by Athelda Ensley
In the late 90s my family decided to give homeschooling a try. At the time our oldest daughter was nearly two years old. She’d begun to sing commercial jiggles and the intros to her favorite televisions shows. In our minds it was time for her to give the alphabet a try. Fortunately for me and my husband, there were many tools available in the average bookstore for teaching at this level.
When we began this educational process, school was only 15 minutes per day. We hadn’t worked out all the kinks about which curriculum to start a 1.5 year old on, neither did we know if the process would succeed. We did know that this schooling option was being adopted by white families throughout North Carolina, where we lived at the time. Taking this step would steer our family in a beautiful path of learning, growth, and pioneering education for our race.
A matter of commitment
Commitment is definitely critical when it comes to home schooling. Finding a choice of curriculum wasn’t as difficult as finding other Black families with our same interest. Despite this problem, we made a commitment to see what the next three years would unfold for our daughter (and the one on the way) in terms of this process. The first five years of development are really the most crucial when it comes to teaching an educational foundation. So we were committed to spending those five years teaching at home and determining if we would continue.
Finding a teaching style
By the age of three, our oldest daughter was reading short books. This was definitely a milestone for success. When our youngest daughter reached 1.5 years old, we did what had now become natural. We started to teach her at home. To our surprise, she wasn’t interested at all. We quickly learned that teaching styles have to adapt to the child being taught. This is true not only for Black children, but for all children. Our daughter quickly began to spark interest when a friendly hand-puppet joined her in school each day. This was the beginning of her homeschool journey.
Evolving your plan
As the girls got older, I needed help teaching math (my weakness). My husband stepped in at this point. Before I knew it they were learning high school math, while still working on their middle school curriculum in other subjects. From that day to now, our plans have had to continue to evolve. Now the girls are 14 and 16, and in college. They are both working on associates degrees, one in social work and the other in humanities. Homeschooling is all about learning as a family and being ready for opportunities when they come your way.
The girls now
I cannot say that this long process was always easy. There were times when we all had to motivate each other to continue. Each year we began to see more and more progress in the girls and their ability to think critically. Now that we’ve finished the homeschool process and the girls are attending college, teaching has taken on a new role for me. Both girls understand that their story isn’t typical, not only among Black families but any family. Moving ahead it is important to them that they inspire other girls, especially minorities, to achieve despite the odds, stereotypes, and hurdles.
Challenges overcome
As a family we have overcome a host of challenges as it relates to homeschooling. We had to learn early on the art of living on one income. I believe that sacrifice and pursuit has been just as important in the lives of our children as the process of educating them. I mentioned our desire to find other Black families with the same schooling goals. It took a few years for us to connect with those families, but we did it. Along the way, we were able to embrace all of the families that we met, whether through support groups or extracurricular activities.
Reference Resources:
– Homeschooling Basics (101) by Beverly Hernandez, About.com Guide
– “The new pioneers – Black Homeschoolers,” Home School Legal Defense Association Magazine, July/August edition.
Athelda Ensley is a freelance writer and author who writes at her Speed of Life blog.
sunt97 says
One of my good friends does it. She and her kids are very close and all seems to be happy…except for their father.
Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany
Tara Pringle says
@Tiffany – Why isn’t the dad on board?
Reginald Williams says
Tara,
I have clients (3 couples) who home school, and then I know of two others couples – in all 5 of these situations homeschooling is a great thing for the children, however it is actually causing division in the families. Everybody was/is on board (husbands had no problem being sole financial providers), however somewhere in the process the entire scope of the homeschooling wasn’t properly planned — and this is just a best guess assumption on my part.
http://www.ruleyourwife316.com
Atheldaensley says
It is so much easier when both parents are onboard.
Reginald Williams says
Remember my comment said that everyone is on board. It’s more than a matter of being on board – it must be properly planned for.
Modestbeliever1 says
I have been homeschooling my daughter exclusively since she was in the 5th grade and she is now entering her Senior year of school. I think it has been a wonderful option for me and my family. I would and will do it with any other children we have.
Atheldaensley says
Congrats! I know that this process is not for every family. It is important to consider the dynamics of your family. There are so many benefits when thing workout with this choice. [email protected]
Dretheldraytoncraig says
Ms. Pringle,
Thank you for this description of what you did. I would be interested to know about their social development now that they are in college at a very much younger age than the average 18 – 21 year old. What has their adjustment been like going from an isolated learning setting to one that includes many others and what is their adjustment process been in relating to young adults, as well as, how others relate to them on the college campus setting. I know there are rewarding interactions and there are certainly challenges.
~Dr. Ethel Drayton-Craig
https://dretheldrayton-craig.blogspot.com
https://www.etheldrayton-craig.com
Atheldaensley says
There are a few misconceptions when it comes to home schooling. When we lived outside Atlanta, there were more than 300 families in our support group. We did co-op classes, projects, fieldtrips and various other weekly events together. Socialization is actually taught by parents and not other people or other children. We haven’t had a problem with this issue. The girls, however, have quickly learned how to manuver in this challenging environment. This year they were both selected as ambassadors for the college, which allows them to steer new students into the college experience. Clubs and events associated with them, have really helped them to raise their comfort levels. Each is unique and has varied interests though. [email protected]
Crjinvestement says
My husband and I have decided this year to homeschool our daughter who is in the 8th grade and 13 years old. After reading your story I wish I had started earlier with all of my children (2 boys who have graduated already). I am glad we are doing it now giving her a chance to really learn and flourish at her own pace and she is really excited about it. I just realized that public school is just not for all children. Some children flourish while others get left behind. I still have time to get her on track and above where she needs to be and I am glad to know that I am making the right decision for my family now. We have chosen our curriculum andwill get started in September as we are in the middle of a move to another state. We are looking forward to meeting other families and getting connected in he loop for support because I know it won’t be easy. Thank you for your story as I don’t know any black families that are homeschooling and even though I don’t know you I feel like this story has come right on time as confirmation that we are on the right road.
Atheldaensey says
Thank-you so much. It’s definitely not too late to get started. I’ve met many people who have opted to home school at this point. Do a web search for support groups in your area. It may take awhile to find other black families, depending on where you live. The support itself is priceless. Co-ops are awesome too. Feel free to contact me with any questions, or just to decompress (Lol). [email protected]
Elizabeth Leggett says
A description of very challenging, but more equally rewarding life experience and the risk that we have to take both individually and jointly as a family unit. Thanks for sharing “your-story,” hopefully it will inspire, motivate and challenge others to step out of “our” comfort level(s) and sat short/long term goals for our children’s educational and live success. God Bless!
Ty says
My husband and I homeschool our 5 children and have done so for the last 5 years. Our two youngest have never been to public school and are happy, well adjusted and academically advanced for their age levels. I kick myself for not being on board when our oldest was 5 and my husband (a public school teacher) suggested that, for us, homeschooling might be the best road to take. Some years later, when we did begin homeschooling, our family found a very natural “groove” of living and learning. We tell people all the time that homeschooling is a lifestyle. If you don’t want to live it 24/7 perhaps this isn’t for you. Our oldest is now entering his senior year of high school and preparing to go off to college next year. The kids are in music lessons, scouting, play sports, regularly volunteer in the community and have a wonderful network of friends in our group (which we started with three other families) called HomeschoolBrownFacedFamilies (BFF). If you are a minority homeschooler in the greater Houston, TX area…feel free to look us up on Facebook or join our yahoo group. We have outings on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month and we encourage each other on this wonderful journey of home education.
Homeschooling has been a wonderful experience for us. Of course it can differ from state to state, but the time, bonding, teaching experiences have been invaluable. After traveling to Sweden this summer to attend the World Scout Jamboree, our oldest returned having met other homeschoolers from around the globe. It definitely is a wonderful alternative to the high cost of private school when you KNOW public education is simply not what you want for your children. If you have questions…I am happy to encourage and meet up with other homeschoolers nationwide. Email me at: [email protected] Many Blessings to you all!
Atheldaensley says
Definitely don’t kick yourself. Whenever you started home schooling was the right time for you and your family. You are right, it is definitely a lifestyle. Organization and dedication are paramount. We have been fortunate too, where travel is concern. In fact, we took a home school cruise to Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. It was neat to meet families from all over. Our travels have taken us to over half the states and Canada. Who says every trip can’t be a learning experience? Ironically, we’re in the Houston area also. [email protected]
Martha A. Snowden says
I would like to home school my daughter and son but I am a bit apprehensive about it because we are expecting twins in the next two weeks. I was hoping to start either in January or September when it would be a tad bit more realistic. Our daughter is 11 and going intot he sixth grade, she reads and writes at a 8th grade level which is only as high as the test goes I guess they thnk she is doing better than that. Are there tools tohelp you keep up with the kids progress in subject areas where you are not naturally strong such as math? What are the qualifications to be able to homeschool or are they different according to state, or district? where do you recommend someone start?
Rashida Simmons says
This article just did my heart good!! I’ve been ‘casually’ homeschooling our 3 year old and I want to do it at least thru his elementary years, possibly longer. I have family that homeschooled successfully but so many people, family and friends, are against doing it for his schooling straight thru high school and ‘socializing’ is the catchphrase thrown about all the time. When I try to tell them there are lots of co-ops, programs and support groups to allow him time with other kids in a learning environment I’m usually talking to deaf ears. But then I see my 3 yr old reading books intended for a 2nd grader by himself, or spelling words in sign language, or having full conversations with adults who assume he’s 6, I think we’re on the right track. It’s a very personal decision but a lot harder to make when the people close to us only partially support the concept. But I’m so glad to read about other Black families who’ve homeschooled up to college successfully and happily. Thank you for sharing!!
Marcus says
I am curious why it’s important to you to find other black people who home-school, and not just other people who home-school?
MrsKaboom says
I am new to homeschooling this year and we would like to connect with other Black families who homeschool. I can’t speak for others but I can say that for us it is important because seeing others who look like him doing things he does or wants to do concretizes our son’s dreams. It boosts his confidence and determination to succeed. We could also benefit from the support of our fellow homeschool parents as well.
Anonymous says
I am happy to read about more black families home schooling. I think so many children of color get left behind in the public schools. But I think the most important element in all children suceeding in their schooling is parental involvement and how important education is to a family. Too many families do not put education in the forfront of family life. this comment is about children of all colors.
Guest says
Great post. Me and my husband have been homeschooling for a year in a half now. It was mainly out of need to do so, the school and teachers dropped the bal on our childl. It wasn’t an easy decision at first but the Lord revealed to us that this would be best for our child. It has indeed been a blessing for her. It was a difficult transition for me on my part but lots of prayer and support system from other homeschooling parents. I have already started teaching our four yr old, giving him a head start. My extended family don’t agree with our choice to homeschool but they don’t get a vote in our home or what needs to happen with our kids. Parents are the children’s first teachers so I will do my part first. God said to the parents “train up your child….”
Natural Woman says
Thanks for this article. It is refreshing to “see” other black homeschoolers. Sometimes it feels so lonely in this world. I certainly understand why the majority of us are low key in this educational lifestyle, but sometimes it can be stifling to others who want to join and don’t know where to begin.