May

14

When the Home-School Is Over Your Head!

May 14, 2008 | Hits for this post:40 |

Many well intentioned parents started out homeschooling their Kindergarten child. Teaching a small child basic math skills is pretty simple to most parents even if they were never really strong in math. However, what about when that sweet little five year old needs a Trigonometry or Calculus teacher? Some parents are faced with this challenge sooner than they expected.

Advanced math classes are not subjects that you can leave to a teenager to figure out on his or her own. They require a great deal of instruction and guided practice. It is time to recognize the need to expand your homeschool horizons and reach out for additional instructional assistance. There are several very reasonable options available to the parent who has acted as a teacher. One relatively new option is offered through many private schools. They will allow your child to take a class at their school without being enrolled as a full time student. Several of these schools offer an entire program of part-time study for the alternatively educated student. This comes in very handy for your college-minded teenager who is need of advanced placement credit.

Community Colleges are also now offering classes for homeschoolers. These classes are listed as Continuing Education so they do not require traditional college enrollment. They are very effective in offering students classes that their parents are uncomfortable teaching.

Private tutors are another excellent option. Ideally, you can find a certified teacher who is qualified to teach the advanced class. Hire the tutor to teach the student the curriculum and keep the child on track. Tutors can come to your home or meet you in a more public location like the library. It is also a good idea to find someone who is willing to stick with you through the next challenging courses on the horizon. This consistency can be very helpful as your child advances in his or her chosen program of study.

Finally, there are other homeschooling parents out there who have developed networks to help each other through these difficult classes. Parents offer their assistance based on their area of expertise. For instance, a Dad who is really strong in Civics could put a group of students together for an advanced government class. While a Mom in the same group who is a former Calculus teacher can help this group of students by teaching them Advanced Mathematics. This barter system can be found in many communities. It is important to join your local homeschool organization to find out what is available in your area.

Homeschooling is a challenging endeavor. Make sure that you do not hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Your child can have a diverse and challenging educational experience that prepares him or her for college and beyond.

Kelley Phillips is the “Math Mom” of Math Mom Tutoring. Math Mom is an online resource for students and parents who are looking for help with understanding and mastering math. Math Mom also provides tutoring services and creative ideas for improving achievement in the math classroom. Visit http://www.mathmomtutoring.com for more information.

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