Gallipolis Daily Tribune – Homeschooling A different approach to learning in SE Ohio - Callie Lyons
“The benefits for our family are so many, it’s hard to list them all,” explained Jessamy Bright, of Middleport, who is the primary teacher for her girls, Siena, age nine, and Lucia, age three. “Freedom and flexibility in learning, opportunities for field trips, and socialization and friendships with many different age groups are a few of my favorites to bring up in talking about homeschooling. I love that we live a lifestyle of learning that isn’t restricted to a classroom during school hours. And, since I’ve been blessed to be able to stay at home and work from home, I actually get to see my children grow up and work with them on a daily basis .”
It would be awesome if many government authorities understood homeschoolers don’t need the group control deemed necessary in public schools. Homeschoolers don’t run on a bell. We’re nested in our home (along with our numerous field trips) and our ‘class’ numbers don’t require classroom management. Mother of three, Nora Ellis, makes this point below.
“We’ve found our children enjoy the engagement of independent learning as well as the flexibility they have to do other things. Instead of being in a classroom seven hours a day, they are able to complete their required work and explore their interests,” said Ellis. “Two of the children use the time to study more animal and engineering science while one pursues classical ballet.”
Another form of learning at home is described below. There should have been more clarity from the reporter that both of Teresa Shiflet’s sons are in public school. Connections Academy is also a school under public school accountability regulations. Ms. Shiflet did point out the difference.
Teresa Shiflet, of Rutland, is the mother of two sons — one is enrolled in public school and one participates in a program with Ohio Connections Academy, which is one of several virtual schools offering a full online curriculum for Ohio students from Kindergarten through high school graduation.
“OCA provides their students with books, and computers for free,” Shiflet said. “The students also have teachers for every class. So this program differs from traditional homeschooling in the fact that I as a parent do not have to select the curriculum, nor do I have to teach. My son is held accountable to his teachers who report to the state just like a teacher in a traditional school setting. The education that he is receiving is competitive on a national level.”
Families have many curriculum options and use different methods to achieve homeschool success. Online or virtual schools make homeschooling easier than ever before. But, not everyone goes that route.
The parents all made appealing points about the joys of homeschooling. It’s not a perfect life, but it most definitely is a fulfilling education and family life.