Homeschooling on the move

Military children often have to switch schools multiple times in a year during a PCS. While many families choose to homeschool because of the quality of the school district their children are in, bullying or for religious reasons, some military families have opted to homeschool for practical purposes.

After her children had to change school districts three times in one year because of an international move, military spouse Nicole Fisher began to consider homeschooling.

Fisher said she appreciates the public schools her children have attended.

“I have no problems or issues with the current public school my children attend, and I do not consider their current school among the reasons I am choosing homeschooling,” Fisher said. “The teachers do their best to tailor to each child’s learning style, and I understand it can be difficult with numerous kids in each class.”

Fisher said she is considering homeschooling to give her children a more stable learning environment when their family relocates and to give one-on-one attention in areas where they struggle.

“My 10-year-old is having some difficulties in school and needs the extra attention and the flexibility to take the extra time in certain subjects or move ahead if need be,” Fisher said.

An added benefit to homeschooling is taking advantage of the learning opportunities afforded by living in Europe and traveling regularly, she said.

However, with school-age children starting second and sixth grade in the fall, Fisher will miss the anticipation and preparation for the first day of school, hearing about her children’s classrooms, teachers and classmates, and participating in school functions and activities throughout the year.

But Fisher is not concerned about her children keeping up social interactions with peers their own ages.

“Because my children are involved in outside sports and activities and have several neighborhood friends, I do not have any concerns with my children’s ability to socialize with peers,” Fisher said. “I have found several homeschool support groups that have weekly meet-ups, field trips and play groups, so socializing will not be an issue.”

One of Fisher’s main concerns is whether she is equipped to help her children stay on track and excel in their education. She said she realizes the road will not be easy. Besides teaching two children, Fisher will be continuing to care for her 1-year-old and giving birth to her fourth child — all while studying as a full time college student.

“I do have some concerns about being able to keep up,” she said. “But as with any new venture, I am sure it will take some time, flexibility and adjustments as time goes on. To say I am not nervous about the homeschooling process would be a lie.”

Fisher has found resources that help new homeschooling families through Internet research and local support groups.

A KMC area teacher with eight years experience teaching in elementary schools in the United States and overseas shared some of her insights.

In addition to the resources made available through the experiences of others and modern technology, she suggests parents consult with licensed teachers who have been professionally trained in education — especially if faced with educating students with learning disabilities or special needs.

“I am a public educator who believes in what she does,” she said. “I believe every child can and will learn; it is a matter of finding the best instructional fit.”

Parents who are considering homeschooling should understand the amount of knowledge, preparation and energy it will require, as well as the dedication they must put in, she said.

“Because there are so many variables that go into learning, the most important question parents need to answer is what is best for their child,” she said. “And realize what is best for one of your children may not be best for all of them.”

She also shared some keys to a solid educational environment, whether at home or through the public school system.

A good teacher will recognize that each child is unique and provide for their individual needs, teaching the whole child — academically, socially and emotionally, she said. Meeting a child where they are and taking them to the next level while instilling in them a love for learning is the key to a good education.

It will also aid in the transition to or from the public school for parents to meet with the classroom teachers outside normal school hours regarding what skills and strategies have already been covered and the expectations the school system has for a particular age group, she said.

“Find out the child’s current level in all academic areas,” she said. “It is best for children, for teachers and parents to be on the same page, and communication is the way to get there.”

When considering homeschooling, parents should consider the overall scope and sequence of their educational plan, asking themselves, “What is my plan for instruction once I remove them from the classroom?” The plan should cover what they plan to teach and in what order, providing structure to their homeschool, she said.

Whether transitioning to a homeschool or putting a child back in a public school system, the teacher said it is also important to consider the time of year, so the child has enough time to assimilate with their peers and not miss out on introductory material in an extended learning experience. Natural transition times, such as the beginning of the school year and winter break, are optimal, she said.

Because this will be her first year homeschooling, Fisher selected a “box set” curriculum — one that provides the core subjects and has the option to add electives. She appreciates the option to adjust the curriculum as needed along the way, she said.

Fisher said she is looking forward to spending more time with her children and watching them learn, but having them home all day will present a new set of challenges.

“While they are in school that is my time to run errands, attend any appointments and complete household chores,” Fisher said. “I know while they are home with me I can still get those things done, but it will be a change for us all. Patience and cooperation will be key.”

While the few family and friends the Fishers have told about their plans to homeschool have been less than enthusiastic, the Fisher children are excited about transitioning to homeschooling.

Fisher made sure her children understand homeschooling does not mean they always get to sleep in and do whatever they want.

“We will still have a schedule, but of course our day will be more flexible, and we will have the ability to change our learning schedule as needed,” Fisher said. “Ultimately, we are doing what we feel is best for our children and family. I am very grateful that my children are so enthusiastic about making this family transition.”