Librarian in Training
Meghan Simone
Hi, I'm Meghan — a current student at The University at Albany, and working towards a Masters in Information Science with a concentration in Library and Information Services. My educational background is in English literature and computer science. I have been homeschooling my oldest daughter since she was in kindergarten. My youngest daughter attends a co-op nursery school. I do not consider myself biased in any way regarding homeschooling — it just works nicely for our family, and it's a lot of fun!
Broekman, H. (2021). Homeschooling. [Digital art]. https://lcpress.org.uk/2021/02/04/lockdown-learning-from-a-familys-perspective/
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling refers to parent or caregiver-led home instruction. This means that if a child is homeschooled, they recieve their education at home, or some place other than a traditional school setting. Homeschooling looks different for each family. Some parents and caregivers choose more traditional homeschooling methods such as a physical, hands-on curriculum, while others opt for an online-based curriculum; and there are many parents and caregivers who choose countless methods in between. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to homeschooling, and how each individual familiy chooses a homeschooling method is entirely up to them. While there are studies that indicate certain homeschooling methods produce more positive effects than others (with an emphasis on structure and proper time management), families can generally make any method of homeschooling work and be beneficial for their children.
Why This Guide is Important and Who it May Benefit
This pathfinder was designed with a broad audience in mind. While most of the steps to access the peer-reviewed and scholarly articles found in this guide are through either the Hudson Valley Library System or The University at Albany's Discovery System (both in Upstate New York), the content can be viewed from anywhere that has access to the databases (such as colleges or public libraries). This guide can be helpful for seasoned homeschooling parents and caregivers who are looking for some useful, online information or resources such as subject-specific content and programs, or different curriculum options. It can also be a helpful resource for parents and caregivers who are interested in homeschooling but may not know how or where to start. The videos, content, and (mostly) peer-reviewed articles that I have selected are meant to encourage parents and caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed or unsure, and help them to realize that they are not alone in this process. Lastly, this guide can be beneficial for those who may be on the fence about where they stand on the topic of homeschooling. My hope is that the research on the history and value of homeschooling combined with relevant and non-biased data on its advantages and disadvantages can help clear up some common misconceptions. At the very least, I hope to help normalize homeschooling and destigmatize stereotypes against those who choose this form of education for their families.