Two million American children are homeschooled. Parents choose homeschooling for various reasons such as feeling they can better educate their children themselves or to remove children from peer pressure. Interviews with two mothers who homeschool reveal pros like individualized attention but also potential cons like less socialization. Research shows homeschooled children perform equal or better academically and socially compared to traditionally schooled children. Long term effects can be positive if children have opportunities for socialization through extracurricular activities.

1. Homeschooling By: Jennifer Calkins Two million American childrenareschooled at home.

2. Why Parents Homeschool Parents feel they can do a better job. Parents feel that time is wasted in school - not enough learning occurs. Homeschooling removes the child from peer pressure and bullying situations. Homeschooling allows the parent to determine the best learning style for each child. Certain religious views encourage homeschooling.

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5. Interview 1 My oldest sister has three children who she homeschools. Preschool – 2nd Grade I interviewed her to determine her views on homeschooling.

6. Interview 1 Pros: Individualized for her children’s learning style Individualized attention by instructor Increased creativity compared to traditional school Assured learning

7. Interview 1 Cons: Reduced socialization with peers Less diverse socialization with adults Fewer opportunities compared with other students in traditional schools

8. Interview 1 Summary: After concluding the interview, I have some preliminary thoughts. My sister loves homeschooling. She feels her children learn what they are supposed to learn at a faster pace and in more creative ways. She fears that her children might be missing the some of the social aspects of school. Her children have a difficult time listening to adults (besides their parents). She feels that is a result of homeschooling. Her oldest (the “serious” one in the photo) has some disciplinary issues. She feels that is possibly a result of homeschooling. Her two oldest children will be enrolled in traditional schools next year.

10. She feels her daughter is socially cognitive because she socialized in traditional school and maintains a social circle from middle school.

13. A parent is not required to register a homeschool program with their home state.

17. Effects of Homeschooling (Research) Some critics of homeschooling feel homeschooled children may develop fewer social skills. …………………… This does not seem to be accurate. Homeschool groups are common allowing homeschooled students to take advantage of sports, dance and other opportunities.

18. Effects of Home Schooling (Research) Some feel children are rejected by peers because they are homeschooled. ………………...... Research has shown that although some homeschooled children may be targets of bullies, the threat is not any more than the average student at a public school. Experts say that homeschooled children interact well with homeschooled and traditionally schooled children.

20. “Both groups have been exposed to equal levels of peer victimization, both as victims and bystanders.”

21. HS children report less distress when victimized because it does not threaten their social status the way it effects TS students’. http://www.childresearch.net/RESOURCE/NEWS/2005/200509.HTM

23. “HS appear to be more vulnerable to psychological distress in the absence of a high quality friendship.”

24. No matter how the students are schooled, there is a need for peer acceptance.http://www.childresearch.net/RESOURCE/NEWS/2005/200509.HTM

27. 94% of those adults said home education prepared them to be a independent person.

28. 79% said it helped them interact with individuals from different levels of society.http://www.omninerd.com/articles/The_Benefits_of_Homeschooling

29. Conclusion Answer.com, a website that allows users to ask questions and post answers, posed the question: What are the long-term effects of homeschooling? There are hundreds of responses and suggestions. Here are two that seem most appropriate to the topic: Take each child's personality into consideration before making the decision to home school. Some children need more socialization than others. Make sure the child gets involved in many activities as possible with other children their age.

30. Implementation How can I use this information to make my classroom more effective? I will try harder to inspire parent involvement. This will help the students due to more individualized time between students and adults. Developing “centers” in my class will also ensure more time one on one with the teacher. One center can offer close teacher involvement that will reduce the amount of students the teacher works with at one time.

31. Resources You can go to http://www.delicious.com/jenniecalkins to see the websites used.