One definition of myth is “an unproved fact or false collective belief
that is used to justify a social institution”. Because public education is a longstanding and deeply entrenched tradition in this culture, it makes sense that misunderstanding and rumor would accompany anything that threatens its existence. People are naturally skeptical of things they do not understand, particularly things that question deeply-held beliefs. When it comes to homeschooling, myths abound. But, there is really nothing to be afraid of! The body of evidence is growing concerning the effictiveness of a homeschool education and there is a whole world of homeschoolers working hard to disprove the myths.
The following myths originate mostly from those outside the homeschool community. Sometimes they originate from people with extreme agendas and biases against homeschoolers or by those who feel threatened by the efforts of homeschool families. More often, they are simply from people who are uninformed about homeschooling and who have sincere inquiries about the issues.
1 Homeschoolers Miss Out on Socialization
Do you hear the snickers of the thousands of homeschoolers who know this is a complete myth? Some people still have the misguided notion that homeschoolers are a backward lot who hole up in their houses all day. The truth is, homeschool families generally go to
great efforts to make sure their children have healthy interactions with others. Many homeschoolers believe their children are better socialized for the real world because they interact with people of all ages and not simply in age-segregated, manufactured environments.
2 Homeschool Teachers Must Be Certified
This is not legally true, nor is it practically necessary. Teacher certification is an important part of institutional learning environments, used as a way to standardize and police teacher competency. But the skills teachers must master to be successful with a classroom of students are not necessary in a homeschool. In a tutoring environment, you can be successful if you know the subject and are interested in the child.
3 Homeschool Kids Are Weird
This myth suggests that homeschoolers produce odd and socially disadvantaged children. But…what is weird? Is it weird to want your children to be independent thinkers that do not easily go along with the pack? Does weird mean unique, individual, and interested in school and family? Think about it.
4 Homeschoolers Are Religious Fanatics
While it is true that a large majority of homeschool families have a particular religious bent, the stereotype of the radical person with extreme political agendas is simply not true. Most homeschoolers are average, normal people who want to instill their values in their children. And as homeschooling continues to grow, its constituancy is becoming more diverse, encompassing all manner of faiths and lifestyles.
5 Only the Rich Can Homeschool
Most families do not possess unlimited financial means and must make hard choices concerning how to spend their money. Choosing to homeschool requires the concentrated effort of a parent, which usually means compromises and sacrifices in his/her work life. Many, many, many average-income people choose to homeschool. These families figure out how to do this because it is important, not because they have extra cash lying around.
6 Homeschoolers Are Afraid
There are certainly people who homeschool out of fear; fear of the big bad public school, fear of negative peer influence, fear of secular curriculum etc. But by and large, homeschoolers are a courageous lot, choosing to live a lifestyle that others eschew. They are often free thinkers and bold decision makers, proactively working for a better way for their children. Instead of being fearful and meek reactors, they are forward thinkers. They are pioneers.
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