How To Homeschool Your Child

There are many reasons that parents choose to homeschool. Regardless of what your reason is for homeschooling your child, with the proper preparation, homeschooling can be a great option. There are many important things to do before you start homeschooling your child. Check out the tips below to help you get started.

Is Homeschooling Best

Homeschooling is wonderful, but it is important to decide if it is the best option for your family. Sit down with everyone that will be involved with homeschooling your children and discuss the pros and cons. Depending on the age of your children, it is a good idea to involve them in this conversation also. Talk about exceptions and the role that each person will play. Research homeschool groups in order to meet parents that can share the realities of their homeschool experience. Remember to take organization into consideration. How organized you are is a big factor in homeschool success, especially if you are a work at home parent.

Homeschool and State Laws

Different states have different laws when it comes to homeschooling. Once you decide that homeschooling is the right thing to do for you and your family, it is essential to know and stay within your state regulations on homeschooling. Some states need an affidavit submitted with the State’s education department. Homeschooling laws can be divided

into 3 classifications. These are: private school laws, compulsory attendance statute, and relevant statutes. Since the laws and regulations vary by state, it is important to locate your state laws. You could also need to maintain records of your child’s educational progress. It is essential to look in to the lawful requirements BEFORE you begin homeschooling. Some states even have minimum educational requirements for homeschool parents and teachers.

Support Groups

Next, search for a supportive homeschool community. If you are unable to find a group near you, with a quick internet search you will be a ble to find a wide variety of groups for homeschoolers and their parents. Having a support group can help a lot when you encounter well meaning friends and family members that try to discourage you. Be prepared to hear unsolicited advice from people that think that you should not homeschool your child. They might place a great deal of fretful concerns in your mind. A team that consists of like-minded individuals will certainly insulate you from the criticism, pressures and concerns of normal school-goers. Lots of groups arrange enjoyable events like field trips, museum tours, trips to sporting events and more. Support groups are also a great way for your children to meet new friends and build lasting relationships. These groups give a vital opportunity for socialization.

Setting Up

Setting rules, choosing a curriculum before you start, creating a schedule, and choosing an environment with the least distractions will help things run smoothly.

Choose A Homeschool Curriculum

There are lots of curriculums to choose from. Depending on your budget you may want to look into free and paid options. You may even choose to develop your own curriculum. Do some research and consider the products that are available. The internet is full of resources to help you develop a homeschool curriculum that works for you and your child.

Create A Schedule

As I mentioned earlier, organization is key to homeschool success. Create a schedule that is enjoyable for you and the children. You don’t have to pack 10 subjects into 6 hours of learning. It is more important that your children absorb what they are taught. Since each child is different, you may need to spend more time on certain subjects than others.

With discipline and team work, homeschooling can be a great experience for the whole family.