How to Get Started Homeschooling

Making the commitment to homeschool your children could be one of the most important decisions your family will ever make. Every new homeschooling parent will understandably have concerns, doubts, and expectations. You'll make mistakes, and you'll overcome them. This article will get you started, but you'll need a positive, proactive attitude to get you through this long, exciting road.

EditSteps

EditSetting Up Your Homeschooling

1. Learn about homeschooling requirements. Research your region's requirements and opportunities for homeschoolers. In the United States, you can look up each state's approach at the HSLDA website. Don't get caught by surprise because you didn't know you had to register your homeschool, or submit test results and work logs.
   
2. Find other homeschoolers. Other homeschooling families are great resources when you're just starting out. Start with an online search for homeschooling groups and co-ops in your area. For more information, subscribe to newsletters on sites such as Simply Charlotte Manson and Homeschool.com.
   
   • These websites have resource pages that link to many other helpful sources.
3. Choose a curriculum. Don’t expect to get out of bed each day and ask your child what he wants to study. You'll need a solid plan for your kid's education. There are hundreds of curricula to choose from online sources and books. You may want to pick and choose from several by subject or grade level. This can be overwhelming as a first time teacher, so your homeschooling contacts will be very helpful. Here are just a couple examples to give you an idea of the choices you'll have to make:
   
   • Visual learners may appreciate Math-U-See videos, while students who like challenging math may do better using Saxon Math.
   • Older students have many writing programs to choose from. WriteShop works well for creative writing enthusiasts, while Essentials in Writing is less difficult and allows more choice.
   • Many curricula are directed at the Christian homeschooling community, often from a creationist or young earth perspective. These include reading-heavy Sonlight, the less hands-on BJU Press, and the Apologia Science series.
4. Track progress. Try writing down a daily list for each child, describing the tasks she needs to get done. At the end of the day review these lists. Identify areas that need more attention, and think about ways to improve the system.
   • Some homeschoolers have classroom-style lessons, while others have a more free-flowing curriculum. Experiment to see what motivates your child best.
5. Ensure you are financially ready. Homeschooling isn't cheap, although it doesn't come close to private school tuition. Set out a budget by looking into how much your curriculum is going to cost. In some areas, the government will help you pay for the curriculum. Set aside some money of ordinary school supplies, and for miscellaneous expenses.
   
6. Get support from friends and relatives. You don't have the resources of an entire school, but you do know people who would love to help your child succeed.
   
   • Some of these people may be prejudiced against homeschooling. Show them that you are meeting high goals in education and socialization, and you may turn them around.
7. Create a schedule. Make homeschooling a priority. Keep free time separate from "school time," and don't let interruptions or distractions take over. Many children benefit from a daily schedule so they know what you expect from them. You now have primary responsibility over their education, and you need to set parameters so they complete their work.
   • Homeschooling doesn't have to be six hours a day or five days a week. Pick the schedule that works best for each kid. Your five or six-year old may only need a couple hours a day of dedicated schoolwork.
   • Let the kids have breaks here and there between activities, as long as they get back on track afterward.
   • It's easy to let daily life get in the way of your educational commitment. You don't need to feel guilty if this happens from time to time, but act fast to get back on track.
8. Arrange field trips and extracurricular activities. Some people wrongly describe homeschooled kids as isolated, unable to interact or function in society. They would be surprised to know that most homeschoolers have the opposite experience. Make an effort to get your kids involved with activities outside the house. Homeschooling associations often plan parties, sport teams, Key Club, 4-H, and many other activities. Empower your kids not just to function around other people, but to become citizens with high levels of aspiration.
   • Depending on regional laws, homeschoolers may be allowed to participate in public school extracurricular activities.
   • Take field trips to local attractions, especially ones with educational value. You can even plan trips to family friends to learn about a profession or hobby.
9. Invest in your children's social life. Extracurricular activities go a long way, but social life is about more than just kids hanging out with other kids their age. Kids and teens benefit from socializing with people of all age groups, from 1 month to 100 years! Plug yourself in to your local community through community centers, nursing homes, religious centers, and libraries. Have family outings to volunteer at events, take field trips, and visit the park.

EditPerfecting Your Homeschooling

1. Be flexible about how you teach. Every child is different. A big plus to homeschooling is the ability to teach each one according to his strengths and weaknesses. Most homeschools have a more relaxed learning environment, but some kids may excel with a more traditional school lecture approach. Don't hesitate to change something if it's not working out. There will be plenty of trial and error, but you'll get into the swing of things.
   • If your kid is frustrated with a particular book, switch to one with a different teaching style. The right book is challenging, but communicates ideas in a way that the student finds clear and engaging.
2. Offer encouragement to your child every day. Kids blossom when encouraged, not criticized. Developing and maintaining a good relationship with your kids is more important than any academic pursuits, especially at a young age. Keep your calm even when you don't want to.
3. Instill independence. Starting a young age, teach your child to be inquiring, studious, and self-motivated. As she approaches adolescence, she'll be getting into subjects that are more difficult for you to teach. By the time she's a teenager, she'll need to teach herself most of the material. The earlier you encourage curiosity and critical thinking, the smoother this will go.
   • This is another reason why it's important to find a good curriculum or collection of books that explain everything well.
   • Give your kids time away from their parents. Especially as kids get older, tension can build between parent and child if you are constantly around each other. Transitioning into adulthood is one of the hardest things a person will go through in life. Preparing your kids for adulthood by giving them responsibility and letting them earn trust is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.
4. Teach practical skills. Time management and responsible behavior stand out as the most essential, but you would be surprised how many young adults don't know the first thing about cooking a meal or changing a tire. Learning life skills such as how to manage money, cook, and maintain a job is essential to anyone's development. As a saying in one homeschooling family goes, "I'm not raising a child, I'm raising a future adult."

EditTips

• Make sure your kids know you are in control. You are there to guide them and keep them on task.
• Don't stress if you don't meet all of your expectations all of the time. Homeschooling has a learning curve, and your kids will forgive you if you mess up.

EditWarnings

• Don't compare your kid to other children. Judge their progress based on specific educational and personal goals, including a commitment to learning.

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