How To Begin Homeschooling

By spottybanana (via Howcast.com)

Homeschooling can be done successfully. This guide will help you get started. In this guide you will learn the basic steps to begin homeschooling.

You Will Need

• The desire to home school your child
• 1 child

Warning

• First check with your state's laws regarding homeschooling.
• Fact — Homeschooling your child can be done with practical advice, persistence and some help getting started.

Step 1: Filing paperwork
If applicable in your state file the approriate documents with your local superintendent

Tip—One parent is all that is needed however if there are two parents having a supportive spouse is very helpful.

Step 2: curriculum
Choose a good curriculum using either traditional books or online programs. Your local public library will be the most valuable resource you can imagine. Find something at your local library: URL

Tip— In your search for a good curriculum, make sure you find one that is good in Math and English. One way to find a good curriculum is ask other home school parents what they use and why they like it. You can customize your overall curriculum by purchasing your math, language arts, history, etc. from separate vendors.

Step 3: activities
Include field trips & sports activities in your teaching plan. Make everything educational — even the trip to the grocery store. You could chat about where the foods come from (think geography, manufacturing, supply chain management). Be creative!

Step 4: home school group
Look for a home school group in your area. A good way to do this is to join an online group to get information about your local home school community.

Step 5: schedule
Set up a daily schedule and try to stick with it. However, homeschool can be flexible, too. Remember, public schools were designed to teach masses. At home, you can customize your day to focus on something that is happening in the world or follow up on a profound question your child asked this morning. Make it fun!

Fact—Did you know that "According to the U.S. Census Bureau as many as two million American children are schooled at home, with the number growing at 15-20% per year." Source: http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0053.html

Fact—Home schooling takes work but can be enjoyable for both parent and child. Use encouragement and love and the experience can turn into great memories. It's an incredible opportunity to instill moral values and respect for others, create a passion for learning, and mold your child to be an informed and involved citizen of the world!

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VIDEO: Guide To Homeschooling — How To Homeschool

This is an excellent homeschooling primer video by Sue Daniels, who has homeschooled her children for over 14 years. It's very straightforward with good, solid information that's general enough to be applicable in all 50 states.

Guide To Homeschooling - How To Homeschool on Howcast

Adding homeschool to your traditional school life

By Sarah Wilson / San Jose Homeschooling Examiner (CLICK to read more)

"Homeschoolers often incorporate aspects of traditional schooling into their curriculum. Whether it be workbooks, assigned reading, structured study time, or scheduled lessons, homeschoolers take what fits their child’s needs and adapt it accordingly.

So why can’t parents of traditionally schooled children do the same? The answer is, “They can!”

First, parents need to understand what homeschooling is not. It is not a simply explained teaching style. It is not an easily followed lesson plan. It is not something you 'do.'

Instead, it is a way of approaching learning that is impossible in a classroom setting crammed with 20 to 45 students. It is observing your child with the goal of understanding just how he learns. Some good articles can be found at A2Z Homeschooling. The point of this exercise is to figure out how your child needs information presented in order for it to stick. Perhaps she needs to gather it on her own. Or, he may need to experience it. Or, she may need to move around while hearing new information. Or, he may need to teach it to someone else.

Keep in mind that in order to maintain classroom management, children are often taught in one style. If a child doesn’t fit that style, she may create problems in the classroom or act out in other ways. If this is your story, you must look beyond what you’ve been told and really see your child. The schoolteacher is not the parent. The principal is not the parent. The school counselor is not the parent. The thick manila folder people keep slapping under your nose is not the parent. You are. Take some time to really learn what makes your child tick. It will make a world of difference in your lives together, homeschooling or not.

Parents always want how-to books to figure out this homeschooling thing. And there are loads of books out there to read. One good list is at A2Z Homeschooling (this is an excellent site). Another is on the Gifted Homeschoolers Forum site (many resources are not 'gifted specific). As your child is already in school with a curriculum being taught, do not bother with homeschooling curriculum books. The last thing a child who has been in school all day needs is more school."

Getting Started With Home Schooling

Getting Started With Home Schooling | Homeschooling: "Home schooling had provided many advantages and benefits to both parents and children. That’s why many parents have opted for home schooling in providing their child the indispensable education that their children need.

However, some parents find home schooling a daunting task. So, for parents who find home schooling a bit of an overwhelming task, here is a list of some tips on how to get you started in home schooling your child"