You’ve made the decision that you’ve got the energy, time as well as resources to help your child learn at home. What now? With a myriad of decisions to make, the decision may seem overwhelming. Be assured that it’s not. Linda Dobson, author of The Homeschooling Book of Answers: The 101 Most Important Questions Answered by the Most Reputable Voices. “Nothing is so stringent that you need all your ducks in a row before you start.”
Relax and go through this step-by-step schedule. It will cover everything you need to know and do before you can take charge of your kid’s education.
1. Examine Your Options for Homeschooling
Start at any time regardless of the age of your child, whether they are a toddler or have a few years of elementary school experience under her. Parents may find that the closing of the school year is the ideal time to begin their research since it allows them time to research the information and start their research by the fall. Read magazines such as the Homeschooling Today magazine and go to the library, read books, and converse with those who homeschool for membership in a regional organization for homeschooling. Learning about the different options available to you is the best method to determine the reasons behind this choice and what you expect homeschooling will bring to your family. Be patient when you aren’t able to comprehend the content you learn or hear.
Start at any time regardless of the age of your child, whether they are a toddler or have a few years of elementary school experience under her. Parents may find that the closing of the school year is the ideal time to begin their research since it allows them time to research the information and start their research by the fall. Read magazines such as the Homeschooling Today magazine and go to the library, read books, and converse with those who homeschool for membership in a regional organization for homeschooling. Learning about the different options available to you is the best method to determine the reasons behind this choice and what you expect homeschooling will bring to your family. Be patient when you aren’t able to comprehend the content you learn or hear.
2. Examine the Homeschooling Requirements in Your State
The rules and regulations for homeschooling differ from state to state. For instance, in New York, for example, parents are required to file a declaration each year of intention in the office of their superintendent prior to the 1st of July or within 14 days prior to beginning homeschooling along with an individual home-based plan of instruction. New York parents must also keep attendance records, file quarterly reports, and administer standardized tests. Find more details about your state’s laws on You can Homeschool.
Related: How to Encourage Self-Improvement for Your Children
3. Join a Homeschooling Group in Your Area
In your community, meeting homeschoolers can provide you with valuable info. There are other families that can help you answer questions, review their home-based teaching methods, and demonstrate how homeschooling can benefit them. It is possible to learn about appropriate activities for your child’s age that they may like to take part in, like tutoring, sports, or other small groups that match the interests of your child. In the weekly meetings, parents can decide to teach a topic like the language of another country and a laboratory for science to the students.
4. Select the Curriculum for Your Homeschool
The curriculum can be bought through catalogs for mail-order or online stores, such as Scholastic’s Teacher Store (you’ll need to sign up in order to purchase). They range from books and workbooks that teach writing, reading, and arithmetic, to more personalized strategies that are guided by the child’s interests. State fairs and conventions which are held every year, showcase various homeschooling books and other products.
5. Establish Your Homeschooling Environment
Do you plan to conduct classes at the table in the kitchen? Do you require a whiteboard or desk? Do you have a wall for posting calendars, agendas, and work completed? Do you have a computer in the vicinity that is online via the Internet? You can organize your space by purchasing bookshelves and storage cabinets for storing workbooks and textbooks. Baskets are also helpful to keep loose items in check.
6. Specify Your Homeschooling Objectives
Because homeschoolers move at their pace, it is important particularly during the initial year, to think about what you’re hoping to accomplish. It is important to consider academics when setting goals for both long and short-term but they’re not the only element of an education for children. As an example, how does your child be physically active? What time will he be able to socialize with other kids? Think about whether extracurricular programs are important like lessons in music and Boy Scouts. Connect with other parents either homeschooling or not to discover the best activities. Also, look for local community centers, houses of worship, newspaper ads, and listings.
7. Establish a Homeschooling Timetable
Develop a strategy to achieve the goals you’ve set. While having a plan can make people feel overwhelmed, however, it is helpful, especially at the beginning to be organized and focused according to Dobson. Buy a planner and think about how to divide your child’s academic calendar and every subject you wish to tackle. You should think about how you would like to break down your learning week-to-week too. Schedule time for excursions to the field and trips to libraries. Also, remember that flexibility is among the main benefits of homeschooling. You are always able to adjust your program to meet the changing needs of your child.
8. Be Aware of Typical Homeschooling Mistakes
Homeschoolers have reported three problems that can impede novices. The first is feeling lonely. Be sure to follow the guidelines in Step 3 and enroll in an online support group. This isn’t just for children, though social interaction is essential for their development. Parents who homeschool need to be able to connect with other adults who are like-minded too.
Another issue is that you may be committing to a program too early. Dobson says that a few homeschoolers who are new to the field purchase a costly prepackaged curriculum immediately but then realize that it isn’t suited to their child’s needs. Test it for a few days before investing an enormous amount of money.
Also, be aware that you’ll be required to study while you go along. Making the transition to independence in homeschooling and flexibility can be difficult. There are a myriad of methods to approach the task. Be aware that you’ll be debating and continually changing your definition of yourself in the process.