For some reason you’ve decided to home school.
Maybe it’s because you don’t like or agree with the curriculum of the public schools. Or maybe you don’t want your child to be exposed to peer pressure before you’ve taught your child right and wrong. It might also be that you’re child would do better in a different setting.Whatever the reason, you’ve decided that you, as a parent, can do a better job of attending to and nurturing your child’s educational growth and learning than other alternatives available to you. So as a 4th year homeschooling mom I wanted to give you some tips on Starting Your Homeschooling Journey.
If you’re new to this, you’ll find that the biggest problem that you’ll encounter is that there’s almost no way to generalize the home school concept, because each case is different. There is no right and wrong. In fact – probably one of the unstated reasons you’ve chosen to do home schooling and one of the main benefits is that you get to pretty much create your own set of right and wrong rules. Which is a good and bad thing.
As a “teacher” you set the curriculum, and depending on what state you live in, you choose the instructional materials, the books, the hours, and so on. Each state is very different in what requirements you will have as your child’s teacher. Some have no over site whatsoever to complete control and over site. So the first step you need to take before beginning this journey is to see the requirements from your state.
No matter what your approach there are two things you are going to have to do:
1. You’re going to have to educate yourself about home schooling. The internet can become your best friend. Join Homeschooling groups online for your area or state. There are many on Facebook and Yahoo groups. There are also some great books and online sites that will make this transition easier. Most important ask! You will have lots of questions, seasoned moms in those groups will be more than happy to help. Starting a homeschool will involve a lot of research, investigation, studying and making inquiries before a homeschool begins. Parents who are looking into homeschooling to educate their children should find state and local homeschooling groups, as they will provide the best kind of information on homeschooling in your area.
On the internet, parents can also discover homeschool websites wherein it allows you to ask and discuss your options about homeschooling, as they will provide you with a variety of information as well as help you get started. The more that you investigate and communicate with others regarding your plan to homeschool, the more that you will learn and discover what you desire and need to do in your curriculum for your homeschool as well as avoid the common problems that should come your way in the process.
2. There is no nationwide agreement on what a home school accreditation program should look like or include. Each state, municipality, and school district is different. Unavoidably, you’re going to have to become familiar with and abide by the statues governing homeschooling in your particular state.
Homeschooling is a term that is very extensive. There are several methods that can fit and be measured under it. There are numerous different techniques that can be used. You can buy packaged curriculum that exactly focus on homeschooling. Some decide to register their kids in online programs others acquire and make use of software and others combine everything. You will obtain more confidence as to your homeschooling capacities and can eventually fall into a rhythm that will help your child achieve. , they can decide on a less systematized approach.
When new or inexperienced to homeschooling, discovering the ideal and exact learning method for your kid will be a real challenge. Generally, the majority of private as well as public schools make use of a formal and conventional curriculum for each student, and as a parent, you might misguidedly be certain that you have to follow and keep on with that same style at home.
When my oldest began homeschooling I bought a whole curriculum. All of it! Halfway through the year and a few hundred dollars later, I realized I didn’t need it all. This year I was able to pick and choose what was best for my kids. I went through various programs that addressed their needs.
The technique here is to determine a certain method that can accommodate the learning style of your child. As you come to be more proficient and knowledgeable and achieve certainty, you’ll find out useful, efficient and effective teaching and learning tools that will help your family reach educational independence and freedom.
After researching the regulations in your state, speaking to parents in your area, and then researching curriculums online, you’ll begin to bring together a program that is perfect for your child. If you will be homeschooling more than one child, remember that each child’s learning abilities are different and it may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for your child.
Don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out perfectly at the beginning, after 4 years of homeschooling I still have many issues with what best fits my kids. It’s all a matter of dusting myself off when things don’t go as planned.
You know your child, so choose the best curriculum that will meet all his/her needs. Along with understanding and support, homeschooling will surely be a success!
Don’t forget to check out the HSDLA, they are an excellent resource for all the info,news and laws that affect homeschooling in your state.
Do you Home school? What are some things that helped you the most when you got started?
