How to homeschool
Does homeschooling seem too complicated or takes too much time? It can also seem overwhelming - where do you start? If you want to homeschool but are not sure where to begin, here are some tips that may help.
1. Talk to other homeschooling families. Try to talk to a variety of homeschoolers so that you can see how homeschooling works for different lifestyles and family groups.
2. Look online for tutorials and literature. There are even e-books that discuss the topic of getting started with homeschooling.
3. Here is a trusted website to familiarize yourself with your state laws and requirements https://hslda.org/. Most schools require a "letter of intent" or an official statement declaring that you will homeschool your child in the upcoming year.
4. Join homeschooling organizations like co-ops, meet-ups, or online communities for social activities. There is usually a "main" group to which most homeschoolers in your community will belong—social media is a great place to search for these organizations.
5. Many homeschoolers get stressed out about choosing a curriculum that is right for their child. But it does not have to be stressful. Think about what makes your child learns - if your child enjoys stories and reading, find curricula based on children's classic literature. You can also choose between Secular or Christian curriculum.
Make sure to research, talk to other homeschooling parents, and don't worry if you don't pick the "perfect" curriculum at first. You can always change. It's a good idea to start small and avoid purchasing an expensive curriculum right away. You don't even have to buy a curriculum your first year. You can use Unit Studies {they focus on one topic} and other resources {my website sells homeschool resources, Etsy, Pinterest, and Teachers Pay Teachers} You can also try online homeschooling programs.
6. Keep good records of your child's schooling. Get a system set up - it does not have to be elaborate; even file folders in a box will do. Or you can get an entire system of computer software to track your child's progress.
Your state laws will affect how you keep your records because different states have different requirements for tracking a child's progress. Some require a portfolio, a collection of your child's work in various subjects, and others require standardized testing.
7. Last but not least, set up an area where your schooling will take place. You can even use different areas in the house! It can be the kitchen table, or a special chair, or an entire room. It's a good idea to have a set time and area in the house where you do your homeschooling. This time can be in the morning or the afternoon, whichever works best for your family. It is okay to be flexible!
If you would like free step-by-step help, sign up for my Homeschooling Startup Workbook FREEBIE below! This workbook, along with emails, will walk you through the steps to help you get started in your homeschool journey.
1. Talk to other homeschooling families. Try to talk to a variety of homeschoolers so that you can see how homeschooling works for different lifestyles and family groups.
2. Look online for tutorials and literature. There are even e-books that discuss the topic of getting started with homeschooling.
3. Here is a trusted website to familiarize yourself with your state laws and requirements https://hslda.org/. Most schools require a "letter of intent" or an official statement declaring that you will homeschool your child in the upcoming year.
4. Join homeschooling organizations like co-ops, meet-ups, or online communities for social activities. There is usually a "main" group to which most homeschoolers in your community will belong—social media is a great place to search for these organizations.
5. Many homeschoolers get stressed out about choosing a curriculum that is right for their child. But it does not have to be stressful. Think about what makes your child learns - if your child enjoys stories and reading, find curricula based on children's classic literature. You can also choose between Secular or Christian curriculum.
Make sure to research, talk to other homeschooling parents, and don't worry if you don't pick the "perfect" curriculum at first. You can always change. It's a good idea to start small and avoid purchasing an expensive curriculum right away. You don't even have to buy a curriculum your first year. You can use Unit Studies {they focus on one topic} and other resources {my website sells homeschool resources, Etsy, Pinterest, and Teachers Pay Teachers} You can also try online homeschooling programs.
6. Keep good records of your child's schooling. Get a system set up - it does not have to be elaborate; even file folders in a box will do. Or you can get an entire system of computer software to track your child's progress.
Your state laws will affect how you keep your records because different states have different requirements for tracking a child's progress. Some require a portfolio, a collection of your child's work in various subjects, and others require standardized testing.
7. Last but not least, set up an area where your schooling will take place. You can even use different areas in the house! It can be the kitchen table, or a special chair, or an entire room. It's a good idea to have a set time and area in the house where you do your homeschooling. This time can be in the morning or the afternoon, whichever works best for your family. It is okay to be flexible!
If you would like free step-by-step help, sign up for my Homeschooling Startup Workbook FREEBIE below! This workbook, along with emails, will walk you through the steps to help you get started in your homeschool journey.
Great info! I think a lot of people have considered homeschooling in the last year.