Worth it, but not always easy.
But there are challenges to the homeschooling life.
Dunn has had to completely restructure her day. Olson occasionally feels overwhelmed. Buckingham doesn’t get to be as involved with the military spouse community as she’d like. And although many families homeschool for free by using library, Internet and borrowed resources, families desiring formal curricula may pay a pretty penny. For an all-inclusive, all-subject curriculum like the popular Sonlight series, a Christian-based lesson plan, homeschooling families could be paying anywhere between $100 and $1,000 for one year’s lesson plans and materials. (Sonlight’s all-inclusive newcomer’s kindergarten curriculum is $896.66.)
All things considered, these four spouses, however, said the sacrifices are well worth the education they believe their children are receiving.
“If we want to make a positive impact on our society, we must first start with our own family,” Manning said. “Homeschooling more than allows a great venue to build character, responsibility, a sense of family unity and purpose, an environment that breeds respect and honor for our authorities and establish a sense of continuity in an otherwise turbulent military lifestyle.”
How to Get Started: Tips from Other Spouses Who Are Doing It
- Check out the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org) to find out the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state.
- “Talk to homeschooling moms at your location,” Buckingham said. “They will be able to tell you about the resources and opportunities available nearby.”
- Research local homeschooling co-ops, networks or support groups, Dunn said. Go to www.militaryhomeschoolers.com to find a list of groups near your station.
- Choose a curriculum and set up a “classroom.” For her first year as a homeschooler, Dunn chose an all-inclusive curriculum. Almost one decade into her homeschooling adventure, Buckingham, however, melds school with life and sticks to a less traditional schedule. Talk to other homeschooling families to see what worked for them.
- Investigate extra-curriculars. “Depending on your location, some public and private schools will let your kids in their sports programs,” Olson said.
- Make sure the family is on board. “Talk to your spouse and make sure you are on the same page and will support and encourage each other in your roles,” Dunn said.
- Don’t give up too soon. “Homeschooling can be very intimidating at first,” Buckingham said. “It will take a couple weeks or months before you get into a good routine. Give yourself time.”
By Michelle Cuthrell
