Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

When someone asks you for advice about homeschooling, do you respond by thinking, "I barely know how to teach my own kids sometimes! How can I help someone else?" Today on Home School Heartbeat, learn why every homeschool parent is qualified to be a mentor.

Mike Smith:
I'm joined today by Bruce Shortt, who's talking about Homeschooling Family to Family, a program designed to encourage more people to homeschool. Bruce, what are the requirements for families who want to be mentors in this program?

Bruce Shortt:
Well, Mike, this is obviously something for homeschoolers with some experience. But there are no special requirements and no special training needed. Homeschoolers have always been self-starters and homeschooling has always been a grassroots movement. We know that there are many, many different ways to homeschool effectively. If you've been homeschooling for five years or so, you know how to homeschool. You may do it somewhat differently from others, but what you do works. The main thing is to do and pass on what you're comfortable with to get the new family started, and in time, the new family will find its own style.

In my case, I always try to make sure that the new homeschoolers realize three things.

First, home education is not an attempt to recreate a public school classroom in the home.

Second, just about any homeschool curriculum used consistently will get good academic results.

And three: they just need to relax and have fun—they need to be reassured they will find that their fears are groundless. But the main thing is just to be yourself, be a friend, be an encourager, and pass on what you know.

Mike:
Bruce, thanks for encouraging homeschoolers to make a difference in the lives of other families. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.