Many famous Americans were homeschooled during part or all of their education, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Andrew Carnegie, and Louisa Mae Alcott. About two million American children were homeschooled in the 2008-2009 school year, according to the National Home Education Research Institute. The annual growth rate is 5 to 12 percent each year. You are not alone in your quest to start homeschooling your child.
Step 1
Investigate the laws that govern homeschooling in your state of residence, because regulations vary. Visit the Home School Legal Defense Association website, and click on “Find Your State” to review your state’s laws about homeschooling.
Step 2
Contact your state homeschool association to sign up for mail or email updates. Visit the Home School Legal Defense Association website, and click on “About Homeschooling," then "Homeschool Organizations" to locate your state association information.
Step 3
Attend workshops or homeschool conventions where publishers display educational curriculum to review available options. Ask other homeschooling parents what curriculum they prefer and why. Use publisher catalogs to purchase curriculum or buy used books and learning materials from other homeschoolers.
Step 4
Choose a method of teaching and begin. Some parents use a full curriculum and re-create a "school day" at home. Others follow the "unschooling" model, with little or no organized instruction; the emphasis is on helping the child follow his or her own interests. In the real world, most fall somewhere in between. Discover through trial and error what works for your family.
Step 5
Keep accurate records of attendance school days and grades if your state requires these. Record books used by teachers in traditional education can be found in local stores or online.
Step 6
Join a homeschool support group to connect with other home educators. Check with the local library or your state homeschool association to find groups in your area. Some groups offer an online support network.
Tips and Warnings
- Prepare to meet resistance from people who may not understand home education as an alternative to traditional education. Only you know what's best for your child’s education. Choose curriculum that fits your child’s learning style and your budget. Learn more about the value and risk of free homeschool curriculum by visiting the Let's Homeschool website and clicking on "Free Homeschool Curriculum." Discover opportunities for planned field trips, social activities, and curriculum fairs through support groups. Visit the library often and take advantage of any classes available. Subscribe to homeschool magazines or online ezines to get ideas and stay up-to-date. Avoid comparing yourself or your child to other homeschoolers. We all teach and learn in different ways.
References
- National Home Education Research Institute:Research Facts on Homeschooling
- FamousHomeschoolers: Famous Homeschoolers and Homeschooled parents
- Home School Legal Defense Association: Homeschool Laws
- Home School Legal Defense Association:Home School Organizations
- Let's Homeschool:Free Homeschool Curriculum
