I risk alienating or angering some of you with this post.
That is not my intention.
Pride and bragging are not my intention. I tell you the truth. 
I’ve searched every little corner of my heart to see if pride enters into the equation. It does not. In fact, my natural inclination is to NOT post this – we’re rather private this way.
But it comes to my attention that home education is still a mystery to many people. They wonder if it is valid, legal, and effective.
I’ll take just a moment to answer these questions:
Yes. Yes. And Yes.
It can be especially effective. This is in no way intended to denigrate parents who have made other educational choices. We all have to make our decisions in line with what we believe God would have us do – and I’m aware that God doesn’t treat us all like cookie cutters. By that same token – he doesn’t ask us all to send our children to public school.
Home schooling has worked well for us. We love the flexibility of schedule. We love being able to spend more time with our children. (They grow up too quickly, don’t they? That little boy who was a baby just days ago is now 14 and has been shaving for a year…) Our time when they are directly under our influence is so brief – we want to make the most of every day and situation. We believe that God gave our children to us as our first “apprentices” or disciples – so we take that very seriously and are grateful that home-education seems to fit our family very well.
Having said all of that… our scores are in from our yearly achievement testing. Without pomposity or arrogance, here are the scores of our oldest three children. We don’t test until 3rd grade, so don’t have scores for the other children. Homeschooling works well for this family. These are composite scores – meaning a total of scores for the total of subjects tested:
14 year old son: (8th grade)
- Overall percentile ranking – 99%
- Stanine – 9 (Highest possible)
- Grade Equivalent – Post High School
12 year old son: (6th grade)
- Overall percentile ranking – 99 %
- Stanine – 9 (Highest possible)
- Grade Equivalent – Post High School
11 year old daughter: (5th grade)
- Overall percentile ranking – 99%
- Stanine – 9 (Highest possible)
- Grade Equivalent – 12.6
I’d like to add that difficult days, crowded conditions, and size of family do not seem to affect scores. We moved last summer into smaller, more crowded living conditions. We also added a seventh child. You can not believe how many individuals *think* that if you have a larger family, you can not possibly adequately home educate them. They do not see how a mother could “teach” her children when she has a baby and several toddlers in the house. (I have taught for 10 years with a baby on my hip!) They believe that children from larger families are disadvantaged, do not get equal educational opportunities. Those theories are unfounded, unproven, and false! The educational level of a mother/teacher does not matter, either, according to some very famous studies. I do have a bachelor’s degree – but the academic achievement of a child does not depend upon the academic ability of the mother. Other studies reveal that the mother who has a high school diploma produces (home schooled) children who score just as well on academic tests as those whose mother has a master’s degree. The key seems to be involved parents – across the board.
The biggest secret to homeschooling, I believe, is to teach your child to read. Ignite the fire of learning underneath the seats of their little pants when they are just toddlers – and continue to expect them to read throughout their lives…and you won’t have to worry about their achievement tests in high school. This is true for any method of educating your child – not just homeschoolers. (Although as homeschoolers, you have the potential to know just how much and what they are reading every day. Sometimes you have to force them to stop reading…)
Academics are very important around here – although I would have to say that their inner “man” is of even more importance to us. Our children carry a core/basic curriculum – and add in creative skills or subjects they love to learn about. They do typing and computing. Beginning in sixth grade, they carry a foreign language. (That is currently Greek for our boys.) They take music lessons and participate in Bible quizzing through our church, and they do well with these extra-curricular areas too. They are expected serve, along side us, both within our church and in our community.
Thanks for letting me give a glimpse into a very average homeschool family, and for letting me lay a few stereotypes of home education to rest!
April 18, 2007 at 2:21 am |
I commend your children, Holly- that’s great. I love to see scores like this, because there are many homeschool families that don’t really place education at the top of the priority list- and sadly, their children don’t really even know how to read. I believe training and real life lessons are good, but I also believe in the importance of book learning. And I agree with teaching them to read and encouraging it- I was an avid reader, and I always scored in college level on my achievement tests- even as a freshman and sophomore, and I owe it all to reading- because I was awful at math and science! I also did very well on my ACTs. I owe alot to my mom- who was serious about our homeschool education, and really pushed us. It can work for many, many families!
April 18, 2007 at 4:05 am |
Awesome, Holly – and kids! Well done!
I am glad that you shared this information about your family. Right now, our oldest is in public kindergarten, and we are loving it. There have been SO many opportunities for her in this school district, and we feel that God has led us to send her there for good reasons. Yet, as a military family we know that the next place we live might not have such an ideal school situation, and we know that we may very well reach a time when it is better for our children to be schooled at home. I love hearing about families that are having great experiences doing just that! Have you shared what exactly you use (your core)? If not, would you mind sharing? (We used a bit of Sonlight for some pre-k fun, but I’m always looking for great stuff.)
Blessings!
April 18, 2007 at 5:41 am |
Thank you for your post, reminding us that indeed this fun and wonderful lifestyle called “homeschooling” is STILL out chldren’s education. I am proud of the work you have done and the scores that do prove that your children are doing well in this part of their education. My sister homeschools 6 (8 children total) in Tenn. and just had them go through the mandatory testing. They all did very well, all boys, all active, all learning and scored much higher than their grade levels.
I live in a county where homeschooling has been around for 20 years. Unfortunately it has been with problems. Only a few of our now 18-20 who have graduated have gone on to jobs to support themselves or higher education. The majority of our homeschoolers have struggled with alcohol, drugs and promiscuity. And yes, these are ALL church attenders. These are our dear friends and we love them and their children, but homeschooling is not looked upon highly or as successful in our community.
Sometimes I struggle to keep in mind that this is education and worth the work. We have graduated 3 into adult life and they are all doing well, for which we give God all the glory with thanksgiving. Thank you for your testimony on success, it motivates and encourages. Yes, Home education CAN BE very effective!
April 18, 2007 at 10:01 am |
Joyce – that is too bad! It sounds like it was successful for your family, though!
Cassandra – interesting that you say that – because I’m not very good at math and science, either – but it doesn’t seem to adversely affect their ability to do well with these subjects.
Jen – thanks so much! What you are saying is that you are treating your children and your situation as if you were individuals! Which is exactly how I think we should make decisions.
As far as curriculum – I really tailor it. I don’t use one specific core. I used Sonlight for a time, but as the ages of the children spread (14 – 14 months) it became very difficult.
I still use some of the Sonlight readers for various periods…tend to combine lit choices from Sonlight and WTM and classics. We use Saxon Math until 8/7 – and then have begun using Teaching Textbooks. For History, I have used Bauer’s The History of the World, for Science – we revolve around every year and use various sources…just making sure that we cover all of the spectrum. For grammar – I use SOS…but that is just this year. I have some favorites that wait on the shelves…hoping to make a reappearance soon.
Thank you so much for asking!
April 18, 2007 at 10:34 am |
Thanks for your testimony of God’s faithfulness in this area. Sometimes I wonder “have I done the right thing?” But then I remember God called me to do this and if I do my best and trust Him with the results everything will turn out right. My goal has never been to raise rocket scientists but to raise adults who love and serve God and are able to raise and provide for their own families.
April 18, 2007 at 10:46 am |
I’m a great example of how effective homeschooling can be regardless of mother’s educational “qualifications.”
I am learning that organization and a willingness to sacrifice are paramount to doing right by the children though. And obedient children. It definately helps if the students cooperate.
So habit forming comes first, don’t you think?
April 18, 2007 at 11:21 am |
Oh, wonderful job, kids! Holly, I’m so encouraged by this post. There are good days and bad days, yes? Today has been bad, full of questions (on my part) and worries.
Thank you, friend.
I sit taller right now, for the love of reading in me has passed into my seven year old, and my five year old is just beginning. I breathe a sigh of relief and *know* that if Holly can do it with seven, then I can do it with my three and hopefully lots more!
April 18, 2007 at 5:00 pm |
I thought I commented on this yesterday! I’m sure you were not beng prideful when you posted this, but you must be proud of them. You have been such a great inspiration in my life. a real pleasure to know you.
Any particular curriculum you use? My daughter is in Arabic school, so I try really hard to reenforce her English reading skills at home.
April 18, 2007 at 7:16 pm |
Job well done mom!!!
We just got ours in too, and my daughter scored well above her grade level.
I am SOLD on home education. Like you, I realize it isn’t for everyone and I’d be stupid to push my opinions on others who have made their decisions. But, I continue to rave on about home education for the folks out there who are thinking about it, wondering if it would be good for them, but may be too scared to do it.
This sounds funny, but when my babies were little and we were trying to decide what we’d do for schooling (hubby said homeschool, I as a former teacher really wanted the expensive private school we couldn’t afford)…anyway I remember thinking that ALL homeschoolers were bible-thumping, blue jean jumper wearing women who didn’t look at all like me. I thought it was some sort of cult. THAT IS WHY I TRY TO EDUCATE OTHERS! It isn’t like that at all. Home education is WONDERFUL and anyone can do it.
I’ve been doing a series on my other blog about how to homeschool frugally if anyone is interested (not that I’m plugging it, I just spent alot of time on it and I think it can be helpful)
http://findingcontentmentinthesuburbs.blogspot.com
April 18, 2007 at 7:27 pm |
Silly computer. It just ate my post! I think it is retaliating at me!
I was saying – that yes! You should check out Lindsey’s blog. She is chock full of great ideas! (As Usual!)
And Lindsey – I thought homeschoolers were very weird and all fit into one mode before we began. It scared me! (I thought people with more than 3-4 children were CRAZY too.) We didn’t set out to become who we are – that is for sure!
But it is GOOD! I’m glad you’re helping to spread the word!
In real life, I don’t talk about homeschooling very much, because I don’t want people to think that I’m pressuring them. I figure that they will ask if they want to know.
April 18, 2007 at 7:39 pm |
Umm Adam – I searched and didn’t find your comment in spam…my computer has been rejecting me lately, too…it just spits my comment back at me. I think it is trying to tell me something.
And thank you for your kind words. You have taught me so much, too!
As far as reading programs…I don’t really use anything past teaching them to read. They go right on into beginning/early readers, and then progress in difficulty.
Your girls would already be reading – so maybe just have plenty of good books around for them to read. I remember seeing that you had bought them some Berenstein Bears books – those are great! Amazon or ebay are good places to buy used books for not very much – and most that I have purchased from there are in very good shape. Your children will have the benefit of being bilinqual from their youngest years – and you can’t beat that!
April 18, 2007 at 7:53 pm |
Donna – great point. I’ve never set out to raise rocket scientists either – nor did I think that I could. (!) In fact, I’ve been afraid to raise really smart kids that had horrible tempers or no self control or who grew up to run away from God. Then, I feel that all academic efforts would have been in vain. High scores are just a side product – a bonus. It is a very powerful point, though, when you compare methods of schooling. I’d also like to point out – not to you (smile) but to everyone that we don’t spend one day teaching to a test. We don’t do practice tests. We don’t “prepare” the kids for the tests. We just take the tests. We do how we do. We just learn the things that we need to learn, and love to learn!
Elise – I know so well that feeling, when they are all little…(and it used to come every February/March. It says – “I can’t do this! I’m ruining my children! There’s no way to make it!!! Today was horrible!” But I’ve finally been home schooling long enough to make it past that point – and boy – am I ever grateful!
I am finally able to see that their entire education doesn’t stand or fall on a horrible day or even a horrible year. It goes so far beyond that to years and years of dedication and living and loving and learning together.
Grafted Branch – yes! You give other keys. Sacrifice – priorities – organization – obedience… All very, very important. I think what many people don’t realize is that homeschooling begins at birth. From the moment a mom begins teaching her child anything – she is homeschooling. Viewed this way, it isn’t so scary! Home schooling can be a natural progression from parenting in the early years.
April 18, 2007 at 8:13 pm |
Thank you for this, Holly! Very well said! May I link?
April 18, 2007 at 8:37 pm |
Holly, do you have any pointers on how to handle a child that HATES every moment of schooling? He is 6 years old, doing great with reading and math, but he hates it. I keep it very positive, and it’s 100% one-on-one (that’s how he needs it for now), yet he fights me tooth and nail.
Also, do you have any suggestions for a good science curriculum? Up to now I’ve used Abeka, mostly because there are so many options out there it’s completely overwhelming!!
Do you find that as your children get older, they do a lot of it themselves? My oldest is 12 and requires very little help at this point. She is an amazing reader (read “Little Women” when she was six!) and can learn things the first time through. The funny thing about testing and test scores is that last year, her lowest score was in reading comprehension. I had to laugh, the girl is a serious sponge when it comes to books! So, I don’t put a ton of stock in test scores.
Blessings,
~Leah
April 19, 2007 at 12:18 am |
{{{{I risk alienating or angering some of you with this post.}}}}
On the other hand, you risk encouraging the socks off of others of us.
April 19, 2007 at 12:19 am |
Bonnie Connie – of course, link away. I would be honored.
Leah – Hmmm. A six year old boy…doing well….but hates school. Sounds normal to me!
I don’t put very much pressure on my youngest students, Leah. They learn like crazy – but they do best when they don’t even realize they are learning. I think that until a child hits about 8-9 years old they don’t need more than an hour MAX sitting still to learn. I won’t even typify this as boy vs. girl…because my boys have been quicker “book learners” than my girls.
Yes – there are some requirements that a child should sit down, sit still and focus for…but at six years old they shouldn’t be very heavy. If you set the requirements – and he knows that this is the way it is, no equivocation, no argument…he’ll eventually do what you expect. (And do plenty of active type learning things that help him to learn without actually realizing it!) Some years, I pick up a subject for the summer. (and drop everything else.) Maybe it is Old Testament History/Geography. But it is chock full of activities like making bricks like the Egyptians and learning about archeology through searching for peices of a broken pot in the sandbox and writing with Heiroglyphics and weaving mats and building pyramids and making mummified chickens…(which reminds me that we never did tell the new owners of the house that there is a mummified chicken buried in the back yard…) The kids think it is like summer camp perpetually – and learn while NOT sitting at a desk!
April 19, 2007 at 1:59 am |
I totally agree with you about keeping learning fun, and keeping it short and sweet for the younger students. I’d say that we spend between a half hour to an hour on school with my 6 year old each day. We focus on reading and math right now, since forcing him to do much writing just brings him to tears. He doesn’t have the fine motor skills that my first two children had, so I’m not forcing it yet. Also, since we make daily life a learning environment, he has already learned the things that a kindergarten social studies or science book teaches. I printed off our district’s requirements for kindergarten and sat down and started asking him the questions… “What does a post office do? What is a museum? What are ‘rules and laws’?” And those are things that he has learned just living in this home.
Ugh, I’m going on and on.
Thanks for always being encouraging!
Love,
Leah
April 19, 2007 at 2:52 am |
Holly you are right on.
Reading is key but if you have a child who struggles with it then books on tape/cd re a great substitute. Much of my kids’ history and science comes from listening to me read aloud or cds. My oldest LOVES books but not to read (she prefers action to being still so books on cd or record allows her hands free listening.)
A little bit of sitting still for “school” and plenty of learning going on when it isn’t “official school time” makes a HUGE difference.
April 19, 2007 at 3:18 am |
Heather – oh yeah! Reading aloud is great! We do that a lot, too! Thanks for reminding me!
Leah – he’ll catch on. Just hang in there. It sounds like you’re doing a great job!
April 19, 2007 at 10:43 am |
I love denim jumpers. Denim goes with everything.
April 19, 2007 at 12:30 pm |
Thank you so much! This really helps me see what is possible. I’m completely torn, luckily for me, Ella is only 6 months old, so I have lots of time to think about it!
April 20, 2007 at 8:15 am |
And denim looks great on you, Sheila. I was just teasing about the jumpers…
You are welcome, Katie. Yes….take your time!
April 20, 2007 at 6:04 pm |
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April 21, 2007 at 1:34 am |
Wow, Holly! That is so encouraging and awesome to hear…thank you for sharing this about your family. I have to also say, I’ve read each comment, and been just as encouraged by them. I also have a six year old that is very bright but “hates” to read. She loves to be read to though–but I’ve still been discouraged, wondering just when will the magic happen between her and reading. I think I was spoiled by my oldest and how much of a go-getter she has been throughout the whole homeschool journey. It really blessed me to hear you, a homeschool mom I highly respect, say that at age six they really don’t need more than an hour or so a day of “school”. That’s what I’ve been doing with my six year old…she just is such a free spirit, loving to do creative hands on things (like the archeology digs you mentioned–she loves stuff like that) but not wanting to sit still and focus. Her wandering mind has been SUCH a challenge for me…I keep thinking why fight it when she’ll come to her own in a year or two and be able to buckle down and concentrate.
Could you share more about the OT/geography course? Was that something you created, or did you have a curriculum for it? I’d love to do that with my girls… :O)
Thanks again for taking the time to explain everything, I loved reading your responses to everyone.
April 21, 2007 at 3:14 am |
Sure Mary – I’m trying to think of the exact book I used. It was excellent! It was a part of a series…I actually can’t wait to use it again someday. I will get back to you on this – promise! Just need to refresh my brain cells since it has been some time.
My two girls have been super slow starters. Not unintelligent, just truly not motivated. But given time, (and lots of time to create!) they have come along GREAT! You saw my daughter’s scores, right? I used to worry that she was so far behind! I’m a big believer in knowing your child. If you have an early learner who devours ALL THINGS SCHOOL – go with their flow! (I’ve had two like this.) But if you have one who is resistant – they are still learning – you can trust that! I push them just enough to challenge them and help them grow, but I don’t set the requirements so high (and make them so boring) that they simply wilt and give up. I loved your story of how you helped your daughter through her writing assignement. That was the perfect illustration of the perfect balance! I’m confident that you are doing a great job – how can an involved, caring mother NOT do a great job! You know your children better than anyone else – you are tuned in to them and their needs – day in and day out!
April 24, 2007 at 10:20 am |
Thanks so much, Holly…I’m encouraged! Homeschooling has been such a huge blessing. It’s when I look critically at my 6 yo and think what my in-laws or whoever might be thinking she should know by now…then I get all prickly. She is very bright and I know she’ll hit a real learning curve one of these days…and I’ll be ready!
Meanwhile, guess what? I ordered that curriculum! Thanks so much for the link and the great recommendation…I think it will be the perfect thing. We’ve got two other books similar to those, one on Native Americans and one on Colonials…really neat books.
April 26, 2007 at 9:27 am |
Thanks for sharing this, Holly! Your previous post on testing made me think about it seriously, as I never had considered it in the past. Now I understand that there are some positives about testing. Glad to hear things went as expected with Jeff. Hope the next few weeks go well.
We’ll be in town in June.
June 13, 2007 at 3:58 pm |
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August 30, 2007 at 4:27 pm |
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