Hi everyone! Today, I’m participating in the iHomeschool Network “I Can’t Homeschool Because…” series. Each of the bloggers are posting on common misconceptions and doubts we all face when thinking of taking the leap into homeschooling.
As indicated by the above title, my topic is “I Can’t Homeschool Because I Don’t Have a Degree.” By degree, I’m specifically referring to a teaching degree, but this will apply to questions about teaching without any type bachelor’s or college degree.
The Short Answer:
YES! You absolutely CAN homeschool without a degree. Not only is it not required by most states that a homeschooling parent has a college degree, but it’s simply a misconceived notion that those without a college degree are not intelligent. Certainly that is not the case! (As all state laws are different, please research the laws of your own state prior to homeschooling. For more information on state homeschool law, please visit HSLDA.org )
So what is the requirement for homeschooling:
The main requirement for homeschooling your children is a parent with a loving heart and a desire to give their child the best. You don’t need special training in child psychology. Remember, you know your child better than anyone else! Don’t believe me? Take a look at the statistics gathered by HSLDA in their Homeschool Rankings Based on Parent Certification chart.
How can I teach topics I’m not familiar with?
There are many different curricula on the market for parents to choose from. Most contain everything you need to teach your child, or at least an outline of how to do the lessons. You can choose between everything from pre-scripted step-by-step curricula, to those that are more flexible and allow a great deal of latitude to the parent to organize and share the information with their children.
There are even online courses for more complicated topics that are readily available to homeschooling families if the need should arise.
What if they ask a question I don’t know the answer to?
You’re probably also wondering about what happens when your child has a question you know nothing about. First of all, it has been my experience that most curricula has more information than you can realistically share, and most answers can be found within your curriculum. If there’s a question or topic that needs further research the internet is a wonderful source that is right at most of our finger tips!
When my children ask me a question I don’t know the answer to, I simply say “I’m not sure, let’s look it up!” Then we head to the computer and Google around until we find what we’re looking for. Not only do you get the answers you’re seeking, but online research is a great way to teach kids how to find things themselves. (For younger children, make sure to use parental supervision whenever doing online research.)
So where do I go from here?
As homeschoolers we all face a certain amount of self-doubt and intimidation at the thought of taking on the responsibility of homeschooling our children. Instead of letting that fear overwhelm you, use it to make sure that you are diligent in regards to homeschooling.
I certainly don’t know everything about everything, nor is it realistic of me to think I can master every subject prior to teaching it to my children. But I can be diligent to make sure we are using curriculum that best fits our family and our educational needs, we can learn together as we go, and I can give them the one-on-one guidance that they would never receive in a school classroom.
After 7 years of homeschooling, not only have my children flourished within our homeschool, but I can also say that this journey has also been a great learning experience for me as well!
And if you still have questions, here are more helpful links from the HSLDA website:
- HSLDA.org
- Homeschool Rankings Based on Parent Certification
- View Homeschool Law By State
- Homeschooling a Special Needs Child
- Homeschooling Academic & Demographic Information
10 Days of Getting Started Homeschooling:
- Day 1: Getting a Vision
- Day 2: Homeschooling as a Ministry
- Day 3: Discipline in Your Homeschool
- Day 4: Responsibility & Chores
- Day 5: Love is…Getting Mom Ready 1
- Day 6: Love is…Getting Mom Ready 2
- Day 7: Getting Students Ready
- Day 8: Choosing Curriculum & Homeschool Laws
- Day 9: Organization
- Day 10: Scheduling
All about our homeschooling struggles:
- Candid Conversation with God
- Chore Charts
- Discipline Chart
- How Do I Do it All?
- Not So Quiet Time
- Ministry of Motherhood
- Organization
- Plate Spinning 101
- Storage & Record Keeping
- Teaching Multiple Grades
I hope you enjoyed this post, and make sure to stop by iHomeschool Network to see
what the other bloggers in this series are talking about!
Disclaimer: I am not a legal attorney, nor do I have a degree in law. The information contained in this post is what I have learned from my own research and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding homeschooling, please research the laws in accordance with your own state.
I am also a former classroom teacher turned homeschooling mom. Homeschooling is very different than teaching public school. I agree with the above statement about feeling like the education degree hindered my homeschooling in the beginning. That is so true! At first I tried to set up lesson plans just I did in publci school, Then I quickly realized that was a mistake. Also, we have all been so conditioned into thinking what school is supposed to be like. It doesn’t have to be any set way! It needs to be the best way that fits your family! And after much trial and error, your homeschool will be fine tuned just the way you like it. YOU are the best teacher for your child or children! YOU can do it!
I’m glad are starting to realize the rewarding benefits of homeschooling their children after going and still going through this pandemic