How To Start Homeschooling

Tips to Get Started Teaching Your Child at Home

Jul 14, 2007

Recently decided to homeschool? Still trying to decide? Do not panic! Read these simple steps to get started on the adventure of homeschooling.

Homeschooling often requires a lot of decision making. Making the decision to homeschool is hard enough, but once that is done, facing the task of getting started can seem completely overwhelming. Follow these simple tips to get started:

Know The Law - Understanding the law is very important to homeschooling. Each region has its own requirements for homeschoolers, ranging from almost complete freedom to detailed reporting to school officials. Understand what is expected where you live. Starting out on the right foot with the community will help make homeschooling easier. In America, laws vary state-to-state - visit HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) to find the requirements for your state. Homeschooling in Canada? HSLDA has a Canadian branch as well that breaks the requirements down by province.
Curriculum - Finding the right curriculum can be the most intimidating part of starting homeschooling. If you are not sure where to begin, talk to other homeschooling families you know, or join a homeschool chat group the web. Find what works for them and why. Research on the web. Attend homeschooling fairs in your area. There are many different ways to go about finding a curriculum. Keep in mind that it sometimes takes a year or two to find what work best for your children.
Space - Some space is required to homeschool. Even if it is just the kitchen table, an organized space helps the flow. Know where you will keep the books, supplies, computer, and anything else that is needed. Have a definite space for these things that your children can access, as well.
Schedule - Start thinking about what schedule will work best for your family. Homeschoolers do not have to keep public school hours, so if your family tends to be night owls, plan on starting your school day closer to lunch.
Supplies - Homeschooling usually requires many less supplies per child than traditional schooling. However, some supplies are still needed, so start making a list. Things like pencils, pens, paper, and notebooks are important to have on hand.
Commit - Some families embrace homeschooling right away. Some families who homeschool do so with hesitation, for a variety of reasons (failure of their school system, illness of family member, emotional problems of the child, etc...). Whatever the circumstances that bring you to homeschool, commit yourself fully to it for one year. Try not to think of the "big picture", all the "what-if's" - focus on one year, or even one semester, at a time. A fully committed parent helps makes homeschooling more successful.