Homeschool Myths
Debunking Homeschool Myths
1. Homeschooled kids miss out on socialisation and are lonely - FALSE
Socialisation is a point that's always brought up for homeschooled kids. At MSHS we plan a variety of activities on a regular basis which enable kids to socialise with other kids of all ages and adults, and form close long term friendships (check out our gallery).
Several members of our homeschooling community also offer various classes where children learn together, and engage in group work.
Some families also form small learning co-ops in their homes to cover curriculum content, encourage cooperative learning, allow the children to play/interact and strengthen friendships (check out our "What is a co-op" blog for more information).
We often say that sometimes we're too socialised because there are so many opportunities Alhamdulila😆.
Check out these blogs -
Melting the Misconception of Faith-Based Homeschool Seclusion
2. Homeschooled children are sheltered and can't function in the 'real world'. FALSE
Often homeschooled children are more equipped for the real world as they have had more interactions and relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds rather than being confined to their same age grade peers. They engage, everyday, with people of all walks of life.
They have also had the opportunity to learn more than what the curriculum has set out (which is often biased to one particular group or historical event) and have a wider and more balanced view of the world and people around them. They are free to pursue their interests beyond the curriculum without time and age constraints.
3. Homeschoolers miss out on school only experiences like excursions - FALSE
Homeschooled kids are able to attend and take part in almost as many excursions as schooled kids. Whether it be a museum, sports activities, animal sactuaries/zoos etc, these programs have been offered to our homeschooling community to engage in and benefit from. We are always on the lookout for interesting places to go and learn at.
At MSHS we also plan what would be considered in-school experiences, such as Book Week presentations, Ramadan/Eid and end of year celebrations.
4. Being a homeschool mum AND a working mum is not possible - FALSE
It is possible to do both. Homeschooling does not need to be carried out Mon- Fri 9-3, or by yourself only. It offers the flexibility of working around family commitments and 24/7, any day or time.
A parent does not need to carry out all the teaching on their own and can outsource certain subjects or skills by hiring tutors, using skilled family members and friends and even enrolling them in homeschooling classes, allowing them to continue working whilst their child is being looked after by someone else.
Check out this blog -
Home School Diaries of a Working Mum
5. Homeschooling is expensive - FALSE
Homeschooling can be as expensive or cost effective as you want it or need it to be. There are so many free resources available now that it would be possible to put together a program without having to spend a lot of money. Your biggest investment would be a printer.
Another tip is to look for 2nd hand resources such as workbooks, textbooks and manipulatives. They are often in excellent condition for a fraction of the price.
If you're on a very tight budget you may want to consider borrowing/swapping with other families for the time that the resource is required.
One other tip is not to buy anything that you will not be using immediately or in the very near future. It can be very tempting when there are so many wonderful resources, to buy and store away things for a later time but if it's not needed right away, use your money wisely on more important purchases.
6. Homeschool children can't pursue tertiary education (eg. University) - FALSE.
Whilst the pathways to tertiary education may differ for homeschooled kids, there are still many of them.
Your child may complete year 10 and choose to apply for a TAFE course for a trade for example. TAFE could also open up university entrance after the completion of the TAFE course, if desired.
Some children may enrol in programs such as Euka, who offer a years 11 & 12 program with pathways to university without an ATAR.
Some children may complete Years 11 and 12 through TAFE or OTEN and move onto tertiary education as normal.
One very important advice is to begin researching pathways for your child in year 10 depending on their interests.
The blogs below will detail specific ways members of our community pursued tertiary education.
Life Beyond Highschool Homeschool Blog series
7. Homeschool is simply doing school at home. - FALSE
Homeschooling can be "school at home" if that is what works for the child and family, however it is not a requirement.
As long as you can show that your child is meeting the requirements set by the registration unit (NESA in NSW) then your homeschooling day and method can be whatever works for you.
You can choose the hours and days you require. You can choose the method, whether it be workbooks, lapbooks, unit studies and projects or mix and match. You can work alone or in a co-op, at a desk on the floor, at a park, anywhere. You can chose to teach it all yourself or outsource some subjects. It can be as flexible or as structured as suits your personality and lifestyle.
8. Homeschool children can't sit NAPLAN, yr 10, yr 12 - FALSE
Homeschoolers can sit the NAPLAN test at all year levels. You will need to apply as a homeschooler in late Feb. There are also a multitude of other tests and competitions they can take part in such as the Maths competition. If your child is interested in a particular subject, it would be advisable to ask in your homeschool group when and how these competitions occur.
Homeschooled children will receive a Year 10 Certificate of Completion once the AP (Authorised Person) has sighted all their year 10 work.
Homeschooled children may also receive an ATAR by completing Years 11 & 12 through OTEN/TAFE.
9. Parents are not qualified to teach - FALSE
A parent does not need a formal qualification in order to homeschool. What we believe is important, is the ability to seek advice, read and research, reflect and look for solutions, and know your child, their strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Also, as explained in point 4, the homeschooling does not need to be carried out completely by the parent, and can be outsourced to other individuals.
Alhamdulila we have been blessed with a growing homeschooling community where so much advice and guidance can be sought. Ideas for programs, resources, teaching, and assessing are shared abundantly.