Homeschooling Moms Answer Common Questions

Since this past March, veteran homeschooling families are receiving frequent requests to tell others how they manage. We recruited six local homeschooling moms to help answer some of the common questions prospective homeschoolers ask. In this complicated time of COVID-19, North State Parent recognizes the commitment parents are making to guarantee the education of their children. Through homeschooling and with plenty of patience, so many parents in our communities have accomplished things they could never have imagined possible.

Our Homeschooling Moms

1. Debbie Deem, Red Bluff, CA, has been homeschooling her four children for 18 years.
2. Amanda Woelfel, Dairyville, CA, is mom to an eighth-grader, fifth-grader, and toddler. She has been homeschooling for nine years.
3. Talia Scherquist, Chico, CA, is mom to Livia and Adina and is starting her fifth year of homeschooling.
4. Charlotte Scott, Mt. Shasta, CA, is a second-generation homeschooler with an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old. She homeschools using the Charlotte Mason Method.
5. Jessica Severne, Shasta County, CA, has five children, ages 16-1, and is a veteran homeschooler, using Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education.
6. Kalan Redwood, Manton, CA, has homeschooled Thor and Maisie for the past two years with Chrysalis Charter School.

I’m stressed about adjusting. What works best?

           Talia – Give you, your kids, and your family time to adjust. Discover what works best for your family as far as when, how, and what you study. Then be flexible. Life influences our schedule all the time, and our stress levels as parents right now are higher than usual.

Are my kids still going to be learning – what about reading, math, and science?

           Talia – Yes, because you get to follow their interests and individualize their unique strengths and challenges. Find ways to learn outside of workbooks. Tie the math, the reading, the science to their interests. Learning happens all the time!

What about opportunities to socialize? 

           Charlotte – The wonderful thing with homeschooling is we can be flexible with our schedule. From homeschool groups, serving in the community, or participating at a community college, I love all the opportunities we have to socialize and experience diversity.

Can I share resources with other families? 

           Charlotte – Many homeschooling families work together sharing resources, so please ask. There are also charter schools, umbrella schools, and private tutors. For children with special needs, most therapy programs are still available. It might take some extra research and phone calls, but I’m sure you’re already an amazing advocate for your child. You got this!

Kalan –  I have learned that plans, curriculums, and routines all have their place, but ultimately, I follow the lead of my children and cultivate their interests. In addition to academics, our kids are engaged in their community with other children through Club Mustang, a free enrichment program provided locally in Manton by the Manton Education Council. This year Club Mustang will provide tutoring, Zoom music and art lessons, and library hours for Manton kids.”

What about quiet time, playdates, and time outside?

           Amanda – We typically start school around 9 a.m. For the most part, both of my kids work independently and, if they work diligently without too many distractions, book work is over before lunch. In the afternoon, we usually get quiet time for ourselves, which is always necessary because we are together all the time! Our schedule leaves plenty of time for extracurricular activities and playdates. We also require our kids to spend time outside every day. Bike riding, playing with animals, working on projects, or just reading in the hammock.

How can I legally homeschool?

Debbie – In California there are three ways to legally homeschool. You can hire a credentialed teacher as a tutor, you can enroll your students in a public or private school that offers a homeschool program, or you can establish your own private school. More details on these options can be found at hsc.org/legal-101

Does homeschooling have affordable options?

           Debbie –  It does not have to be expensive. There are many affordable curriculum options, and used curriculum is readily available. There are many free resources on the internet and at your local library.

Can older siblings help?

           Jessica –  With a little bit of help to establish good habits and daily rhythm, children easily learn to be self-motivated and work independently, with you serving as their philosopher, friend, and guide. Older students help younger siblings with read-alouds, playing math games together, helping with morning routines, tending a garden. Siblings often form deep friendships as they do life and learning.

Do I have to provide conventional schooling at home?

              Jessica – You don’t have to provide conventional school at home; in fact, you probably don’t want to. Schools often assign busywork that doesn’t encourage actual learning. Focus on making your child’s education come alive in every realm of education, literature, history, science, nature and art. Take advantage of your child’s innate curiosity, spread a great feast of knowledge, and you will end up with a lifelong learner.