How Did This Happen?

August 23, 2018September 6, 2018 Eva Goldstein-Meola Blog, Homeschooling, Philosophy and Outlook, Student Success lifelong learning, outside resources, trust

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True story. My passion is writing and literature. Additionally, I love history. My daughter shared these passions until she hit high school. And then, this creature emerged…. She fell in love with science and history. Oh no! How was I going to meet her academic needs? And this past May she graduated with a dual major in Aerospace Engineering and Physics. This week she begins graduate school as a PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering. During some of our conversations, I have to ask for further explanations, definitions and examples. How did this happen?

Here are three ways I survived through my daughter’s education.

Trust. I trusted homeschooling. Well – during the process – I did question it a lot; however, now I can fully say the process works. I know some of you will still doubt. DON’T. You know your child best. You are fully invested in them. You will fully support them in their endeavors,
Outside Resources. You are not alone. In today’s homeschooling world there is so much to help with your journey. Online education, like classes offered through Open Tent Academy, can provide your child an amazing education with knowledgeable expert teachers, who will work with you and your child in the subjects you are not comfortable in teaching. Another option is to find a co-op, clubs and simply sharing homeschooling responsibilities with another family. If you are not sure where to turn, go to your state’s homeschooling organization. Typically, they have lists of local homeschooling groups. If you aren’t sure of your states homeschooling organization, contact HSLDA, the Home School Legal Defense Association. Although the HSLDA is a religious group, their website can provide you with some solid information.
Lifelong Learning. One of the most beautiful things about homeschooling is that I learned alongside my daughter. You do not need to be an expert in the field of education. You do not need to have studied every subject. When you run into questions, which you will, research the answer together. The internet is a beautiful thing. Libraries are wonderful. Showing your child that learning is a lifelong process is the most beautiful gift you can show them.

There is no doubt that homeschooling your children is a great responsibility; however, please realize that it isn’t that difficult to support your child’s passions – even if you do not know anything about it. After all, don’t be afraid – you CAN do this!

Eva Goldstein-Meola is not only co-founder of Open Tent Academy, but an instructor as well as a former homeschooling mother. She has lived in New Jersey, Florida, Western Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and now resides just outside of Jerusalem. Eva holds a Master’s Degree as a Consulting Teacher of Reading and Writing, IEW certification and a Bachelor’s Degree as an Elementary Teacher. She has also been involved in education since 1986 as a Private Tutor, Teacher, Reading Specialist, Homeschooling Mother, Homeschooling Teacher and Business Owner of an Online Education Consortium.