boy with homeworkAt Homeschool Passion, we’re dedicated to learning from those who have gone before us, hearing from those precious home educators who have paved the way, learned to sidestep the potholes, overcome the naysayers and brought homeschooling into mainstream circles. They’ve done it: They’ve successfully raised and educated their children. If they are willing to share their wisdom, then we should be willing to listen.

That’s why I’m so excited to share the following interview with Donna Conner, a veteran homeschooling mom, convention speaker and author of the book, Homeschooling Only One. Donna’s book was one of the first homeschooling books that I read, and I was thrilled to meet her at the last Texas Home School Book Fair. Over the next few weeks I’ll share our interview. I hope you’ll find it as inspiring as I did. She has many nuggets of wisdom to share, and I’m so glad she decided to share them here. Enjoy!

Homeschool Passion: When people think of the stereotypical homeschooling family, they often think of large families with multiple children. Why is homeschooling still a good choice for families of only one child?

Donna Conner: Of course the basic reasons for homeschooling cross all barriers. However, with “only” one student, there are multiple things that make it a very good fit:

  • It is easier to tailor-make the child’s educational course of study each year (not having to consider any other child’s learning style, interests or special needs).
  • For some families, there may be “extra” monies that can be budgeted for educational classes, materials or pursuits that might not be available to all the children of a large family. I know of some larger homeschooling families that must rotate special classes among the children due to costs.
  • The only child is usually along for all errands and appointments, since there is 9usually) no one at home to watch them (like older siblings). They are introduced to a lot of different social situations. They learn how to converse with both adults and children of all ages (older, the same age, or younger) easily in these “out and about” trips.
  • With only one student, it can be easier to find out your child’s special characteristics, like his learning style.
  • It’s easier to move on to the next year’s materials when they are ready, no matter which part of the year it happens to be. Or if needed, they can slow down and take a year-and-a-half (or longer) to learn a subject. The beauty of homeschooling is being able to teach towards mastery of a subject, not just “teaching to the test.”

HP: What are the benefits of homeschooling only one child?

DC: Less time is needed for curricula searching, since there is only one. One-on-one interaction with a child is the best tutorial method, so the child is receiving the best kind of teaching. With only one, you really get to know that child. You can focus attention on both their needs and their accomplishments, while keeping a balance in how you teach the child about each.

Mom can also be more focused with the one in their schoolwork. So when the day is done for that child, mom is done with teaching. She can move on to her agenda as a wife and mother. When you add these benefits to the overall homeschooling benefits, it’s a win-win experience.

Be sure to check back next time as Donna shares her thoughts on socialization and homeschooling an “Only.” And be sure to check out Donna’s website at www.donnac.com.

Photo: boy, with homework by wwworks