Getting Started Homeschooling
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The idea of homeschooling can be overwhelming to even the most self-confident parent. The best way to consider the choice to homeschool and to begin to make choices about curriculum is to look at the big picture first, then funnel down to the smaller topics. Here is an overview (each of these is covered in more depth below):
- Read about the benefits and challenges of homeschooling.
- Research your state's legal requirements.
- Find local support groups and social activities for homeschoolers. Interacting with local homeschoolers not only helps with emotional support, they are also the best source of information about how to deal with the local school officials.
- Think about teaching philosophies and learning styles.
- Choose whether or not to use curriculum or which curriculum will work for you. Only after completing the above should you think about curriculum and research which curriculum fits the style your family is most comfortable with.
- Attend a curriculum fair and/or convention that fits your philosophy.
The ABCs of Homeschooling - This ecourse covers all of the basics and much that you might not even think to ask. Terri Johnson and her husband Todd have been homeschooling for 11 years and are also the publishers of history and geography curricula for homeschoolers. Terri has put together a wealth of information in the 26 week e-course for beginning homeschool parents. The course is also available with all lessons up front. The math lesson from the ecourse is available as a free download.
The links below will guide you through the decision making process from whether homeschooling is right for your family through which homeschool curriculum to choose.
Helps for new homeschoolers
- 5 Essential Ingredients to Homeschooling Success
- Homeschooling - Making Priorities
- Home-School - A Family or a School?
- Choosing The Right Homeschooling Teaching Material
- “You Can’t Seriously be Thinking of Homeschooling!”
- Budget Home Schooling
- Record-Keeping & Organizing: 10 Reasons to Keep Records
- A Real Mom's Home School
- Time Management
More homeschooling articles
Benefits of homeschooling
- Benefits of Home Education by Beverly McCord and Donna Harp
- Going Our Own Way by Ann Zeise
- Worldview excerpt from What Your Child Needs To Know When by Robin Sampson
- Considering Homeschooling
How to Homeschool Your Child
This free online homeschooling video series from the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers includes topics from "What is Homeschooling" to "Homeschooling for Working Parents". The series is great for anyone starting out or wanting to explain homeschooling to grandparents or friends.
State regulations
Because education falls under the powers of the state, homeschooling is regulated at the state level. Each state has different homeschooling statutes, therefore the requirements in your area will be different from those of homeschoolers living in other locations. Because homeschooling statutes change as new laws are passed, I recommend reading the actual statutes for your state and then looking around the web for insight into the statute. Please remember that information found online is not considered legal advice and each homeschooler is responsible for complying with the legal requirements of her locality. After you have found out what the law says, local support groups can be quite helpful in helping you to understand what it means for you in a practical sense.
Some states require a curriculum description to be submitted. VaHomeschoolers.org has several sample Notices of Intent here that include very general curriculum descriptions. Keep in mind that less is more when submitting to your state or county. Submit only what your state requires. If an official asks for more than the law requires in your state, I recommend the "Show Me" letter approach.
Homeschool methods
Homeschoolers often classify themselves under different methods, and if you are new to the whole idea of homeschooling you might be confused by some of the terms you will hear. Below are some resources and articles that will familiarize you with some of the better known methods of homeschooling.
Textbook Method
Classical Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason Education
Unit Studies
Unschooling
Computer-based Homeschooling
Eclectic Homeschooling
Moore Formula
State Homeschool Conventions
Every year, most state homeschool associations sponsor state-wide conventions that include seminars, workshops, and hundreds of homeschooling resources on display. Many homeschoolers do the bulk of their shopping for the year at the state homeschool conventions because convention specials and no shipping add up to big savings.
State and local support groups
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get to know other homeschoolers in your area. Even if you do not participate in group activities, online and local support groups can keep you connected with people who are familiar with the legal climate for homeschooling in your state and city/county. Homeschool support groups are also helpful for finding out about local classes, field trips, and activities for homeschoolers. Above all, when things get rough (as they periodically will), knowing that you are not alone will go a long way in strengthening your commitment to your homeschool choice.
Still have some questions about homeschooling? Try the Frequently Asked Questions page and see if I might have answered your question there.
