Homeschool Seminar

Debunking Homeschool Myths

By Sister Mina Fadol and Sister Shazia Awan-Qureshi

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By Ibraheem Rasheed

Myth#1

Homeschooled children don’t get enough socialization

Our dedicated and talented homeschool community works together to provide diverse programs, activities, events, and field trips. There is so much on offer that we could be out 7 days a week if we chose. 


As a community, we have successfully run the following Co-op groups this year: 


In addition to the Co-ops mentioned above, we offered the following programs for our homeschooled children:


Here is the list of Homeschool events that were organized by Calgary Muslim Homeschoolers:


Children also took part in Service projects such as:


We have regular meet-ups that run throughout the year, such as: 


As we grow as a community, we will be able to provide more exciting and enriching opportunities for our children.

Myth#2

Homeschooled children only learn from Mom/Dad

Often homeschooled children have many teachers from different parent-run co-op groups, madrassah, sports/activities, tutors, older students etc. You are not alone. We have an active community and loads of resources Alhamdulillah.


Myth#3

 You have to be a teacher or have experience in order to homeschool

What you don’t know, you can easily look up (hello Google!) or you can outsource the subject to a program, or tutor or you can use a scripted curriculum with all of the answers provided.


Myth#4

Homeschool is just like traditional school 8 am-3 pm

Kids are not learning for a full school day. In traditional schools. There is the time taken for breaks, lunch, and going to and from classes. The time spent homeschooling depends on a few factors like the child’s learning style, and age/grade but generally takes much less time to complete than in school and thus gives the child and you more time in your day to pursue other activities and interests such as nature walks, bike rides, cooking, hobbies, reading, etc.


Myth#5

Kids miss out on traditional learning and consequently they are late to reach milestones such as reading by the age of 7

Most “late” learners catch up to their peers by the time they graduate high school. Milestones are artificial. Every child is unique and learns differently. Babies don’t all walk or learn to talk at exactly the same time. Why do we expect our children to learn to read at the same time? Homeschooling children can learn at their own pace without being pressured or rushed.




Myth #6

You have to follow the Alberta Program of Studies

Only if you choose the Teacher-Directed option for homeschooling. If not, you can follow the Schedule of Learning Outcomes for Students Receiving Home Education Programs. That Does Not Follow the Alberta Programs of Study. It has only 20 outcomes compared to the average of 1400 per grade in school. It allows for flexibility in topics, methods, and resources used, you have until Grade 12 to cover all 20 outcomes and there is no obligation to sit any tests or submit assignments. Progress is assessed by a facilitator assigned to you by your homeschool board in 2 visits at the start and at the end of the school year.

Myth#7

Testing is the only way to assess your child’s progress

Children often can’t show their true abilities if they are stressed or anxious when taking a test. Tests are not the only way to assess a child’s progress. In homeschooling, you can assess your child in many ways by asking them questions and having them demonstrate their understanding with a drawing, model or piece of writing, or even a PowerPoint presentation.


Myth#8 

Homeschooling is only for Elementary school. Highschool subjects are too hard to teach at home

Homeschooling high school is challenging but very possible with a lot of support provided by our homeschool boards and there are many ways to do it.