This interview could prove to be particularly useful in a documentary about education and homeschooling. Heather has over 10 years of homeschooling experience, after sending her children to both public and private schools that did not meet her expectations and meet the specific educational needs of her children. This is a very hot topic among teachers, educators and parents, posing many questions about the accountability of parents and children, meeting state and local education requirements and the differences in homeschool curriculums. People also debate on whether or not homeschooled children receive the necessary social opportunities and lessons that typical mainstream children experience. The testimony that a subject like Heather could provide in this field has the possibility to provide personal insight and advice, along with sharing the first hand successes and downfalls that homeschooling can bring.
Heather C. is a married, stay at home mother and teacher to three children, one whom is still homeschooled (duel enrolled in both high school and college), and two who are enrolled in mainstream schooling at private catholic academies. Her eldest daughter started homeschooling in the 4th grade, continuing through high school and is now 16 years old, finishing her senior year of high school while simultaneously finishing her sophomore year of college. Her middle son started homeschooling in the 2nd grade. It was extremely beneficial for him because he suffers from ADHD and a mild speech disorder. He reentered a private catholic academy in the 8th grade and has been successful since. Her youngest son did not receive any homeschooling thus far, and has attended a catholic academy for preschool and kindergarten. Aside from mothering and teaching, Heather also earned her BS in Nursing.
1. What were the major factors that lead you to pull your children from traditional schooling and start to teach them at home?
2. Was there a learning curve? Was the transition tough for you and/or the children?
3. How do you decide on what kind of curriculum to follow and what to teach your children? Is there a specific company or organization that helps or guides you? How do you know this curriculum meets the standards for the state requirements?
4. Socializing, playing and learning with other children is a big part of what going to a traditional school is all about. How do you help your children achieve these things, even though they are learning from home? Are there after school activities or athletic clubs or events? Field trips?
5. Your daughter has had the most success from this home schooling path, but are there any aspects of this homeschooling path that did not go so well, or you wish you could change?
6. What kinds of advice would you give to other parents out there who are thinking that homeschool might be right for their children?
7. It became clear to you early on that your middle son needed more attention to his academics, so what ways were you able to craft schooling at home to address his ADHD and speech disorder needs?
8. Is there a community of support for homeschooling? Are there other people you learned from or rely on?
9. To be able to teach your children, you have to thoroughly have a knowledge of all of these subjects yourself. Is that challenging for you? Do you find yourself having to re learn any of the material? Are there any areas where you struggle and have to reach out for help?
10. What kind of routine or schedule has your family established in order to simulate a real school like environment?
No comments:
Post a Comment