Homeschooling No doubt, one of the great benefits of the public education system and private schools is the existence of enrichment and extracurricular activities for kids. Team sports, academic clubs, marching bands, student government, and field trips have become part of the what we expect from the education system.
At first glance, it would seem homeschooling doesn’t offer families these benefits.
If you’re is interested in homeschooling but afraid your student will miss out on these experiences, what can we say to this?
Consideration #1: “Homeschooling” is a misnomer.
The name “homeschooling” gives the impression that all education happens in the home, but this is not the case for many homeschoolers. Some prefer the term “home-based education,” but even this might give the wrong impression.
Ever since the modern homeschooling movement began in the mid-1960s, parents have cited a diversity of reasons for homeschooling their children. While some desire to “cloister” their children away from the world at large, many simply want to take greater ownership in their child’s education.
This means while many make the home the base of operations for schooling, the freedom of homeschooling means parents can involve their children in the best of what the community has to offer.
Consideration #2: Make use what public schools offer.
Currently, many states in the country are “equal access” states: homeschoolers are allowed to enroll their children in classes or extra curricular activities in the public schools.
Currently, the following states require public schools to allow students to access to some classes/sports: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
Specific requirements vary from state to state, and in states without a statute or regulation, requirements vary from district to district, from association to association.
If you live in a more restricted area, consider approaching a local private or Christian school to see if they have any options.
Consideration #3: Make use of homeschool co-ops.
There are thousands of homeschool support organizations all over the country, and many of these offer extracurricular options.
Homeschool co-ops allow homeschooling families to pool their resources to create unique extracurricular opportunities for students, including sports teams, orchestras, bands, choirs, debate clubs, quiz teams, volunteerism, and other opportunities.
There are many homeschool sports leagues, including leagues for specific sports as well as homeschool sports networks and athletic associations.
Consideration #4: Make use of community programs.
Most communities offer a variety of programs:
- Community sports leagues
- Martial arts lessons
- 4H (which has a lot more than just traditional agriculure programs)
- Scouts and Royal Rangers
- Community theater
- Photography clubs
- Astronomy clubs
When it comes to extracurricular activities, homeschooling is very flexible. See what’s available in your local area.
Leave a comment
Let us know…
- How have you given your child access to extracurricular options as a homeschooler?
- What other objections to homeschooling have you heard?
We definitely made use of public school activities and sports. My oldest was a state champion swimmer for the local public high school and my other played basketball. Homeschooling really can be a misnomer. Thanks for sharing at #LetGetRealSocial
I agree. In ways “homeschooling” doesn’t really capture the best of what’s going on in home-based education.
We make use of tons of community sports programs. We also go out to meet the public school bus every afternoon we’re not out doing another activity. That’s given my children wonderful unstructured “socialization” with the neighborhood kids. Please share these great suggestions with our readers at the Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup. We love homeschooling posts!
There are so many great options when it comes to extra curricular options for homeschoolers. We aren’t restricted to what the public school offers. I love your list of examples. We do a homeschool gymnastics class, my daughter is in scouts, and they have done a community art class at the Y.
Where I live (in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA), I have to put the “home” back in “homeschooling” once in a while : ) We could easily do something completely different every single day. Museums, library activities, orchestral performances, theatre, sports activities, park visits…not to mention natural wonders like the beaches and mountains. This is one of the reasons I chose to homeschool: How could I justify putting my child in a concrete box day after day when there’s so much to explore?
I know what you mean, Julie!
We participate in a homeschoolers art class once a week, ballet and tap classes, piano lessons, as well as random community sports and 4H. There is so much to do that I end up saying no to some things for lack of time! I would, personally, never consider extra curriculars a valid reason to NOT homeschool.
I know what you mean, and yet I hear that objection quite a bit. It’s funny because this is the furthest problem from some people’s minds.
Over the years our son participated in programs (both homeschool specific & non-homeschool programs) at the YMCA, local Boys & Girls Club, our parish’s children’s choir, our homeschool co-op’s FIRST Lego League, & drama club, a local FIRST Robotics team when he was in high school, and a local city’s summer tennis camp & tournament… which led to a love of the sport.
It’s amazing how many opportunities homeschoolers have for extracurricular activities.
Some children and parents identify the hidden talents of the children and they take regular practice to develop those skills within them and they shine in that field. Some children have no opportunity of identifying their skills and to practice it even though they can afford the regular coaching. In the same time, there are no professional classes for skills like dancing, singing, music and the like.