Homeschooling After Public School

The Homeschool World

A single mother sits around a large table reciting multiplication facts with her children. They appear happy and contented. For each group of facts the children get correct they’re rewarded with Smarties in the appropriate denomination. One Smartie for the one times factors, two for the two’s and so on. Looking in you would think the small family had always homeschooled, you would be wrong. In fact homeschooling was a relatively new venture for this family with good times and bad.

Is Homeschool the Right Choice?

When making the decision to remove a child from the Public School system a number of factors must be considered such as the child’s mental health, social abilities, learning style and the time commitment that will almost always ensue. Add to these concerns ones about curriculum, grading and future reintegration into the Public realm and Homeschooling can seem like a daunting venture. It doesn’t have to be.

Who is Qualified to Homeschool?

Anyone can homeschool, anyone with children that is, and the decision to remove a child from the public system ultimately rests with the parent in most geographical regions. With that decision comes the responsibility of documenting the child’s successes and achievements (yes you should write report cards) and at times even their failures, which can be difficult for many parents.

Suggestions for Transitioning to Homeschooling

There are many steps, which can aid in the transition from public to homeschool as well as relieve some of the undeniable stress bound to occur in the first weeks. First, research EVERTHING. Look at pre-packaged curriculum, online tutoring, local private education facilities such as Sylvan. Find online resources for worksheets, thematic units and networking for mom or dad. There are many great websites offering free resources that entertain as well as engage a child’s mind.

Second, take time to defrag before trying to settle into a schedule. Everyone needs time to adjust to the new situation. Take a few days or even weeks before sitting down and getting busy. The practice of ‘unschooling’ is a wonderful tool during this period in that you teach only what your child asks you to, for example while walking by a waterfall if your child asks how it was made voila you have a lesson on erosion at your fingertips.

Third, gauge your child. Although they were classed as fourth or fifth grade in the public system not every child fits into a box, this can necessitate higher or lower grades in different subjects. For example a child who excels in a fifth-grade English program may be at a fourth grade math level. Don’t be afraid to work on their level. Many homeschool children pick up lost concepts faster at home because of the one on one teacher ratio.

Fourth, be innovative in teaching style, scheduling and activities. You are free to use whatever methods suit both you and your child. This may mean using Smarties to teach math or sleeping in the afternoon during a unit on astrology only to drive to a good star watching spot at 11-o’clock at night. If your child is learning no one can dispute your methods.

And lastly, link to one of the many Homeschool groups accessible either online or in your community. Support is necessary for both the homeschool parent and the homeschool child. Take advantage of special homeschool discounts at venues near your home. Many attractions such as museums and recreation facilities offer special days for homeschoolers and the best part is the learning never stops.

Overall homeschooling is what you make it. It can be a rewarding venture with exciting discoveries and wonderful memories to be treasured by both you and your child.

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