How to Homeschool My Child
Have you ever considered teaching your child yourself at home? There are many benefits to homeschooling. You will be able to share your love of learning and be involved first-hand in their education. You can tailor your teaching methods to suit the way your child learns, and you will have the freedom to teach them life lessons based on experiences beyond the fixed curriculum of a school classroom. While the idea of homeschooling can seem enjoyable, a lot of work goes into creating lesson plans and developing a method of teaching.
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Speak with other homeschooling parents. Ask them about the pros and cons of this educational choice. Take note of any advice that they have to offer. Other parents can be your greatest source of support and information. If there is a support group in your area, join it. You will be able to exchange ideas, lesson plans and advice with other parents. You can connect online with other homeschooling parents at Local HS (localhs.com).
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Learn your state's homeschooling laws. Each state has its own statutes regarding this educational method. You will need to research them thoroughly to ensure you are meeting all of the legal requirements of homeschooling.
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Develop a homeschooling budget. The cost of textbooks and other materials can add up quickly. Parents can purchase customized curricula, but often can do without these materials, which can sometimes be costly. Many lesson plans and worksheets can be found online for free.
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Do your own homework before teaching your child. Research appropriate lessons for your child's age group. Review the material so that you are familiar with it. Create your own lesson plans based on your research. Contact your school district to see if they will provide you with books or other learning materials. Many worksheets can be printed from Internet sites such as lifelearning.org. You can also purchase ready-made lesson plans and materials from an independent company, such as homeschoolsupercenter.com.
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Organize your materials. Designate a space in your home to be used for schooling. Before beginning your lesson, check that you have all of the necessary books and supplies at hand. This will eliminate being distracted by searching for supplies in the middle of a lesson.
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Create a student portfolio. In this portfolio, record your child's daily lesson plans and activities. Track each day's specific assignments, scores and reviews. Make a note of any field trips that were taken. Maintain a list of all textbooks that are being used. This will track your child's academic success and achievements.
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Find out about any standardized tests your child will be required to take. Your academic portfolio can be a tool in helping you determine whether or not your child is prepared to take required state tests. As your child progresses, take into consideration any standardized exams that may be required for college entry, such as the SAT or ACT.
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