Getting Prepared for Homeschooling

Taking the plunge into homeschooling can be exciting and scary all at the same time. Congratulations for valuing your child's education and dedicating the extra time and effort to help them gain the knowledge you want them to have. There are some extra steps for you to take as a homeschool parent to make sure you have covered all of the bases before starting your new educational program.

Research

Read every homeschooling resource you can get your hands on! You can find books, articles and other educational guides at bookstores, libraries and online. The more you know about homeschooling, the more successful you're likely to be. Take plenty of notes - there may be lots of useful information to remember. It can be overwhelming, so be sure to pace yourself!

Get Connected

Attending a homeschool convention or curriculum fair is another way to learn about homeschooling. These events allow local homeschool families to gather and discuss homeschooling today. You will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the educational field and examine the curriculum possibilities that are available for homeschool students and their families. Before visiting a convention or curriculum fair make sure to create an agenda for your trip. All of the resources available at these events can be overwhelming but having a list of your goals for the convention will help you decide which speakers and tables to visit. Additionally, it can be tempting to buy numerous guides and curriculum books. As you may know, these resources can be expensive; save yourself time and money by deciding in advance how much money you can spend. These conventions can turn into a daylong affair so it is best to leave your children at home (they will probably get tired if they go with you).

Make a List

When researching and reading, start to create a list of goals that you have for your child's education. Evaluate your reasoning and philosophy behind teaching youth at home. These measures will help you to create an effective curriculum for teaching your child. Include your child in the goal making process so they can get the most value out of their education. You may be surprised with some of your youth's goals that you would have missed otherwise. This will also get the child excited about the possibilities that surround homeschooling.

Learn the Rules

Don't forget to research the laws and regulations your state has regarding homeschooling. Homeschooling is legal throughout the US, as well as in many other countries. However, the regulations surrounding homeschooling vary from state to state. It's important to keep informed about these laws to ensure your child's education is accepted and will be recognized at the state and local level. Make sure to stay informed about reentry regulations for your local public schools. Homeschooling does not need to be a permanent schooling option, so it is important to know the guidelines your family will have to meet if you decide to register your child into the public or private school system.

Pick an Approach

Once you have researched homeschooling in general, created a list of goals, and learned your state's homeschooling regulations, you may wish to choose a homeschooling method. There are numerous methods and philosophies that families across the world teach by. You will learn about many of these methods when researching homeschooling. It is important to remember that you do not need to stick to one method. These methods serve more as guidelines and suggestions for families. You can blend methods together to create your own curriculum and homeschooling philosophy.

Observe How Your Child Learns

When you begin to create your own lesson plans be sure to keep your child's learning style in mind. Every student learns differently according to their strengths and weaknesses. For example, some children are visual learners, others are auditory learners. Your lesson plans and activities could be great for teaching one student but bad for another. If you find your child is having problems with some of their subjects, such as math or reading, your family may benefit from tutoring. A tutor is a great supplemental resource because they will help to find the best techniques for teaching your child the skills they are missing. When researching local centers be sure to look into online tutoring programs as well. Often Internet centers are more convenient for families because they cut out the extra time that is wasted when driving students to and from their lessons.

Find Support

A local homeschooling group can be a lifesaver because it gives families the opportunity to interact and socialize with others who understand the stresses and joys that go along with home education. Since homeschooling has become more popular, chances are there is a homeschool support or social group in your area. If you have difficulties finding a local group, support groups are beginning to form online. The parents involved in these groups can also give you additional advice you may need what starting to homeschool your child.