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BACK-TO-SCHOOL
2005
Sources: Dale Hawkinson, 785-532-5386, dph@math.k-state.edu;
Walter Schumm, 785-532-1494, schumm@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/wschummbio.html
Pronouncer: Schumm rhymes with RUM
News release prepared by: Amber Haag
Monday,
June 27, 2005
WHAT
TO CONSIDER ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING YOUR CHILD
MANHATTAN
-- Choosing to homeschool your child isn't as simple as just
wanting to do it. Walter Schumm, professor of family studies and
human services at Kansas State University, said parents who successfully
homeschool their children must value it enough to be committed to
it.
"It
takes a lot of commitment to do it, so you don't want to undertake
it lightly," he said.
Schumm
and his wife have homeschooled all of their seven children, who
range in age from 8 to 23. He said they chose to homeschool because
they wanted to integrate spirituality into their children's subject
material.
Religion is just one of the reasons why parents may decide to homeschool
their children.
"Some
parents do if for safety. They are worried about the safety of their
children in schools," Schumm said. "Another reason some
parents homeschool is because they're concerned with the academic
quality of their children's education. Others are concerned with
peer pressure and moral values."
No
matter the reason for homeschooling, Schumm recommends parents have
a connection with a support group if they decide to homeschool their
children.
"If
you try to do it all on your own, you're going to risk burnout,"
he said.
Schumm
also said a support group helps to socialize the children.
"A
lot of people will mention socialization as a problem, but the homeschool
group I'm familiar with in Manhattan makes sure to do a lot of things
together," Schumm said. "We take the kids on field trips,
and they do sports together, among other things. There are also
group classes on art, music, chemistry, biology and other subjects.
Socialization also includes getting along with adults as well as
peers."
Schumm
said homeschooling is not for everyone, and parents should carefully
consider it before taking on the challenge.
"Obviously,
some people may think they can't do it," Schumm said. "If
both parents have to work full time, it would be a challenge. It's
also important to think of what your child needs and if you're qualified
enough to teach.
"However,
those who really want it have found a way. Single parents have homeschooled
their children. Some parents who never finish college have also
done a great job by teaching their children how to learn on their
own and by using many of the excellent resources available for homeschoolers
today."
Dale
Hawkinson agrees with Schumm that parents must first consider how
committed to homeschooling they will be. Hawkinson, assistant specialist
of education and personal development at K-State, has homeschooled
all 11 of his children whose ages range from 6 to 27.
"There
are a lot of things about homeschooling that are difficult, just
like any other life decision you make," Hawkinson said. "There
needs to be a conviction rather than a whim to homeschool. It is
difficult work to do."
More
information on homeschooling in Kansas is available from the state
Department of Education at http://www.ksde.org/outcomes/homeschool_link.htm
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