by Sakeena Mirza
Last summer, a few months before our elder son was slated to begin the first grade, our family decided to set out on the less trodden path of homeschooling. Whereas just a few months before I had gaffed at the thought of educating my children at home, after deep reflection on the goals I had for my family and children, I became convinced that a family-centered education was the best option for our family.
After moving to Las Vegas at the end of the summer, we desperately searched for other families who had decided to tread the same road. As a result of our search, an online group was born to help Muslim homeschooling families in the area communicate and coordinate activities.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling encompasses many forms of non-institutionalized education. Despite its name, homeschooling does not always take place at home. Education takes place in diverse settings and circumstances, but remains family-based.
Why do families choose to homeschool?
Families choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons. Some are unhappy with the quality of education provided in available public and private schools. Others have children with special needs who may not thrive in an institutional setting. Many, however, choose to homeschool simply because they can. Homeschooling provides families with opportunities that are unavailable to school-going children. Homeschooling families are able to create schedules and routines that are uniquely suited to themselves. These families are freer to learn in diverse settings and create opportunities for learning and growth on a daily basis. Members of homeschooling families are often closer to one another and feel less tension and rivalry. Homeschooling also allows families to choose their own teaching methodologies and curriculum.
How does homeschooling work?
There are numerous methods of homeschooling. At one end of the spectrum is the "traditional" methodology in which families take the same structure and curriculum found in institutional schools and simply do the work at home. At the other end is what is called "unschooling" or "child-led learning" in which no formal instruction is given, but children are guided in self-learning. Other popular methodologies include the classical approach, leadership education (www.tjed.org), and nature-based learning. Many homeschooling families choose to use a combination of one or more methods and are known as "eclectic" homeschoolers.
Detailed descriptions of the most popular methods can be found here: http://www.homeschoollearning.com/approaches/
What about Socialization?
The most frequent question homeschoolers get about their decision to homeschool is whether or not a child will have ample opportunity for proper socialization. Most agree that a child could get a superior education with individualized tutoring and mentorship, but can a child have friends and be normal without going to school? Ask any homeschooling family, and your answer would be a resounding, "Yes!" In fact, most homeschoolers would argue that their children have superior socialization skills when compared to school children. Homeschooling families make group activity a regular part of their lifestyles. When homeschoolers meet, they often do so in mixed-age group settings that allow them to befriend and communicate with children of differing age levels as well as adults.
What kinds of activities does SNMHS provide?
SNMHS is a forum for involved families to organize activities of mutual interest in addition to being a support group. Some activities to be slated over the next few months include book clubs, nature excursions, poetry teas, Qur'an Club, sign language classes, composting, and additional activities in the works.
How do I get started?
To get more information about homeschooling in Nevada, start out at http://nevadahomeschoolnetwork.com/
Then join Southern Nevada Muslim Home Schoolers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snmhs/) to get to know other Muslim homeschooling families in the area.
May Allah guide all our children and give them what is best in this life and the next. Amin.
For more information you can e-mail: lilblessins@gmail.com or call # 702 427 6064
MashaAllah, Thank you for sharing this invaluble information. It has answered a lot of questions I had about homeschooling.
Posted by: Muslimah | June 18, 2009 at 03:38 PM
assalam-0-alaikum.jzk khair sister sakeena for such an encouraging article.wassalam, amber
Posted by: amber parekh | June 25, 2009 at 11:12 PM
love the Pic...Looks like Bila
Posted by: hhhi4 | July 08, 2009 at 04:01 PM