Kim Bergey and Lori Zulliger
Are you or have you ever considered homeschooling your child? Thousands of families in the Valley do, and the Palmer/Wasilla area has a plethora of choices for your homeschooling adventure… no matter where you are on the homeschooling spectrum…
- I have no idea what homeschool is or how it may be beneficial to my children.
- I am considering homeschooling, but still have questions.
- We are currently homeschooling and looking for more local opportunities to enrich our child’s educational journey.
If you would like more information about homeschooling, then you are in for a treat!! The Valley Homeschool Network is bringing you the first annual Valley Homeschool Expo to be held August 9, 2019, at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. (More info about this event at the end of this article.)
You may be wondering… “What exactly IS homeschooling, anyway?”
Five Key Facts About Homeschooling:
1. All learning is personalized to your individual child’s needs, wants, and interests. Students and parents get to choose their classes, curricula, and activities.
2. Students have opportunities to learn in the “real world,” such as the library, college, museums and other locations of interest and instruction.
3. Students learn in a more harmonious environment, free from cliques, distractions, and bullying.
4. Through local correspondence programs, there are State allotment funds for families to pay for instructional materials and lessons.
5. Our local correspondence programs will provide you with the support and resources you may need from year to year.
Below are some comments from an Alaskan professional who works with homeschoolers and homeschooled students from Alaska:
When asked his opinion of homeschooled students, Dr. Erik Hirshmann, Professor of Social Science and History at the University of Alaska's Mat-Su College, provided this insight: "After years of experience teaching home-schooled students who take history courses at Mat-Su College, I can attest to their strong academic abilities and work ethic. This is just in my experience, of course, but I've consistently found homeschool students to be prepared for the rigors of college and to perform well on exams and assignments. They tend to be intellectually curious and are eager to learn."
Laura shared that she enjoys being a homeschool student because it allows her to work at her own pace to complete her schooling.
Trey shared that homeschooling gave him the opportunity to work in a remote area at a high paying, skilled job while completing his high school diploma. He was then able to enter a paid apprenticeship program.
Fun Facts!
There are approximately two million children being homeschooled in the United States. This number continues to grow at a rate of 10% annually. Alaska is one of the most homeschool friendly states in the nation. You can homeschool independently, with a state-funded homeschool program, or a combination of options including dual enrollment with your local community school or a private school.
How Do I Know I Am Ready to Homeschool My Child?
Just ask yourself these questions:
1. Why do I want to homeschool? Families choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons such as:
a. continuity of education if the parent’s job requires moves or travel
b. religious beliefs
c. quality of educational experiences
d. ensuring the safety of their child
e. high cost of private school
2. Is my child’s education my responsibility? Homeschool parent-teachers think of homeschooling as their job, and for success they choose to show up for work.
3. Can I be flexible? Yes, it often takes less total time in a day, and the clock will not rule the timeframe for learning each subject. There is no “typical” homeschool because each parent-teacher has their own teaching style and each student has their own learning style. Every household develops its own rhythm.
4. Will I be overwhelmed? Yes, however, the secret is in realizing that each and every one of us has days where we feel overwhelmed. The best way to handle this is to be prepared by participating in support groups, using outside resources, and recruiting your children to step in and help out. Would it surprise you to know that a 7-year-old can be taught to make pancakes to help with breakfast, a 5-year-old can help with the laundry and a 3-year-old can help empty the dishwasher and pick up toys? These are great life skills. Remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth – and by extending gentle kindness generously to your children and to yourself, you will be modeling how to learn with confidence and grace.
5. Will homeschool protect my child from all that is bad in the world? You will have more control over the learning environment, peer interactions, exposure to negative cultural influences and more; however, homeschooling can NOT keep your children from making poor choices. Challenging moments are teaching opportunities.
So, come on down to the Valley Homeschool Expo!
There are hundreds of local vendors and many different homeschool support programs to choose from in Alaska. To meet and talk with homeschool programs and vendors in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, SAVE THE DATE, August 9, 2019, and join us at the Menard Sports Center, starting at noon. There will be activities and workshops for parents and children. Many of the local area vendors that support homeschooling will be available all in one location. The Valley Homeschool Network, your one-stop shop for all information specific to homeschool, sponsors this event. To participate as a vendor, please email valleyhomeschoolexpo@hotmail.com or call (907) 357-9573.
