of the most recent (insert here: bullying charge, teacher misconduct, shooting or drug raid) at public school.
  • Sometimes I think we overthink this, what happened to the days when people just got kids together and they played without worrying if they were socialized or not?
  • Yes, we homeschool because faith matters and I think of this scripture (insert your favorite one here about “dealings with stupid or foolish people” or “training children”).

Homeschool Socialization Situations & Opportunities

  • Each family has to decide what is best for them because even within each family, children are very different.  I have one child that thrives with friends so I can plan sleep overs and lots of meet ups and parties. And I have one child that does not need his emotional tank filled with tons of friends so I can satisfy his need for quiet time and to be with less people.
  • Would you like to come and be a visitor at our school? (Of course this is meant for a well-meaning relative or close friend that you know.)
  • I prefer that my children’s learning time not be interrupted because others do not know how to behave.
  • We homeschool for medical reasons.

Do you see a few you can use?

If you were to ask me before I started homeschooling how much I worried about socialization,  my answer would be zero, zip and none.

The problem with this scenario is that I am not homeschooling somewhere on paradise island by myself.

And because we mix and mingle with other people, like you, I get my fair share of second-guessers, naysayers, and plain ole negative nellies.

Gradually folks like that can chip away at your armor and doubt can set in about your decision.

What you need now is concrete proof that we come out from under our rock and caves and that our children are actually very socially adapted.

Social Activities For Homeschoolers

Dare I say they are friendly and some of us actually like people.

Look at these opportunities for homeschool socialization and how we learned with others.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Fall is a great time to be outside and to be with othes.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Anytime is great for visiting your local police department.

Early Years – Fall Activities and Community Helpers

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

And studying about Native Americans and making your own leather wear is so fun.

 Native Americans

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Of course some of the best times are when you can see other family’s pets.

Homeschool Socialization 

Amphibians and Reptiles

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Also, heading outdoors for a Westward Ho co-op is really fun with others.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 Westward Hoooo

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

And a rainforest co-op is just no fun unless you have all the rainforest food.

Amazon Rain Forest

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 The European Renaissance

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Homeschooling and Socialization

 Early American History

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 Ancient Empires/Civilizations

Too, I have never lacked for words when asked about our homeschool socialization opportunities.

However, I have not always been proud of my quick temper.

I know it stems from a place deep down in my heart because homeschooling is a work of the heart and it is hard work on top of that.

Now, I can revisit this post each year and will be armed with gracious speech.

I still miss the drama of the courtroom, but then again I now have homeschooling naysayers, skeptics and Debbie downers to prepare for.

I hope this helps you to be armed for this school year and that others will be astounded at your quick wit and preparation too.

MORE HOMESCHOOL SOCIALIZATION TIPS

Look at my other articles here and grab yourself some more one-liners, comebacks and gracious sayings

How do you handle your reply?

Socialization - A Homeschool Hallucination?

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network.

Hugs and love ya,

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10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 3

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10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 3. Promoting Independent Learners is a natural fit in a homeschooling environment @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Rockin’ on in this series, I’m sharing 10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be) Day 3 – Promoting Independent Learners.

Many parents would agree with me when I say that we normally teach children that independence is earned and not  something kids are instantly entitled to.

However, promoting independent learners and wanting to be independent of parental authority are not the same.

The difference between a homeschooling family and one that doesn’t is that homeschoolers teach their children to be independent learners, not passive recipients.

I’m not saying that public school children don’t learn this, but I am saying that the whole homeschool environment feeds independent learning.

Is Being an Independent Learner Overrated?

Why does it even matter? It’s important to teach our children that learning is their responsibility. Each child is unique and deserves more than a cookie cutter education.

When a child is an active partner in his education and not a passive standbyer, his whole attitude changes because he realizes he has a huge say and sway in what and how he learns.

Too, here is another fine difference between a homeschooling and non-homeschooling family. A non-homeschooling family can nurture an independent learner, but a homeschooling family not only nurtures, but promotes it.

When a child is not in a class of 30 kids, he learns that he needs to be the one asking questions about what he is learning. His creative thoughts are mustered up from the curriculum or material that he is learning and not from a kid that is his own age.

He realizes that he needs to learn to effectively manage his time. When a child learns for intrinsic value and not because of a grade or for a test or to perform for peers, he is motivated.

The learning environment at home should not mimic the environment at school. They are two completely different environments.

Taking this one step further, think about the environment in college or in a workplace. Both of these environments call for a self-motivated individual and our children are adults in training.

It doesn’t mean that we have to step back and let kids teach themselves because it’s our job to guide them.

However, guiding and force feeding them following a set of standards based for the majority of people are two completely different concepts.

Homeschooling is about appreciating the unique differences of each child and being willing to part with what we have whether it’s curriculum or our view to advance the way each child learns.

Being comfortable in what we are teaching our kids is not always a good thing.

We don’t want to do what is comfortable for us or familiar to us if it’s not working for our child.

Promoting independence starts with home, which is our environment and then it creeps forward to allowing our children to learn in the way that best fits them. Whether that manner is normal to the majority of people is not something we seek acceptance for.

Teaching kids to ask questions, think about what they’re learning, manage their time and to move ahead in their studies gives them a skill set that even adults struggle to have.

How do you teach your kids to be independent learners?

Also, look at my other tips in 10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 1 Patience Is not Instantly Bestowed and 10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 2 Confidence.

Hugs and love ya,

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Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

 

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10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 2

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10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 2 Confidence @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Today, I’m continuing on in my 10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 1  and sharing about a comment that most homeschool moms feel uncomfortable replying to, which is “you must be so confident.”

Most homeschool moms  I know are rockin’ it as they homeschool, but are modest which is why it can feel uncomfortable talking about how confident they are.

Why Homeschoolers Should Be Confident?

Confidence, I feel, for us as homeschool educators is akin to courage.

It reminds me of the quote by Nelson Mandela, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

The difference between a homeschool mom and a mom who may choose public school because of fear is that despite fear, a homeschool educator trusts, believes and feels assured of her abilities to move forward to homeschool.

Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom

Let me break this down.

A homeschool mom is not trusting blindly or based on emotion or passion alone, which are both important, but they are not the complete basis for confidence.

A homeschool just doesn’t believe homeschool will be successful, but she can look at the many facts and successful families that have gone ahead of her.

It’s facts like this from NHERI, which discuss how our homeschool graduates are performing.

The SAT 2014 test scores of college-bound homeschool students were higher than the national average of all college-bound seniors that same year. Some 13,549 homeschool seniors had the following mean scores: 567 in critical reading, 521 in mathematics, and 535 in writing (College Board, 2014a). The mean SAT scores for all college-bound seniors in 2014 were 497 in critical reading, 513 in mathematics, and 487 in writing (College Board, 2014b). The homeschool students’ SAT scores were 0.61 standard deviation higher in reading, 0.26 standard deviation higher in mathematics, and 0.42 standard deviation higher in writing than those of all college-bound seniors taking the SAT, and these are notably large differences.

And look at my article, Homeschooling for the Love of Learning – Does It Really Work.

Then, a homeschool educator knows that she did not use a state approved curriculum to teach her child how to potty train or how to teach her native tongue to her child. She knows her home is the center of education and the first place of education.

Her previous successes as a parent spill over and overflow when she starts on the next natural step of parenting, which is educating her child.

Knowing that there will be bumps along the way and plenty of things she does not know, a home school is moved to become the professional her child needs. She doesn’t need to know about ALL the methods of teaching a child or ALL the curriculum, but only what her children need to know.

Confidence is like a weak muscle. The more you use it, the stronger and more defined it becomes.

In the beginning, it’s hard to have confidence because your children may be real young or because you are new.

However, year after year, confidence soars and becomes mighty as you see your children master reading (with happy tears in your eyes) and you see your three-year-old now a successful high school teen or young adult.

That is the difference between a homeschool mom who presses on despite her fears. She doesn’t succumb to public school because of fear.

What have you accomplished with confidence?

Also, look at my articles From Struggling Homeschooler to Empowered Educator, When does homeschooling become “normal”, and Cultivating the Desire to Homeschool.

Hugs and love ya,

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Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 1

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10 Days of Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be). Day 1. Patience Is Not Instantly Bestowed

Jumping into homeschooling is a scary thing. Just ask any homeschool educator. Whether she is new or not, she vividly remembers the uneasy feeling of beginning.

Looking at homeschooling from the outside in is quite different than looking from the inside out and I want to give you a peek into our days as homeschool moms.

Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be).

Too, so that you can step into my toes (or is that shoes, sorry couldn’t resist) I will be sharing this series of 10 Days Why A Homeschool Mom Is Not Better Than a Public School Mom (but could be) starting with day 1 why patience is not instantly bestowed upon us.

Saying that we are going to homeschool doesn’t mean our personality as a mom is immediately going to change.

You would think that choosing curriculum for our children is the only fear, but right up there on our list of top concerns is the idea that we will need to exercise some extraordinary amount of patience.

Though I am in my 18th or 19th year of homeschooling, I admit patience is not the shining trait that bubbles forth from my kids when they describe me.

Does Patience (Calm) Equal Closeness While Homeschooling?

One definition of patience is to wait calmly for something. Normally calm is not a word that synonymous with me.

What I can say is that learning to not rush judgment on my boys while schooling them or judging other homeschoolers for their choices has made me closer to them.

Seeking calm and quite while homeschooling is key though to successfully blocking out the negatives thrown our way.

Though I never achieved perfect homeschooling, I’ve found a perfect calm for whatever situation we faced at the time.

Patience IS Power!

Beginning homeschooling with an overconfident attitude is the difference between a homeschool mom and a wannabe homeschool mom.

The point is as homeschool moms we struggle just as much as a public school mom when it comes to teaching our children patiently or waiting on them to reach a milestone.

Through the years we have learned patience through the many challenges we have met.

Learning that patience is a sign of strength and character that is tested and strengthened while on the job, not at the beginning of it, you have to be willing to learn as a homeschool mom.

If you begin homeschool with an unteachable attitude as a teacher or try to wear your feelings on your sleeve and never accept any suggestions to change, you can set yourself for failure. Who wants that?

Being patient is not about being hesitant or unsure, but it is about taking time to change your personality so that you not only savor the special moments of homeschooling, but so that you become a rock star teacher.

It’s true. The difference between a homeschool mom and a public school mom is that a homeschool mom learns patience on the job and then her enthusiasm for teaching overflows. Her children are affected by the excitement she brings to the learning table.

Today, I do admit that if you were to ask my boys about me being calm while I’m explaining a new point to them, they’ll admit I have that mastered.I still have plenty to work on though.

And don’t get me wrong, patience is never mastered, just cultivated all the time and especially while homeschooling.

I will be sharing 9 more ways why a homeschool mom is not better than a public school mom (but could be).

Do you feel that you have mastered the art of patience?

Also look at these three articles 3 Homeschooling Myths Debunked, Should A Child Have a Choice to Return To Public School and Looking Back To Stretch Forward.

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

3 Homeschooling Myths Debunked

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschooling Myths Debunked

Myth: “Familiarity Breeds Contempt.”

My experience:  What a bunch of malarkey!  Time spent with each other is priceless, precious and quickly passes when your children finish homeschool.  My sons and I, including my husband, have only drawn closer to each other through our intimate time together.

Oh sure, if a person indulges their children in selfish behavior, allows siblings to talk to each other in a derogatory way and gives more respect to other people outside their home than their own family, I wouldn’t want to live in a home like that either.

It is true that homeschooling is at times more about parenting than it is actual academics.  Homeschooling too is more stressful than any homeschool parent will admit at times.  But we need to, because it is okay to be stressed and not feel that you have it all together each day.  I certainly have had plenty of days like that.

Day to day living in a large household can be trying to say the least, but you have stress even if you lived alone.  At home is where family members should receive warmth, comfort and love.  When we stop parenting and accept negative behavior from any family member as normal, our home ceases to be a peaceful haven.

I have never been dogmatic about my choice to homeschool because I do feel it is a personal choice for each family.  It is one thing to not have the circumstances at the moment to homeschool, but it’s another thing to stand behind homeschooling myths as an excuse to return to public school.

3 Homeschooling Myths Debunked. Check them out and see if you can add any to the list! | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Learning how to get along with others in the outside world begins at home and not public school.

Sending your children away only mitigates any gaping hole in their personality that should be addressed immediately by the parent instead of waiting until their preteen or teen years.  By that time it’s almost too late because the separation for some children gives them a feeling of abandonment.

Thoughtless words or words full of grace is your choice alone to model at home.

In my home, we always have room to improve listening to each other, sharing and giving, but I wouldn’t trade a moment away from each other for the closeness developed throughout the years.

Myth: “My child takes instruction from somebody else better.”

My experience:  Ouch! This one hurts because sometimes the message a parent is sending is not clear.  For example, is a parent saying that their child can’t be instructed?

What I normally find is that as children grow they need to be validated by sources outside of their family.  This is perfectly normal because children need to learn how to be accepted by others.  It could also be that a child is clamoring because of not having enough friends.  Yes, this can happen in the homeschool world.  Some children thrive and learn with plenty of people around while others learn better within a small group.

Finding the root cause of why you feel that somebody else will instruct your child better is key to finding the solution.  Try to discern the true needs of your child instead of just taking as truth what they are saying.  Children are uncertain at times as to what they need and feel overwhelmed too.

Not taking this as a personal affront, hard as it is, helps to clearly identify a solution that will keep you homeschooling.

When a parent totally turns over the teaching reins to somebody else because a child has been hard to teach, I find it sometimes is a parenting issue instead of a homeschool issue.   Also, children can resent parents because they may not appreciate your protection.

Problems that a parent thinks will be addressed when the child is away only diminishes at the moment to return later as a more serious problem.

Myth: “How do you know what they are learning unless you test them?”

My experience: Especially for new homeschoolers, this is the hardest question to give assurance for because it requires a leap of faith—well almost.  Unlike the ’70s or ’80s when our world was less digitally connected, it was harder to find stories of homeschool success.  Oh stories of success existed because homeschooling trails were blazed by pioneers, but there were not easily found.

Today, you will find many stories from homeschooling parents who do not test to find out what their children are learning.

Homeschooling has been compared to rigorous, successful, private tutoring and rightly so.  This too has been my same experience.

The few seasoned veterans I knew at the time I began to homeschool passionately protested that day to day teaching my sons would expose me to concepts that my sons both struggled with and mastered.  I am forever grateful they had more confidence in my ability to teach my children than I did.

Teaching is not easy and it is an acquired art.  Important qualifications to teaching are not just conferred by a degree, but life experiences, preparation and time spent learning on the job.

Time spent intimately day after day with your children sets you apart as as a tutor who knows exactly what her children are learning.  Correcting immediately anything that my sons didn’t understand and expanding to great lengths when I needed to, I didn’t have to test to know their grade, or if they were passing or failing.  My failures were immediately apparent, but so were my successes.

Why reduce the breadth of a child’s knowledge to a thirty question multiple choice test when I know right then whether they are getting it or not?

I have mentioned before that tests are just tools.  If a tool becomes dull, it can become dangerous to use.  If it is sharp, it can be used for a good purpose.

Tests have their value in high school whether your teen is applying for colleges or for a job.  Too, a test may have a practical value in preventing reading problems.  Using tests as a diagnostic tool can be of more value than using it as a measuring tool of what our child actually knows.

Throughout the years and without any prompting from me, my sons took the end of the unit tests in our curriculum.  They always enjoyed using them as a review and to increase memory retention.

Now that my oldest son is doing college level work, no doubts are lingering as to the lack of my testing him in the early years.  I knew what he was learning each day because I knew that I was teaching him each day.

3 Homeschooling Myths Debunked

Taking time to debunk popular homeschooling myths helps to avoid mommy guilt. Confronting head-on homeschooling myths that I have both encountered and that I hear from homeschoolers that I’ve helped through my New Bee program also deepens my dedication to homeschooling.  It gives me a chance to ponder, because I know there is always room for improvement in both my parenting and homeschooling skills.

Look at some of these other empowering tips!

Also, you know I love ya, so check out my homeschool helps!

Homeschool Curriculum Help. Check it out over at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Have you encountered some of these same homeschooling myths?

Hugs and love ya,