Frequently Asked Questions
Homeschooling parents call and write to me with many questions. Here are some of them and my replies. ~Judy
Q - "Can I really homeschool my children?"
Yes, you can do it. In fact, God has called you to do it. Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. You Are Qualified to teach your children. The AHE Handbook gives recommended reading and detailed "how-to" information along with resources for homeschooling. The At Home with True Education seminar on two-disc DVD will give you inspiration and information about homeschooling God's way - True Education!
Q - "Where can I find good resources for homeschooling?"
The Adventist Home Educator Handbook contains all the resources available to homeschoolers. Also read Choosing Curriculum. Keep up-to-date, informed and connected to other SDA homeschoolers by joining the AHE email List.
Q - "Is homeschooling mentioned in the Spirit of Prophecy?"
I love the book Education and read it at least once a year. We had a discussion about this on the AHE email list and here are many opinions on Why SDA Homeschooling?
Q - "Is it legal to homeschool?"
Yes, it is legal in all 50 states to homeschool. To find more go to Legal Information.
Q - "My husband has doubts about homeschooling, what do we do about our differences of opinion?"
Your husband is the head of the household and his opinion respected, this important decision should to be made together. Read A Connected Marriage to show a united front and provide security for your children. Study together Education, The AHE Handbook and Homeschool Primer about homeschooling, maybe he doesn't understand it like you do. Many women have asked for a year trial and when their husbands experienced the blessing homeschooling God's way can be they willingly gave their blessings.
Q - "Why should I include Learning Projects in our homeschool and how do I do them?"
Learning Projects are an easy and effective way that you can teach in all subject areas and all grade levels by studying one subject. The Adventist Home Educator Handbook contains all the information you need to get started with this exciting method of teaching your children.
Q - "Who are you, how did you start homeschooling and The Adventist Home Educator?"
Read the story about our family in Meet the Shewmakes. God has blessed my husband Tom and I with the ministry of The Adventist Home Educator ~ reaching out to SDA homeschoolers with The AHE Handbook, this website, The Homeschool Primer, Email list, At Home with True Education DVD and Making Us One.
Q - "I'm burnt out with homeschooling and I'm not sure if we'll do it next year."
I've dealt with burnout myself and heard the stress in many mothers questions. Recharging Your Battery shows you how to get back on track. Three Secret R's for homeschool mothers gives you more ideas on how to maintain your energy for homeschooling. Homeschool Hindrances will help you see things that may be a hindrance to your homeschool experience. Be sure you are homeschooling the way God shows you and not bringing the failing school system into your home.
Q - "I feel scattered and fragmented in our family life, I just can't spend 6-8 hours a day homeschooling."
Homeschooling is a choice, a lifestyle, and it is actually happening all the time. Learn about how you can create a Learning Home. It doesn't have to be complicated The Homeschool Primer shows you how to homeschool effectively and without stress. Be sure you include Learning Projects in your homeschool--they really are the easiest and most effective way to homeschool.
Q - "I'm considering joining a charter school. Is there anything I should know?"
Yes, there is much you should consider. Charter schools are public schools and you need to understand the repercussions involved with accepting money from the government in this manner.
Q - "I know that my children will grow up quickly, how can I make the most of homeschooling?"
I understand this all too well, three of our four children are grown and have graduated from our homeschool. Read how I handled this in Have No Regrets. Be sure that you are truly homeschooling and not having "school-at-home." To do this, have a minimum of workbooks/textbooks and include lots of Learning Projects in your curriculum. Enjoy them, learn with them and develop a Learning Home.
Q - "We are on a tight budget and homeschooling seems to be expensive."
Actually it isn't that expensive to homeschool. You can build up your resources slowly and it is possible to Homeschool on a Budget. Reading any homeschool magazine you feel like you must have this and that and everything else to homeschool, The AHE Handbook tells you about the resources available. Best of all, Learning Projects are an easy, successful and inexpensive way to homeschool.
Q - "I need tips and suggestions to make homeschooling more manageable."
Essential Tips and ABC's have practical ideas to incorporate into your homeschool. Homeschool Basics will help you establish a basic learning schedule to take you through busy times in your life.
Q - "There are so many choices in resources for homeschooling and so many different ways to do it, I want to do it right, but I'm confused."
There is no Right Way, only the way that God shows you to homeschool your children. Read Choosing Curriculum to learn more about choices. The Curriculum Forest will show you how to get through the maze of choices. The AHE Handbook will also guide you through the maze of resources.
Q "Will my child who is homeschooled be able get into college?"
There is absolutely no problem getting into any college. My two oldest children were accepted at PUC and WWC. (They ended up attending the local community college and Black Hills Mission College of Evangelism.) The AHE Handbook contains a large section on homeschooling the high schooler and preparing for college entrance. During the high school years keep records to create a computer transcript. Study for the ACT or SAT test. Be involved in your community and church as colleges look for well rounded students not entirely at academics. Visit Andrews University web site www.andrews.edu/homeschool for more information on homeschoolers and college.
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