How to Manage a Homeschool Curriculum

Parents homeschool their children for a variety of reasons including educational and religious needs. Managing a homeschool curriculum is one of the largest challenges of educating your child. Utilize all available networking and community resources to effectively manage a proved curriculum. Begin with a solid curriculum and adapt it to your child's needs and abilities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Homeschool curriculum
• Community class brochures
• Calendar
• School district testing dates

1. Research your state's homeschooling laws and regulations. Contact your local school district and notify them that you are homeschooling your child. Ask about applicable state educational requirements and testing that you need to accommodate at home.
2. Choose a proved homeschool curriculum from a reputable provider. Contact other parents who homeschool and ask them for curriculum recommendations. Shop online to purchase new or used class materials. Adapt a proved curriculum to suit any special needs your child has.
3. Review the curriculum before beginning the school year. Investigate community resources that supplement your homeschool curriculum. Gather brochures detailing park and recreation classes, art exhibits, exercise classes and science offerings. Plan activities to enhance learning with other homeschool participants or enroll your child in community activities.
4. Prepare a schedule for teaching your homeschool curriculum. Add state-mandated testing dates to your schedule and add days preceding the tests for test review. Prepare a master calendar with all scheduled activities, deadlines, educational events and test dates.
5. Begin the school year and remember to set aside specific times for classroom and family activities. Limit or forbid television, computer games or other recreation during class time. Set aside specific times for meals and plan study breaks during the day. Be flexible and find the schedule that works best for you and your family.
6. Network with other parents who homeschool their children. Stay up-to-date with new educational techniques and materials. Learn how to schedule your day while managing a homeschool curriculum from other parents who homeschool.

Tips & Warnings

• Many communities schedule classes for homeschooled children.
• Programs for homeschooled children are often available through your local school district.