As a parent who home schools her children I get asked a variety of questions all the time. In fact, I get so many that I often write about them in case others wonder the same things that are asked of me. One question I've been asked quite a few times is whether or not home schooled kids should wear uniforms. Based on my thoughts and experiences, here is my analysis of this homeschool topic.

Avoiding Questions About Homeschool
Before you laugh (I almost did the first time I got this question), I actually can see some situations in which a person might feel this would be a good idea. For instance, if a kid in homeschool is on a field trip, a uniform may help avoid questions. Depending on the family, this may be a viable option. I personally don't mind getting asked questions because it gives me a chance to inform others. Questions regarding choice of school methods and how they work can make for some interesting conversations. It also can help quell some of the myths associated with this schooling method.

Safety in Public Places
If field trips take places in crowded areas, uniforms might make it easier to keep track of everyone. I could see them being used on homeschooled kids in situations like this for safety purposes. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the kids need to wear traditional school uniforms. Dressing everyone in your group in a neon green outfit could do the trick. That's assuming they'd all want to wear it. That's the beauty of homeschool. Each family can decide together what is suitable and safe for everyone.

Comfort for the Students
One of the many benefits of homeschooling is allowing the kids to be comfortable. Enforcing a dress code may do the opposite of that. When not on a field trip where the environment is crowded, kids should be allowed to just be kids. The way people dress is part of individuality and some may not feel comfortable in a uniform. If your kids do, then I say go for it, if it makes them happy. But if a homeschooled child is sitting at a desk, computer, or maybe even at the library or park, there may not necessarily be any reason to wear a uniform. A comfortable kid is a happy kid and a happy kid is probably more likely to concentrate on school work than one who is uncomfortable.

For so many years, choosing to educate children from home was looked at as stripping away their social interaction. However, many homeschooling families will argue with that fact, and for good reason.In a homeschool setting, there is a smaller number of children to watch over, making it much easier to turn the negative into positive.

Some people might assume that because children homeschool, they will not have any friends. This is simply not true. Friends can be made from your neighborhood, an extra class, at the park, at the museum, within your own extended family, and various other avenues. A public school is not the only place one can acquire a friend.

Homeschooled children are allowed to call and play with their friends, just as a public schooled child would. It is no different. There are birthday parties, slumber parties, shopping trips, and more - all the activities public school friends do as well.

Also, in many homeschooling families, extra steps are taken to be sure that socialization is included, which means there is researching to be done on the parent's part for the methods and sometimes extra classes that will provide this.

This research often leads to finding solutions that focus on positive interaction with others because any good method will focus on the positive, rather than the negative. Socializing is also given special attention, thus making socialization greatly important to a homeschooling family.

This special attention often isn't given in public school because it is sometimes assumed that since the children are with other children all day, they are socializing well. However, this assumption shouldn't always be made. All socialization isn't positive. It can be negative as well. This is a fact looked over by many.

While some teachers do provide some great character development and social instruction in public school, which they are to be commended for, the children are often greatly influenced by each other. This comes naturally, as they desire to fit in. Also, it is simply just fun for them to relate with each other, which is certainly okay when that relating isn't negative.

During recess, the children are within sight of the teachers, but not always within earshot or in immediate reach, which can lead to some of them using inappropriate language or behaviors. The others either tell them they don't like those words or actions or they repeat them.

Now all the children that were in that general area have heard that language or seen that behavior and some will want to use it, and they will, which, in turn, spreads this negative action to even more kids, cycling and creating a viral pattern. Pretty soon it will get to most of the children who are in the same age range.

Another reason that viral cycle happens is that once a certain number of kids are doing something, others begin to view it as okay. It becomes more accepted because they are used to seeing it and it doesn't even cross some of their minds that it might be wrong.

Perhaps if children were taught from the beginning how to interact positively, rather than negatively, some of these problems wouldn't exist later in life, which brings me back to homeschooling.

The main difference with homeschool socialization and public school socialization is the fact that in homeschool, much more effort is put into developing social skills, because of the fact that children may not be with other children all day (unless they have siblings). The fact that parents know other children aren't present and the effort put in to make up for that often makes for a child who can interact with most people in a positive way.

One more reason that positive social interaction is taught in a home school setting is because homeschooled children will be exposed to people of all ages throughout the day, which makes for a much more diverse learning experience.

Another thing to remember about homeschooling is that when there is more than one child in the family, working together is often a huge part of the schooling process, even in siblings that range in age. Some homeschooling families even teach from a mixed-age perspective, leading to a great deal of cooperation with each other. Group cooperation is an important skill needed throughout life. Many colleges actively seek out home schooled children because of their exceptional social and educational abilities.

In closing, I will say that not all public school interaction is negative and not all homeschool interaction is positive. Ultimately, it is up to the parent to examine what situations are best for each individual child. Many children make it through public school fine as do many in homeschool.

People should come to realize that socialization isn't about whether you choose school at home or utilize public school or other options, but about whether a positive environment is created for the child. If the social environment your child is in right now is not a positive one, it is time to consider other options.

Those options may or may not be completely switching the child's schooling style. It could be just doing it in a different way or finding creative ways to incorporate positive socialization.

Whatever method you choose, be sure it is one both you and your child will feel comfortable with.

*****
~~ Originally published at Associated Content by Lyn Lomasi ~~

If you're thinking about or have decided to homeschool, you likely are wondering about homeschool laws. What are the legalities and where can information be found? Each state in the US has a different set of rules. The following information should help guide you toward the most current information.

One place to learn about homeschool laws is through your state's education department. When people think of the Department of Education, they may not necessarily be thinking about homeschool. But this agency should have access to the most current information regarding homeschool.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) also can be extremely helpful when it comes to learning about homeschool laws. They even have a state by state breakdown of the legal options. In addition, they also can be very supportive to homeschool families who have been legally wronged.

Other Helpful Resources:

Can a Parent Be a Homeschool Teacher Without a Degree?
Schooling children at home is becoming more and more prevalent as parents look at a variety of schooling options for the children. A question that comes up often when choosing to homeschool is the question of whether a parent can really become a child's teacher...

Can Someone Other Than a Parent Legally Homeschool a Child?
When making the decisions involved in the homeschool choice, some will wonder what teaching options are available. One possible question is whether another adult, besides the parents, can legally homeschool a child...

Homeschool FAQ: Common Myths and Questions
With growing popularity comes questions and concern. A new study has been released that shows homeschool students again scoring much higher than public school students. Here is a collection of some common myths and questions associated with homeschool.

*For more homeschool information and resources, visit Our Homeschool Page.

~ Authored by Lyn Lomasi

by Jaipi Sixbear

I was very excited when contacted about the Tickle Me Plant for kids. I enjoy telling my readers about strange and unusual plants and gardening techniques. The Tickle Me Plant, simply put, is a plant that responds when tickled.Kids love this plant grown from seed sold by the Tickle Me Plant company.

The seeds can be ordered here. The detailed website tells you everything you need to know about the Tickle Me Plant. Get kids interested in gardening effortlessly with the Tickle Me Plant.

The Tickle Me Plant is well promoted by co-owner Mark Chipman. Mark is a former middle school science teacher. He knows the importance of instilling knowledge through experience and hopes to educate kids through the Tickle Me Plant.

The Tickle Me Plant, also known as Mimosa pudica or sensitive plant, is easy to grow. Kids just soak seeds overnight prior to planting. Plant 2-3 seeds ¼ inch deep in a small flower pot. If you don't have a pot, a cup with a hole in the bottom for drainage will do. Place the pot in a sunny window.

The Tickle Me Plant should emerge in about a week. The first leaves are not touch sensitive. The second set of leaves will react when tickled by moving. Kids get really excited and quickly learn that plants are indeed alive.

The Tickle Me Plant seeds come with science activities for kids. The seeds cost around 5.00 a pack. Also available from the Tickle Me Plant company are mini greenhouses, growing kits and party kits for the Tickle Me Plant.

The Tickle Me Plant for kids is both fun and educational. Gardening activities like the Tickle Me Plant teach valuable life lessons and experience for kids. Best of all, kids won't even know they are learning something. The Tickle Me Plant is good clean gardening fun for kids of all ages.

*The author has not received any gifts, monies, or other monetary awards from the maker/s of this product.

by Lyn Lomasi

As parents, students, and teachers research education from many angles, home school is becoming a more popular option. With that growing popularity come many questions and concerns. Also, a new study has been released that shows students in homeschool again scoring much higher than public school students. Here is a collection of my articles on some common myths and questions associated with homeschool.

Why Don't Home School Parents Teach in a School Building?
With more people homeschooling, some people may wonder if homeschoolers should buy big buildings together. So, why don't homeschool parents form a school? Learn More

Can Someone Other Than a Parent Legally Homeschool a Child?
When making the decisions involved in the homeschool choice, some will wonder what teaching options are available. One possible question is whether another adult, besides the parents, can legally homeschool a child. Learn More

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Students are Unprepared for College
A common homeschool myth is the one that assumes children who are educated outside of a traditional school setting will be unprepared for the academic challenges of a college. Here we will explore that myth. Learn More

Home School Help: Dealing With Negative Reactions to Your Choice
When a parent chooses to home school, that decision is generally one of great importance to them. Unfortunately, not everyone will always agree on this issue, leaving most parents who homeschool vulnerable to questions, as well as disapproval by some. Learn More

Can a Parent be a Homeschool Teacher Without a Degree?
Schooling children at home is becoming more and more prevalent as parents look at a variety of schooling options for the children. A question that comes up often when choosing to homeschool is the question of whether a parent can really become a child's teacher. Learn More

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Teens Can't Get a High School Diploma
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. It is often assumed that homeschoolers won't be able to receive a high school diploma. Learn More

Home School Myth: Kids Who Homeschool Have Poor Social Skills
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is very often assumed of home schooled kids is that they do not have proper social skills. Learn More

Child Struggling in School? Why You Should Try Homeschool
Do you have a child struggling or failing in school? Have you tried the options available (extra help at school, tutors, etc) with little to no success? Many parents and children struggle with this issue daily. Could homeschooling be the answer for your family's situation? Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Parents Who Homeschool are Rich
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One homeschool myth is the concept that families who choose to school at home are rich. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents Think They Know Everything
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth. Learn More

Homeschool: Custom VS Pre-Packaged Curriculum
Deciding whether you'll go with a customized curriculum or a pre-packaged one for homeschooling your child can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider to help make that choice easier. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Kids are Too Lazy for Real School
There are many myths surrounding homeschool. One of those myths is that of laziness on the child's part. Some feel that a child who home schools is too lazy to complete real schoolwork. Is this really true? Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents are Just Lazy
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. A common myth that seems to follow many parents who decide to homeschool their kids is the concept of laziness. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Kids are Truant
Many questions and myths seem to follow the topic of homeschool. One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant. Learn More

Homeschooling in Houston, TX VS Denver, CO: Legalities, Social Aspects, and.. Differences
Here we will take a look at some of the important aspects of schooling at home while living in Denver as well as Houston to see which city makes the grade. Learn More

Homeschooling to Get Positive Social Interaction?
For so many years, choosing to educate children from home was looked at as stripping away their social interaction. However, many homeschooling families will argue with that fact, and for good reason. Here is a newer, more positive look at socialization and homeschool. Learn More

Why Homeschooling is a Valid Choice for Many Parents
Recently an AC Content Producer named Becky Gallops wrote an article about why she would never homeschool her children. While I respect Becky's writing, I disagreed with her statements. Here is my take on her points. Learn More

The Benefits of Homeschool: Frequently Asked Questions
When you make the choice to homeschool your children, there are many questions that will be in your mind. As a mom who has homeschooled, I now know the possible answers to many of the questions you may have on your mind. Learn More

Is Homeschool the Best Title for the Education Method?
Homeschooling is many things. But, does it have the correct title? This title implies that schooling is done completely at home, which is very far from the average "homeschool". Learn More

Public School, Private School, Homeschool, or...
Choosing the right type of school for our children is a very difficult decision. This decision will ultimately determine your child's success in the future...First, we must remember that each family and child is unique and has differences that play a role in this decision. Learn More

The Most Common Misconception about Homeschool: Socialization
When parents choose to homeschool their children, they are most always asked the most dreaded and most commonly misguided question. That question is "What about socialization?" The public is often uneducated about socialization and homeschool. Learn More

Gym Class Ideas for Homeschooling Families
Families who are homeschooling will benefit from these, but they are also great ideas for playing outside with the kids in general, especially on the weekends. Learn More

Homeschooling: Enhancing Socialization
Homeschooled kids have a variety of options for enhancing socialization. Many of the parents that only homeschool inside simply don't know how else to do it. Now, if you are one of the parents that has no clue or just want to learn more, read on. Learn More

Why Does Anyone Homeschool Anyway?
Well, I can't tell you why everyone else homeschools, but I can tell you about our decision to homeschool and why we thought it was the best choice for our family. Learn More

~ The author is always open to questions and discussion. Please feel free to express your thoughts and concerns.

*This is not a complete guide on homeschooling, nor is it meant as legal advice. Always check with your state's education agency for up to date laws and do the proper research for questions and concerns.

Sources:

http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/200908100.asp