{Day 16} Can Homeschoolers Win Honors And Awards?
{For an overview of all 31 Days of Homeschooling click HERE.}
Even when homeschooling is well understood, parents may worry their children won’t be treated the same. Moms and dads want to know if their students can still earn awards, graduate with honors, win scholarships, enter competitions, and do all of the other things that kids do. In my experience, high achieving parents in particular — those choosing homeschooling mainly for its academic advantages and the rewards that follow – often want reassurance that nothing will be missing from their child’s educational experience.
The good news is there is no shortage of honors, awards and titles available to homeschoolers. Homeschooled youth are recognized for their efforts and skills coast to coast. Many districts offer year-round opportunities where homeschooled students may participate. In districts that do not, regional homeschool groups usually pick up the slack and host activities of their own. I have seen the number of opportunities for homeschoolers increase tremendously in recent years. In fact, the only problem these days is choosing which of the many worthwhile titles to pursue!
It is very common to find today’s homeschoolers at spelling bees, 4-H fairs, robotics competitions, chess playoffs, geography bees, speech competitions, athletic playoffs, speaking as valedictorians at large graduations, and at many other events that showcase their records. Homeschoolers may be nominated for honor societies, too, as well as leadership programs, travel programs, entrepreneurial internship programs and more.
Science fairs is one area where homeschoolers shine. Coast to coast, homeschoolers hone their research and experimentation skills by designing projects for fair competition. Though many districts allow homeschool students to participate, some do not. Where no fairs exists, regional and statewide support groups can offer fairs of their own.
In my book, “The Homeschooler’s Guide to Science Fairs” (on Amazon HERE), I talk about the scientific process, project requirements, creating award-winning displays and more. The book also includes as whole section devoted to organizing a science fair in a region where one does not exist. Students learn so much more than just science at these competitions. I highly recommend this activity for all students.
Further reading:
Science fairs for homeschoolers and more!
Graduation and other special high school events
Results of latest poll: What are homeschooled students really like?
Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A liaison for regional school-to-home organizations, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT, Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.
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