Homeschooling is no longer considered a fringe movement in the United States. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there were an estimated 2 million homeschooling kids in the U.S. in 2009. This number is growing at an estimated rate of 5 to 12 percent per year. For homeschooling families, the growing numbers means that there are more resources available to homeschooling families that make it easier to homeschool a kid, such as curricula designed specifically for homeschoolers and the existence of homeschool support groups or co-ops.
Step 1
Comply with you state's requirements for homeschooling. For example, some states require that a homeschooling parent have a minimum level of education, such as a high school diploma or a college degree, according to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. You may also be required to notify the state of your intention to homeschool, submit a calendar for the school year and keep or submit specific records for your child.
Step 2
Buy a curriculum. There are a variety of complete curricula available for homeschoolers. Parents can learn more about them by going to a curriculum fair and talking to representatives of the different programs that are available. Curriculum fairs are often organized in conjunction with homeschool conferences, according to You Can Homeschool. Prepackaged curricula can provide you with everything you need to homeschool a child such as lesson plans, reading and testing materials.
Step 3
Create a daily homeschooling schedule that takes into account your family's lifestyle and normal obligations like work and chores. Write down what portion of each day will be dedicated to your kid's lessons and activities. Your homeschooling schedule can be flexible, but even a loosely formed schedule can help you stay on track.
Step 4
Sign up with your local homeschool co-op. Homeschooling families come together in homeschool co-ops to offer each other support, social interaction for the parents and kids and share resources. Co-op members may help each other by organizing curriculum swaps, group field trips and special classes where parents can share their expertise with the homeschooled children from many different families. If there is no co-op in your area, consider starting one.
Step 5
Take your homeschooler on field trips. Visit your community's local library, museums and other places of interest such as your legislative body. According to Kids Health, an advantage of homeschooling is the ability to take your child out into the community on a regular basis. Field trips can lead to positive experiences in hands-on learning and opportunities to become involved in the community through volunteering or service learning.
Tips and Warnings
- Take advantage of online homeschool support groups.
Things You'll Need
- State regulations
- Daily planner
