Homeschooling has risen in popularity for the past 20 years. In the early days of the home school movement, families who homeschooled their children were sometimes regarded with suspicion. Now, homeschooling is commonplace and accepted. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 2 million children are home educated each year. Make the decision to home school your child carefully. After all, once you keep your child at home to school him, you are responsible for his learning success. Research your options to make certain that homeschooling is the right choice for you and your child.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine why you desire to homeschool your child and set educational goals for her. You may desire to homeschool because of religious convictions, concerns over your child's school district, financial considerations or to give your child one-on-one academic attention. Having a clear picture of why you want to start homeschooling allows you to focus on the types of curriculum and support you will need.
Step 2
Contact the local school board in your county and ask what the homeschooling guidelines are for your area. Many school districts offer homeschooling packets, which provide you information on support groups, curriculum recommendation and include county forms. Follow the recommendations and guidelines to assure you comply with state and county laws.
Step 3
Talk with your child about homeschooling. If they are very young, stress that homeschooling will be fun and exciting. If your child has previously attended a public or private school, ask for his input on the change. Enlist the help of other homeschooling families to show him that homeschooling is a positive experience and has the potential to allow him to develop socially and academically.
Step 4
Research your choices and order your homeschooling curriculum. Many websites offer materials for homeschooling families. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by all the choices, consult with a trusted homeschooling friend and ask for advice. She may be able to lend you some materials to preview.
Step 5
Attend a homeschooling convention in your area. Larger cities host conventions in the summer months in preparation for the fall school year. At a convention, you have the opportunity to attend lectures given by veteran homeschoolers, purchase curriculum and network with other homeschooling families.
Step 6
Set up your schooling area after your books and resources arrive. Designate a shelf, bookcase or put your child's books in a special basket. Let her pick out fun notebooks and pencils. If you have the space, a whiteboard, a world map, a calendar and a clock are helpful to display on your wall.
Step 7
Begin homeschooling your child. Keep the lessons enjoyable and focused and do not feel the need to recreate a school environment at home. Reward him for working hard and making good grades. Display his work for the family to see and admire. Network with other homeschooling families to determine what clubs and activities your child would like to join.
Tips and Warnings
- Be flexible with your curriculum choices, as occasionally what works for one child does not work for another. Keep a yearly portfolio of your child's work organized by subject. Remember to include fun activities like art and music appreciation. Set aside time each day to read aloud. Commit to homeschooling for one year at a time. If you are schooling more than one child, try unit studies for science and history. Plan field trips with other homeschooling families.
- If you suspect a learning disability in your child, have her evaluated. Follow the laws and requirements of your state.
Things You'll Need
- Homeschool curriculum
- Shelf
- Bookcase
- Basket
- Office supplies
- Whiteboard
- World map
- Calendar
- Clock
References
- National Home Education Research institute: Research Facts on Homeschooling
- U.S. Census Bureau: Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics
- HSLDA: State Laws
- Gifted Education Digests: Homeschooling Gifted Students: An Introductory Guide for Parents
- Northwestern University: Gifted Homeschoolers: An Interview with Kathi Kearney
