US Dept of Ed Reports Shift in Homeschoolers

Hi--We've been homeschooling for 5 years. I am a retired teacher. We decided to do this because our son is gifted and in our area, there are almost no gifted programs. I visited the only one school system in this city with a program and both teachers had no training in GT. Gifted education training is VERY lacking.

When he was going into fifth grade, the teachers in the building refused to allow mentors from a nearby college (he'd had them for two years) and/or acceleration. After investigating other schools who also didn't allow it, we decided the hassle would take up too much of his educational time (while he suffered through it). Homeschooling was our best option and we love it. We also decided because of the school "society" view of gifted children--kids mocked or belittled them and teachers were intimidated or angered when he knew something they didn't. They may gifted, but they are human with feelings. I believe it is best to decide by what suits your child's needs.

Our first few years, we joined a group of families that were also homeschooling their gifted children. We went on fantastic field trips to events, classes or tours in the two largest colleges, museums, amazing pet shops, government buildings etc in southern Michigan. We got to together at least 1-2 times a week and then handled the needed academics at home. We also continued with mentors.

Now, our son is 14 and we are looking at things like dual enrollment. He still loves to go to Michigan State University--especially when he's interested in the topic presented. He thoroughly enjoys computer programming, 3D simulations, level design etc. so we went to MSU for Digital Media and Technology Showcase and the CSE Grad Students' Open House with demonstrations/explanations on their research--Biometric, Media Technology and Embodied Intelligence. Are these field trips right for all kids? No, of course not. I was "along for the ride" and didn't understand half of what they were saying....but we weren't there for me. That's one beauty of homeschooling. It isn't one size fits all---it's what is the size your child needs. What do they love and what do they need more practice or experience in? Schools can't do this anymore--at least not until some dramatic changes take place.

One of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility and that learning is everywhere.

Now, we do the needed courses at home (chronologically he was in ninth grade this year), but we also seek trips and events that both spark his interest and meet an academic need. We went on a tour of Bioenergy Labs for Biology course and went to a Science Cafe by a U of M physics professor--low emissions fuel. FYI, Science Cafes are all over the country now. There is a nationwide program to bring science to the public. Yeah.

When he was younger, our group went to the colleges for musicals, solar cars, astronomy classes, rocketry classes, Bug House, Butterfly House, History Museums, Art Museum (with lesson on archaeology) --anything anyone in our group could think of that was educational and therefore fun.Learning is fun and should be endless. Last fall, our son saved a little brown bat (he worn gloves) from a pan of motor oil. We researched and called (only rabid .1%). We washed and dried him. Our son fed him meal worms (research) with an old set of tongs. After a few weeks,when he was fluffy and cleaned (never aggressive),we released him on a warm mosquito filled night. It was great and part of biology!

With homeschooling, you have a choice of when to do what and to redesign when something unique comes up--like Sebastian the bat :-> You decide by what meets your child's need and by what occurs.

If your child is happy in school, learning, not bullied or neglected or humiliated, you may not decide to homeschool. You also decide by whether it fits you.

Don't be fooled to thinking that only workbooks educate. Use the field trips, the books, the internet, the TV (really). When I was teaching I made every effort to do more active learning. You see. You hear. You do. You learn. For homeschoolers, that's easy.

Academics are everywhere. The library, the nature center, your backyard (I learned much more about insects!). History Channel is awesome (documentaries) PBS and Discovery is too (How It's Made, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs==manufacturing, physics, occupations).

The internet is an endless resource and other than your server payment, it is usually free. It also meets all ages. All you need to do is research a little for the sites that meet their needs and ability levels.

For example,look at math.com You will find instruction, examples, in depth and practice. It goes from Basic Math to Trig. If it isn't enough, explore online or get a worksheet (rhlschool is free and edhelper costs, but not much--you get worksheets that are good). There are tons of websites and they are often free.Check out Kidskonnect.com -- also great in many subjects (we've enjoyed the language arts and literature portions). We also found many on Latin and Greek.

This year, we've used three from colleges on computer science this year (free) and one on AP Biology from a college (free--none give credit--just offer knowledge--you give the credit for class :-). We've used NASA sites many times for astronomy. We used SAT and ACT prep sites (he's 14). We used many sites during the presidential election and explored and researched many comments or rumors. This election led us into election history, electoral college etc. You can use friends or relatives (one of ours explained their memories of the Great Depression--complete with artifacts).

We also started each day with humor (loads of jokes or cartoons online--it is still reading) and usually a quote (quotationspage) to interpret.

Your state or a nearby school will supply what is needed or required by looking at their website-- when you want it or need it.

Every phase of a child's life has new adventure. If it feels right to you and meets your child's needs more completely, more enjoyable or more positively, it is a wonderful choice (every day isn't sunshine though :-)

By the way, referring to the USA Today article you mentioned,in the group we joined ( homeschooling their gifted kids), the parents included lawyers, a pilot, teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, business owners, a forensic scientist, a chemist and others....

Find the group that fits. It helps with activities and helps you with moral support. You can always change groups and you can always join many (I am a member of five right now). Go online and type in homeschool groups and your state or go to www.home-school.com/groups/

Good luck
Karen TC