Brandon Twp.- The reason families choose to homeschool varies.
For Tracey and Andy Burns, the decision was made through prayer and research into the best way as Christians to educate their children.
Teresa Cannon decided to homeschool because she lived in a large city when her daughter was preschool age and didn’t care for the school district.
Cannon, who calls herself a ‘homeschool veteran? of 15 years, will discuss educating children at home during a ‘Special Homeschooling Night? planned for 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., July 24, at the library, 304 South St.
‘We will discuss whether you should homeschool? not every parent should,? said Cannon. ‘Also, the pros and cons of homeschooling. Then, if you’re going to homeschool, what you need to know? learning styles, curriculum, structuring your day, lesson plans and how to do them. Lastly, we’ll discuss tips and tricks, how to keep your house clean, how to deal with children 24/7, how to get dad involved, and how to get support from your family.?
Cannon has two children, a 17-year-old daughter who will graduate next year, and an 11-year-old son. She reevaluates the decision to homeschool each child on a yearly basis, because, she says, children change dramatically, not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.
Cannon earned an education degree from the University of Michigan and taught in public and private schools for seven years. She was a certified teacher when she decided to homeschool.
‘Homeschooling is easier than having 30 children in the classroom,? Cannon says. ‘I can teach core subjects to a student, my child, in a style they are comfortable with. If I was able to do this in a classroom, you would see many of the same results that a homeschooler does? results like high academic output, maturity, speaking to and interacting with adults. Generally, (homeschooled students) have really good social skills, and are a lot less stressed, especially in high school.?
Lorrie McMahon, interim superintendent for Brandon Schools, said a public school education has its own advantages, including a guarantee of certified teachers, excellent social supports that provide any special services required, and consistent curriculum.
‘Students gain socialization skills that are essential to their future in public schools,? she said. ‘I don’t think anyone can do better than the art and music programs in public schools… I think we have the best system in the world and we try to make public education a good experience for every child and parent.?
While Tracey and Andy Burns both hold bachelor’s degrees in business from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Andy has a master’s degree in business administration, the couple has sought outside help in educating their children in certain areas, including music, a high priority for the family.
All four children play piano, and each has learned an additional instrument by taking lessons from outside instructors. Marilyn, 21, plays violin and is now a senior at Oakland University majoring in music; Aaron, 20, also attends OU and plays guitar; Shannon, 16, plays flute; and Nathan, 12, is a cello player.
Burns admits science is not a strength of hers and for chemistry and physics, she uses video courses.
Homeschooling is certainly challenging, she adds, and all consuming.
‘It’s a lifestyle,? she said. ‘You are educating your child every moment you are with them.?
The Burns family likes to take field trips, and twice a month has classes with other homeschool parents and children, during which there is hands-on science, labs, gym, and art classes. Sometimes outside educators teach specialized subjects.
Essential to homeschooling success is structure and plenty of discipline, Burns said. Every year she makes a detailed schedule and plans the curriculum. The schedule is flexible. While they usually start early, the day doesn’t always end at the same time and sometimes they continue into the evening or do schoolwork on weekends.
Burns said she has been asked before, ‘how do you stand spending all day with your kids??? The question baffles her, as she sees the time spent together as a plus.
‘The relationships built between siblings and between parents and children are an advantage,? she said. ‘We have a closeness that seems to be so lacking in some families.?
Homeschooling is extremely time-consuming and Burns acknowledges it may not be for everyone. She recommends the main educator not work, although she knows some homeschoolers who work part-time.
Cannon is one of them. She has worked part-time outside the home for five years, saying she has been blessed with jobs that allow flexibility, which is also an advantage of homeschooling.
‘In our family, we school around other responsibilities,? Cannon said. ‘Schooling travels with you. Our house is not a classroom that is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Homeschooling can be tailored to your family, whereas when you’re in school, your home is tailored to the school.?
Cannon says some disadvantages to homeschooling can be a financial strain and the stereotypes others have of families that home educate.
‘People can look down on you,? she said. ‘There have been several instances in our personal life, where people expected us all to wear dresses and be quiet and meek or out of control.?
A lack of socialization is another stereotype about homeschooled children, and a false one, Cannon and Burns say.
‘Socialization is teaching them how to get along in the world, which does not consist of all the same age and geographic location,? Cannon said.
Burns adds that her children have plenty of opportunities for socialization? they attend church three times a week, have a large family, and are ‘always around other people.?
Marilyn Burns said she has loved being homeschooled, wouldn’t change it, and will probably do the same when she has her own children.
‘I like the independence of it,? said Marilyn, who, like her brother Aaron, has a scholarship and is in the honors college. ‘There is a lot more freedom and you don’t have to wait until everyone else is done. I think it prepared me well for college.?