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How to Start Homeschooling

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Are you asking how to homeschool my child? well, our home school resources will help. Just grab a coffee and sit and browse through this section.

Once you have made a decision you can often be overwhelmed with emotion. You may experience anxiety or ecstasy. Don't worry though as although sometimes the path may feel bumpy at times, the end result is worth it. How do I know? because we are through the other side with well adjusted, good adults with great personalities. Have you read our homeschooling facts page?

STATE LAWS

First of all, it is important to check out your states laws on homeschooling. Some states need an affidavit filed with the State's education department. There are basically 3 categories for homeschooling laws. These are: private school laws, home education laws and equivalency laws.

It is important to look into the legal requirements BEFORE you start homeschooling.

You may need to de-register your child from school if they are already at school. If your child hasn't yet started state school then you may not need to do anything. The rules change for children with special needs though so do check your state laws.

Some States also stipulate a minimum educational qualification for the parent or teacher. You may also need to maintain a portfolio that records the child's educational progress.

This website hslda.org has all the information you will need about this

SUPPORT GROUPS

If you feel you need the support of like minded families look for a local support group. You may find like we did that family, friends and neighbours may find it hard to support you, simply because they don't get it! A support group that consists of like-minded people will support you in dealing with criticism, pressures and questions of regular school-goers.

You can find information on these groups online by typing "homeschooling support group Colorado" for instance, into Google search engine.

These groups can often be great for homeschooling socialization as part of your home school weeks. Many groups organize fun events like visits to the zoo, museum, tours to the ice cream shops etc.

HOMESCHOOLING METHODS

You will need to decide how you are going to homeschool. Some states will clearly lay out what they require of homeschooling parents. However, most of the time you can choose the methods that most suits you.

You can unschool - which means following your child's natural curiosity in learning about the world around them, for this you don't need a formal curriculum, but instead foster a love of learning by using life as it happens.

Charlotte Mason - she believed that education is three pronged - Education is a Discipline, an Atmosphere, a Life. The charlotte Mason revolves around using so called "living books" - books that make a subject come alive.

Classical education method - it is a language based method - based on the theory that children learn in three phases, the first phase is that young children learn facts, the second phase is that children are ready to learn logic and critical thinking and the third phase being able to be independence and original in their thinking and communicating.

Montessori - Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children can teach themselves given the right prepared environment and developmentally appropriate activities - life skills and character development are on a par with academic ability.

Waldorf or Steiner Education - based on the needs of the whole child - academic, physical, emotional and spiritual; this method is about instilling a love of learning into children. It is a style very much focussed on age appropriate learning

Eclectic - this form of education homeschooling parents take a piece of each of the homeschooling approaches and methods to form a unique method to work with their family.

CURRICULUM

The next important thing to do is to select a curriculum.

Select a curriculum or custom-make a curriculum that best suits your child and thir learning style. There is plenty of curriculums and other resources around these days. You can choose to use an online curriculum, you can find information on this on our Homeschooling online page.

Our Free online homeschooling page has links to free resources you can use for curriculum.

GROUND RULES

Set certain ground rules before you start homeschooling. Homeschooling requires a lot of self-discipline and hard work. Here is a comprehensive list of the things you will need:

1) Eagerness to learn
2) Hard work and effort
3) Discipline
4) Time and patience
5) Flexibility
6) Enthusiasm

Your child does not have to learn 6-7 hours a day. Flexibility and fun are the cornerstones of homeschooling. A young child will only need three or four hours of the day at most for their work. Choose to work when your child is at their best and most alert. Set up a schedule. Don't try to cover too many new skills at once. Prepare a skill list. Help your child learn the skills that he is ready for.

RECORD KEEPING

Record keeping is an important part of homeschooling. Look into the various methods of record keeping.

Depending upon your chosen method of homeschooling, there are various tools that will help you in this process.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Consider why you want to opt to start homeschooling. Your motives and your reasons are important pillars on which the whole edifice of your child's lessons depends. Also, consult with your children. Ask them what they feel about homeschooling. Check out these advantage of homeschooling.

Gentle parenting is the secret to successful homeschooling. Children make great advances in learning and show more enthusiasm. They also turn out to be surprisingly well balanced and well informed when they are taught at home.

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