Ready, Set, Homeschool

“According to a 2009 study of standardized testing, homeschoolers scored in the 86th percentile. The results held true even when controlling for parents' income level, amount of education, teaching credentials, and level of state regulation. Research also suggests that homeschooled kids get into college more often and do better once they're enrolled.”(Weller, 2016)

If no one has told you, you are the best teacher for your child.  You are their role model, superhero, and confidant.  As you raise your protege, you always want to be their biggest influence.  I am here to tell you that homeschooling is one of the best decisions you can make for your family if these are your goals.  Your children will only be children for a small portion of their lives, so every moment matters.  Making the decision to homeschool is an investment, that if done right will have a lasting positive impact.  It will give you the flexibility to have that positive influence you are seeking.

Making the Decision:
As a former public and private school educator, I know firsthand the impact parents have on their children's education.  It tends to look something like, the more involved the more likely it is the student will be successful in school  Now how would that look if the parents were the school?  As a matter of fact, Chris Weller of Business Insider stated “According to leading pedagogical research, at-home instruction may just be the most relevant, responsible, and effective way to educate children in the 21st century.”(2016).  This sums up exactly why YOU should be teaching YOUR child.  

Curriculum:
One of the most intimidating things about home school is often what to teach.  Tons of highly educated gurus have already laid out a map of what each student in America should be learning from birth to 12th grade.  You as the purveyor of your child’s school have the authority to choose from the thousands of options available.  Kaylene of Autisticmama.com recommends you consider the following when selecting a curriculum:

• “Consider your child’s learning style
• Consider your teaching style
• Consider your priorities
• Consider your child’s interest
• Consider your realistic time
• Consider your budget
• Check out reviews” (Kaylene, 2017) 

Don’t make this a daunting decision, you know your child better than anyone.  You also know what is most important to teach and not teach your student.  Choose a curriculum that best reflects your spiritual, academic, and social beliefs.  This isn’t rocket science, but it could be.

Our Network:
Makkah International Institute would like to give you peace of mind.  Homeschooling can be overwhelming, and we are here to walk you through every step of the journey.  We offer mentorship to parents who are in need of guidance from professionally trained teachers and experienced homeschoolers.  Additionally we have a preselected curriculum that has been tried and tested.  Families that join the Makkah International Institute Homeschool Network will be able to join us for monthly outings that support the learning goals.  For those parents who do not believe that they have the time or experience to research and vet homeschool curriculum, we are offering online virtual learning that families can access from the safety of their homes.  Whatever it is that you are looking for in a homeschool, we are here to assist.  

Feel Comforted in Your Choice:
When your child is grown, successful, and content, know that you did your best.  You chose what was best for them and would have the best outcomes. In actuality, you only have about a solid 13-14 years to have an impactful impression on your child, afterwards they are typically set in a mold that is who they will be for a lifetime.  Increased positive interactions with parents along with decreased interactions with deviant peers are main factors that predict whether children will engage in problem behaviors such as academic failure, risky sexual behavior, and substance use (Ary, Duncan, Duncan, & Hops, 1999).  If this is not enough evidence to homeschool them then know that your positive modeling will instill good manners in your child.  Furthermore, the Prophet (SAW) stated that the best of us is the one with the best manners (Al Bukhari).  If your child does not learn a single letter sound (which they should), it is OK because what matters most is their deeds which you can influence as their first teacher.  

If you are interested in homeschooling, you are personally invited to join our homeschool network which gives you the option to enroll your child in virtual classes during the pandemic with highly qualified teachers.  Visit http://www.makkahinstitute.org/homeschool-network.html


Ary, D., Duncan, T., Duncan, S., & Hops, H. (1999, March). Adolescent problem behavior: The influence of parents and peers. Retrieved August 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10087640

Kaylene. (2017, June 13). 7 Simple Steps to Choosing Homeschool Curriculum. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://autisticmama.com/how-to-choose-the-right-homeschool-curriculum/]poiuolp;[‘

​Weller, C. (2016, August 20). Homeschooling is the smartest way to teach kids in the 21st century. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.businessinsider.com/why-kids-should-get-homeschooled-2016-8

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Reshelle Abdul-Malik M.A.T.

Reshelle is the editor of A Message from Makkah.  She is also the administrator for Makkah International Institute.  Reshelle is a masters degreed educator with with over ten years experience teaching domestically and abroad.