The thought of preparing to begin the process of homeschooling might seem daunting it is possible to accomplish it. Learning is happening every day and the same way your child learned to walk and talk to your teacher as her or his, they are able to continue to be taught from home, in a calm family-friendly environment.
If you are thinking of homeschooling your kids, here are some things to consider and tips on how to start your journey.
- Know your goals and vision. Discover your WHY
When deciding how to begin homeschooling, this is something you’d think should be done earlier on. In the beginning, you may not have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish or what your vision is. There is nothing to be concerned about.
Your family school’s vision and goals will become clearer as you pray through each step. Whenever the time (or week) becomes difficult or you encounter major difficulties, they’ll guide you back to sanity and calm. So think of a solid reason of why you want to homeschool your kids.
2. Know the rules
Homeschooling is managed by the government. This means that you’ll have to check the specific rules in your country (or state) to learn what you need to do in order in order to legally homeschool. Certain states in the US consider homeschools to be private schools , and they are able to regulate them in this way. Some states have their own laws governing homeschools, while certain states have no regulations for homeschools whatsoever.
Don’t think that because the legalities are confusing, they’re not easy to adhere to. Homeschool associations in your country, state and local can offer guidance in knowing the laws, but make certain to read the official code (which is typically available on the official website) to get the most current and precise legal details in relation to homeschooling.
3. Understand learning styles and your child’s needs
In choosing to homeschool your children, you’re providing them with a unique education that they won’t be able to receive in public schools. Make use of your child’s strengths; help them with their weaknesses; help them grow.
Finding out how they learn best (auditory visual, auditory, or kinesthetic) will aid them in making curriculum and learning style choices.
4. Know the different methods (then choose)
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that you don’t have to start from scratch. Realistically, it’s best to avoid recreating the school experience in your own living room. You have the option of allowing your children to learn in ways that are not possible in a formal setting. Do some research into your own household’s unique needs. Observe how they acquire knowledge. Unlike a school, the home doesn’t need the same type of system. There are a variety of options for homeschooling. Take the time to learn about each.
Especially if your children attended public schools, you should give yourself and your family time to deschool before diving headfirst into homeschooling. When children stop going to school and begin homeschooling, they go through an adjustment period.
Student benefit is maximized when they are freed from their traditional school environment. For those who have been in the public school system for a long time, this is known as deschooling. Homeschooling is a great option to consider at this time. If you haven’t finished it yet.
You can educate your children in many different ways, and you can homeschool them in many different ways. Classical, Charlotte Mason, traditional units, Montessori, and more. You and your family can weigh your personal objectives and preferences to determine which option is best for you.
Homeschooling strategies such as curriculums are just tools that you can use to help your children learn. No need to worry about finding the “perfect” one, and then tying them down for the rest of their lives.
5. Choose a curriculum based on your chosen method
The search for the right homeschool curriculum for the needs of your household and your life style is essential! One of the most effective ways to learn more about the homeschooling process and homeschool curriculum is to seek out someone who is a mentor or an experienced homeschooler to offer insight, encouragement and guidance.
Find a homeschool support group
Becoming a member of a local homeschool support group can help you get the most out of your homeschooling experience by providing you with useful tips, advice, and resources. In order to navigate homeschool curriculum and requirements, homeschooling families have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are happy to share. You can learn a lot from other homeschoolers, especially if they’ve had first-hand experience with the curriculum and programs you’re considering.
Involvement in homeschooling conventions
There are many advantages to attending conventions, such as the opportunity to get a better sense of the curriculum before you buy, and the opportunity to save money.
Settle on your chosen curriculum
Finding local support and attending an online convention for homeschoolers are excellent first steps in deciding on the best curriculum for homeschooling. In the end, you’ll have to make a decision. If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to take on the most difficult part of the process.
Find a curriculum that fits your lifestyle and personality is usually the most appropriate curriculum to meet your specific requirements.
6. Plan your homeschool year
It’s a must! In my own experience, I can tell you that a simple homeschooling plan is essential. To ensure that your homeschool year is successful and that you meet your goals, you must have a plan that includes goals.
To plan my homeschool, I’ll start with a basic framework and basically plan the whole year but I make sure that they are flexible. It prevents frustrations and stress if we do not finish the topics within a certain period of time. I learned it the hard way!
Furthermore, homeschooling allows for a great deal of individuality and variety among families. There are some people who like to plan their entire year in advance or plan by month or even by week. As a homeschooler, you’ll have to consider your own preferences, laws, and other responsibilities, as well as the type of materials you’re using.
I prefer to draw a calendar for the upcoming year and write down what we do each month, rather than relying on a paper calendar.
7. Create a schedule (or not?)
Every subject and student is meticulously laid out in a color-coded schedule when you search for ways to start homeschooling on the internet. In the event that you’re interested in homeschooling, you can do it! We’re allowed to take as much as we can.
You should not be concerned, however, if you think you are not organized or disciplined enough for homeschooling. Every homeschool is different, and that includes the way we schedule our work (or even whether we do it at all). Until you find a method that works for you, you should experiment with different approaches. It depends on you and your children. Use whatever works for all of you.
8. Think of a record system that works for you (super important!)
Many parents are concerned about keeping accurate records of their children’s homeschooling activities. It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you take small steps on a regular basis, you’ll soon accumulate solid homeschool records. Here are some of the homeschool record-keeping tools I recommend: Grade book (or online file), Portfolio (both physical and online using a drive), and Summaries (whether weekly if you have a lot of time or monthly or quarterly – totally depends on you).
Relax, homeschool momma! You can do it! The important thing is to know your reason why you homeschool so that you will go back to it when you feel down and frustrated.
