We have a guest post today by my friend Deana from The Frugal Homeschooling Mom. Before she left work as a public school teacher to stay at home with her daughter, Laynie, she had never dreamed of being a homeschooler! Now, she’s excitedly preparing Laynie, almost 4, for Kindergarten – – at home. She enjoys blogging about this adventure, and living the frugal life.

Homeschooling works! I’ve been doing a lot of research lately on the subject, just browsing the internet, and the following is what I’ve learned: Did you know that homeschooled children score better on standardized tests in academics, social skills, and self concept than public-schooled children? Not only that, but there is no empirical evidence that shows that homeschooling causes harm in academics, social skills or self concept in any way. Here are some specific statistics comparing homeschooled children to those educated in the public school system.

Standardized Tests: Studies by the National Home Education Research Institute have reported that homeschooled children typically score 30-38 percentage points higher than their public-schooled peers on standardized tests in Math, Language, Social Studies, Science, and Reading.

College and Life Preparation: Homeschooled kids are very well-prepared for college. Recently published ACT (American College Testing) results for 2009 show that homeschooled teens scored an average of 22.5 (on a scale of 1-36), a little higher than the national average of 21.1. The National Home Education Research Institute (August 2009) reports that homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges, and they succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than their peers. NHERI also reports that as adults they participate in local community service more frequently, they vote and attend public meetings more frequently, and they internalize the values and beliefs of their parents at a very high rate, compared to the general population. As for SAT score comparisons, a few studies (Belfield in 2005, Clemente in 2006, and Chatmon in 2006) have found that homeschooled students’ scores on the SAT are equal to or higher than private or public schooled students, but none of these studies has found statistically significant results.

Social Skills: According to a study by Dr. Patricia Lines at the Discovery Institute in July 2000, homeschooled children were reported to be “well adjusted” when compared to public schooled children, and demonstrated fewer behavioral problems. The National Home Education Research Institute published a study in 2007 that said homeschooled children had higher scores in social skills than those in public schools. Homeschooled children typically participate in various social opportunities in the community. According to the Home School Legal Defense Association, the average homeschooled student participates in about 5.2 social activities, and 98% of all homeschooled children are involved in 2 or more social activities.

Self-Esteem: According to thesis research by Dr. Larry Shyers (1992), no difference in self-esteem was found between homeschooled children and publically schooled children, and since then other studies have confirmed this finding.

More and more families are realizing that the opportunity to homeschool is a valid option, and are jumping in on the fun. The National Center for Education Statistics produced research findings in December of 2008 that the homeschool population is growing about 8% per year, and the National Home Education Research Institute reports that number is between 5-12%. During the 2008-2009 school year, there were a grand total of 41,042 children being homeschooled, according to the NC Division of Non-Public Education’s estimates. That’s the highest number ever. That would also mean that, according to the 2007-2008 Department of Public Instruction Report, homeschoolers would make up the ­­­­­6^th largest school district in the state:

1. Wake County (134,002)
2. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (132,281)
3. Guilford County (71,292)
4. Cumberland County (52,885)
5. Forsyth County (51,351)
6. Homeschoolers! (41,042)
7. Gaston County (32,583)
8. Durham County (32,455)

There are 2,476 homeschooled children in Forsyth County where I live, which would make it the largest “school” in the district, according to the 2008-2009 report by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools:

1. Homeschoolers! (2,476)
2. West Forsyth High School (1,975)
3. East Forsyth High School (1,880)
4. Mt. Tabor High School (1,762)

When you first begin to consider homeschooling, these are some encouraging statistics. One thing I’ve learned as well is that a parent’s education level or occupation doesn’t really make a noticeable difference in their child’s performance, either. There are also many homeschool groups and co-ops that are a wonderful support. I’m already involved in three groups in my area, and through them I have a network of about 2,700 “friends” (current homeschoolers and veterans) who are always willing to help me along anytime I have a question. Homeschooled students experience high rates of success in all areas, and there’s plenty of research to support that statement! Use it the next time a well-meaning friend or relative expresses concern about your choice to homeschool, and be proud!

Print two coupons to Save $1.25 on 1 Reynolds Wrap Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum. Remember to hit the back button to print this coupon twice. Enjoy!

This looks like a fun freebie! Pottery Barn Kids is hosting an Earth Day celebration in their stores on April 22nd. Stop by one of their stores between 11 AM and 3 PM to celebrate with earth-friendly stories, activities, and a freebie surprise that kids “can plant at home.” Check with your local store for further details.

Here’s another great beauty sample! Grab your Free sample of John Frieda Root Awakening from Walmart. Follow the link and click on the small green box that says, “Request Your Sample.” Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Here are the latest Babies R Us coupons for 4/16-4/22/10. There are over 30 coupons and deals. Here are the highlights:

– Save 50% on select diaper bags
– Earth’s Best 1st & 2nd jar foods value back B1G1 Free
– Save $5 on Safety 1st Screen Door Saver
– Save 15% on Fisher Price Ocean Wonders bath items
– All iPlay swim diapers B1G1 50% off

Juice coupons! Juice is a favorite in our household and I always try to buy healthier juices. I hate the labels that claim to be 100% juice but is mostly apple juice and not cranberry, pomegranate or whatever was on the label. Old Orchard is one of our regulars, especially their Healthy Balance juices. Old Orchard has released some new printable Old Orchard coupons, including a $0.50/1 Old Orchard Juice coupon. If your store doubles coupons, you can pair that with a sale to get a great deal on Old Orchard Juice! They also have a printable coupon for $1/2 Healthy Balance juices. Enjoy! : )