Email Brenda

Last month I explained what it means to homeschool. For those of you who are new to homeschooling and are wondering how to get started, I’ve listed six steps to take in order to become a “Homeschooling Family.” 

• Make arrangements to comply with your state’s laws. This may be as simple as joining a certified home school association, or it may involve fulfilling requirements to be a private school. Permission from the local school board may be necessary, and the children may have to be tested. Not sure where to look for help? Every issue of The Teaching Home magazine lists state, provincial, and national homeschool organizations, including addresses, phone numbers, and websites. Furthermore, you can go to the Laws and Regulations page of the Home Education Magazine's website at http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HSRSC/hsrsc_lws.rgs.html and get info on the laws and regulations in your state; there will be a summary of the law, followed by the actual law. (This subject will be covered in more depth next month.)
• Research home education. Read books and magazines on the subject. Do a homeschooling search online. Seek out local support groups. Talk to other homeschoolers.
• Choose the curriculum that fits your child’s needs. Many methods of teaching are available; some are specially designed for children with learning disabilities. Websites such as http://www.TeachingHome.com and http://www.home-school.com can provide information on a wide variety of teaching materials. Also, find out through your local home school association whether any curriculum fairs are scheduled; these fairs are an excellent opportunity for attending workshops, thumbing through the books, and asking questions. Whatever you do, don’t snatch up the first curriculum you see and assume it will work!
• Set up a learning space. This may be a whole room, such as a bonus room or the dining room, or just a corner of a room, perhaps in a living room or bedroom. It should be relatively free from clutter and have a workspace for the child to do classwork or study. You may choose to be relaxed and let your child sprawl on the floor, and that is fine, too! However, you will need space for your books, supplies and projects!
• Plan your schedule. Organize your daily, weekly, and monthly calendars to make the most of the homeschooling experience. Homeschooling is flexible. Plan what part of the day suits you best for teaching, and what subjects will be taught on each day. Include extracurricular activities such as skating or scouting. Make plans in advance for field trips and other learning opportunities.
• Realize that homeschooling is a job. It is a job that will take time away from your household chores and your hobbies. Teaching your children can be rewarding, but unless your spouse and children pitch in and do a fair share of the housework, you may have to resign yourself to a less-than-tidy home. If that thought doesn’t send you into a panic, then you are ready to start on your homeschooling adventure!