How to Get Started Homeschooling Your Child

Many families are choosing to homeschool their children these days. There are many ways to get started – this article is designed to give you a good start!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a Deep Breath
   
   Understand that you’re not a weirdo and your children will not end up warped for life. Homeschooling, like traditional schooling, has its pluses and minuses. Whether it works for your family depends entirely upon your household’s circumstances, outlook, and resources.

2. Check Your Local and State Laws
   
   The “Resources” list at the end of this article has some good links for research. Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states of the United States, but requirements vary.
   
   Some states mandate a certain scope of curriculum, some require testing, some demand teacher oversite of your homeschooling program.

3. Connect with Other Homeschoolers
   
   Find a local or state homeschooling group. They will be an excellent resource for you in interpreting the laws, in finding resources, and in networking for activities.

4. Decide on Your Curriculum
   
   Homeschooling offers great freedom, so don’t be in a huge rush and get yourself stuck with something expensive-in-a-box that turns out to be all wrong for your child. You can always start with a stack of free books from the library on a variety of topics and really take your time in finding the right curriculum for your child’s learning style – or even design your own!

5. Be Flexible
   
   If your child learns best in the mornings, don’t bother with formal schooling in the afternoons. If your schedule means math happens after dinner, great!

6. Be Ready to Change
   
   If something isn’t working, change it. You’re not a school teacher forced to use a particular curriculum, teach to a particular test, or maintain a particular daily schedule. Do what is good for your family.

7. Remember That Learning Happens Everywhere
   
   If you think about your life and some of the best and most important things you’ve learned, you’ll probably find that few of those things came from a textbook. Be alert to the learning opportunities all around you in your daily life.

8. Enjoy! Homeschooling is a joy and a blessing to most families who try it out.

Resources

• Homeschooling Laws

[zoetical]

on 7/11/2009 Great article on getting started homeschooling--it's a great option for parents today! 5* and rec.