What is your top no 1 question about home-schooling?

Question

I am writing a book on home-schooling.

It is aimed at people who are not 100% happy with the school system &are toying with the idea of taking their children out of school and home educationg them.

I am going to cover all pros and cons, advantages & disadvantes, legal requirements (for all countries in the world), all the big issues (socialisation / getting into Uni of they so wish), dealing with disapproval from family and friends, etc...

I will have links to great resources sites (I have quite a lot already but if you want to point me in the direction of any more, please feel free!), I want to make sure the book will cover absolutely EVERYTHING a parent may need to make the decision and to home-school should they decide to do so.

I am also starting a website (www.ourchildrendeservethebest.com ) which will have forums for parents to ask questions & exchange ideas.

What else would you - as the public - like to see me cover in this book and inlcude in the website?

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

What have you got about assessments? How are home schooled children assessed? Is it in the same way as regular school children (through SAT's)

Answer 2

Firstly- the price. Really-most people can charge so much.

Secondly, whether the child will enjoy being secluded. I'm only a kid myself but trading social interaction for slightly better grades doesn't seem like such a good deal.

Answer 3

Could you explain to people the downfall of age-segration?

Could you explain the difference between socialization and being social?

Could you explain how profitable home schooling is in helping children learn how to getting along with all people of all types and ages?

Could you include various ways that children can learn to be social?

Could you explain why home schooling allows for more time for the child to be engaged in social activities?

Could you include the latest statistics as to the amount of time each teacher in Amercia generally spends each week one-on-one with each child?  (The  stats I read showed an average of 7 minutes per child per week!)

Could you include plenty of information on learning styles?

Could you include plenty of information on educational philosphies?

Would this book include reviews of curricula or a list of what products best served which learning styles or educational philosophies?

Could you include various ideas sent from home schoolers all over the globe?

Many people are in the military or have to travel over seas for periods of time.  Could you include resources or ideas for these home schoolers?  

Could you include reasons why home schooling would be a better option for those who might be traveling?

Would you consider including in the beginning of your book the downfalls of American public education?  Someone on the fence  may be swayed after reading the actual statistical education level (one of the poorest of all professions in the US) of teachers graduating today?

Would you describe or include ideas of application for the varied educational philosophies?

Would you include testimonials?

Could you include a chapter on how to home school through the internet?

Could you explain how to home school for free?

Could you explain how to home school physically or mentally disabled children?

Could you explain how to home school high school children?

Could you explain the health benefits (food, lighting, control of allergens, ect.) of home schooling?

Could you include a breif list of home school laws or is this going to be a book of web addresses?

Could you include how to manage both home and school issues?

Could you include how can to teach to only one child?

Could you include how can I teach to many children of varied ages?

Could you include how to be frugal in the home as well as the school, since those usually over lap or one will effect the other?

Many, many, many books about home schooling already exist and cover any number of the things I have mentioned above, though health benefits and special home education are the least touched subjects.  (Hmm, I honestly can't think of any book that combines frugal homeschooling with frugal living in general, but that is a subject for another book.)The best question to ask yourself is, "How will mine be different, unique or more up-to-date than the others?"

Answer 4

are you not missing the most important lesson learn in school... socializing?

Answer 5

Hey, I don't have any questions about this subject, but I have been home-schooled my entire life. If you want to ask me anything, or hear any of my opinions and experiences go ahead and email me.

Adam T: It depends on the state; in Illinois, no testing is required unless the state is given reason to believe that the child is not receiving an adequate education.

Suzie2101: With me, if I was misbehaving or not doing my work, I was punished in the same manner as if I was being bad outside of school time.  

And when it comes to socializing, I participated in several sports and other extra-curricular activities when I was growing up..this provided socialization outside of the school atmosphere where me and my friends could enjoy each others company without the worry of being caught by the teacher (which I think is a much more enjoyable time to socialize in the first place).

Answer 6

I think you're aiming a bit high if you plan on coving the legal requirements of every country in the world, just those for all the US states would fill a book! Continual changes in the exams system in the UK mean any paper book coving those would need to be republished annually to stand any hope of remaining current.

Also, if you plan on publishing it in the UK you should start off by calling it Elective Home Education, not Home-schooling. And be aware that you're entering an already well established 'marketplace' as there are plenty of parenting forums which include HE sections and other HE specific forums. Even Teachers TV now has a HE group!

IMO you might be able to make some money off an introduction to EHE book if you keep it small, country focused and can get a deal with a publisher to get it into bookshops. Once people start looking on-line they'll find all the information available for free so would be much less likely to buy your book.

Answer 7

can i get it?

Answer 8

do they get better results

Answer 9

What happens if the children get detention? Where do they go? Mums and dads room? - also How are they going to inter-act with other children in lets say 'the playground' as they woul do in school? I think additional home tutoring is a good idea especially if children are finding it hard to catch on in school but personally i would not go for home tutoring alone without schooling

Answer 10

how to do home schooling in states that require a licensed educator to be conducting the schooling. when you are not a licensed teacher.