How to Begin Homeschooling Your Child
The prospect of homeschooling your child can be a little scary to most parents. You will be taking complete responsibility for your child's education, and you want to begin this adventure in the best possible way. Taking some time to learn more about homeschooling, teaching philosophies, available curricula and organizing your home and schedule will help to lay the foundation for a successful year for you and your child.
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Instructions
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Make goals based on your reasons for homeschooling. You may want to give a gifted child an accelerated education that will challenge her and make the most of her abilities or give a child who struggles with academics extra help and time to catch up. Some families choose to homeschool so they can pass on certain religious beliefs or worldviews to their children, while others choose this option because they want their children to receive a rigorous classical education. Make a list of your reasons for homeschooling.
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Choose curricula based on your goals and reasons for homeschooling. There are many types of curricula, so start your search as early as possible. Talk to other homeschoolers and ask to see their teaching materials if possible. Attend homeschool curriculum fairs and conferences and explore websites like homeschoolreviews.com to get ideas about what will work for your homeschool. Rainbow Resource offers a huge homeschool curriculum catalog with lengthy reviews on most materials. Choose the curriculum that best suits your budget, your child's needs and your teaching style, but realize that no curriculum will be a perfect match and you may have to tweak it to make it work for you.
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Find out the legal requirements in your state. Homeschool laws vary by state, so you will need to find out what rules and procedures you must comply with. Most states require that you register your homeschool, at the very least, and others may require that your child pass standardized tests or prepare a yearly portfolio. In the Resources section below you will find a link to a list of state homeschool requirements.
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Make a schedule. Estimate the number of hours you will spend teaching your child. Arrange your schedule so that school hours will not be interrupted. You may need to tell friends and family that you will not be available to receive calls or visitors during those hours. Schedule when you will do ordinary things such as housework and running errands to make the days go more smoothly.
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Set up a school area and gather supplies. You don't necessarily need a schoolroom to homeschool, but your child should have a comfortable and quiet place that is free of distractions to do his schoolwork, set up art projects and perform science experiments. Many homeschoolers use the kitchen table. Clear a shelf for books, teacher's manuals, papers and supplies. Place pencils, pens, art supplies, rulers and any other supplies in a convenient place.
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