How to Create and Start a Homeschool
Learn to Choose Homeschool Materials, Organize and Plan Instruction
There are several key characteristics of a successful homeschool. The "how" of homeschooling is mostly focused on everything to do before beginning homeschooling!
Homeschooling Materials
First, it is imperative to pick the right materials. If adequate materials are not chosen, there is a higher chance of frustration. There are books and conventions which may be overwhelming with the thousands of resources available for homeschooling. Here are some suggestions on how to "weed" out all the noise and zero in on what will be helpful.
- Is there a need for a particular religious bent? There are homeschooling materials from Catholics, many "flavors" of Protestant denominations, Muslim homeschooling materials, and of course many secular materials.
- What methodology will fit the particular homeschool? There are numerous methods, all claiming to be the best. However, what is best is what works for each unique parent and child. There is the Charlotte Mason approach, Unschooling, Classical homeschooling, etc...
- How much of the material should already be prepared? For those new at homeschooling, it is highly recommended to consider purchasing scripted lesson plans. These are immensely helpful in planning not only the day, but the whole year.
- Choosing the right materials is linked to the methodology of choice. Has research on which method to be primarily employed been investigated? Has the learning style, personality and behavioral needs of the student been considered when choosing materials, methods, and approach?
- Research what other parents say about the materials. Mary Pride's book with the top homeschooling picks may be helpful. Also, check out Amazon reviews. And of course, network! Homeschooling parents are always happy to share their experiences with the material and discuss the pros and cons.
Home School Organization
Secondly, organization is the key to successful home schooling. Without thinking through how to physically keep the papers and books organized, a home schooling parent will quickly be driven insane with papers everywhere!
Plan on having some sort of method to keep track of lesson plans, grading books, and the books and resources (manipulatives) for the children. Set aside a place for "school" where these resources are kept. At the beginning of the school year, train the children where things are shelved and where to put them back.
Home School Planning
Thirdly, planning is essential. Ahead of time, think through how the day is best organized for maximum learning. It is recommended to pick the same time every day to start homeschooling. Children need to be taught to get up and get going, just like for traditional school, and to be ready to begin at the appointed time. As this routine is developed, it gets easier to begin the day and accomplish the tasks of the day.
Planning is also key to figuring out ahead of time when there will be vacation days. There will be days where home life makes it extremely difficult to home school. If there is a well-thought out plan, it will be less stressful to cancel school at the last minute.
Planning is important to make sure home school students learn what they need to for the year before the school year is finished. By knowing what must be accomplish for the year, it will not be hard to figure out when lessons can be skipped or shortened. It takes time to know what the objectives for the year are and how to know when the student has mastered those objectives. Not having a plan or not following the plan may result in mom and child doing "summer school!"
Home School Atmosphere
The type of atmosphere in the home is essential to effective learning. The three main parts to a successful homeschooling atmosphere are to be flexible, purposeful, and relaxed.
Maintaining this attitude will help both parent and student to be flexible when the material isn't working out for whatever reason and can be switched mid-year. Flexibility is essential to changing the organization of the day and materials when better systems are discovered or when the family needs a change. Sometimes "life" intervenes in some way. Staying flexible and not allowing changes to feel like failure will minimize stress.
Purposefulness is essential to help a tired mom "stay the course" and require the children to work. It can be tempting just to leave school for the day in the cupboard and watch movies. It does take personal discipline to get through the day's lessons, even when the kids are begging for a break.
Be relaxed. Many parents burn out on homeschooling because they push too hard, do not take breaks, or even at times choose to do the bare minimum. While more scientific research needs to be done, anecdotal evidence strongly points to home schooled children as being better socialized and ahead academically than their traditionally schooled peers. So relax! And enjoy the results – happy, thinking, civilized children.
With a little planning, organization, and creating an effective home school atmosphere, parents and students will quickly fall into the routine and be amazed at what is learned! Don't be afraid to change any part of the home school mid-year. There is always room for improvement and growth on the part of the teacher and the student.
Homeschool Books
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