The number of homeschooled students in the United States has grown from about 850,000 in 1999 to 1.5 million students in 2007, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. When you homeschool your child from a young age, you cheer him on as he reads his first word and solves his first math equation. If you school your older child, you can design his schooling experience to meet his needs and build on his strengths.
Instructions
Step 1
Assess your readiness to homeschool your child. Ask if your current lifestyle will allow you to spend the time required to homeschool. Determine if you can afford the books and materials you will need. Make a list of your reasons for homeschooling and set academic goals for your child.
Step 2
Research the homeschooling requirements in your county and state. Look on the Internet for local support groups in your area and contact an officer of the organization to ask for advice. You may be required to register with the school board in your county. Be certain to comply with all laws.
Step 3
Discuss homeschooling with your family and child. An older child who has attended school or is currently attending school may need you to explain why you are choosing to homeschool her. A younger child may be excited when you tell her that you will be her teacher. Be patient and encouraging with your older child.
Step 4
Write down the subjects you wish to cover. Make use of online resources when determining the scope and sequence for each grade level. If you will be schooling several children of different ages, make a separate plan for each child. Send for a homeschooling curriculum catalog or research your curriculum choices online. You can opt for a packaged curriculum that includes all subjects from one publisher, or put together your own.
Step 5
Ask friends or search the Internet for homeschool contacts in your area. Homeschooling conventions are regularly scheduled in most areas of the country. Attending a convention will introduce you to a wide variety of homeschooling topics, including scheduling and time management. Vendors who attend the convention can help you make wise curriculum choices.
Step 6
Decide where in your home you will school. Use your kitchen table or a separate room. Wherever you school, involve your child in decorating the area. If she is young, display an alphabet and number chart. If she is older, hang maps and a chalkboard. Designate a storage area for books, writing and art supplies and reference materials.
Step 7
Determine your first day of homeschooling. Following the public school schedule is one way to stay on track with your required schooling days. Be flexible with your child as this is a new experience for both of you. Join a local homeschool group and go on field trips to meet other homeschooling families.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask other homeschooling families if you can look over curriculum before you purchase it yourself. Search online for used curriculum. Schedule your schooling time in the morning to cut down on distractions. If a curriculum is not working for your child, choose another. If you school more than one child, do science experiments and craft projects together. Keep accurate attendance records and compile your child's work in a three-ring binder at year's end.
- If your child has a learning disability, consider a tutor or therapist.
Things You'll Need
- Homeschooling curriculum
- Alphabet chart
- Number chart
- Chalkboard
- Maps
- Writing supplies
- Art supplies
- Reference books
References
- National Center for Education Statistics: 1.5 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2007
- HSLDA: State and Local Information
- Cato Institute: Homeschooling: Back to the Future?
- Northwestern University: Gifted Homeschoolers: An Interview with Kathi Kearney
- EducationBug: Creating a Homeschool Area
