– 5 simple steps
Maybe you have been wondering whether or not to homeschool. I get it. The numbers are growing as families look at what they feel is best for them. Here are 5 simple steps to help you get started.
WORK OUT YOUR WHYS
In order to homeschool effectively you need to have an idea of why you want to do it. This is something you will revisit, especially when you might feel tired or worn out with homeschooling. It needn’t be an extensive list, but solid, helpful reasons. I would also say that you should be in agreement with your partner about homeschooling and why.
LEARN YOUR STATE’S REQUIREMENTS
Every state has different laws and requirements for homeschoolers. Some are strict, and others seem fairly hands off.
Let’s have a look at a sample:
Georgia
submit letter of intent, 180 days, parent or guardian must have high school diploma or GED, need to cover reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, have standardized tests every 3 years from the end of 3rd grade, and write a progress report at the end of year (to be kept for 3 years).
Pennsylvania
There are 4 options to homeschool in PN. But let’s look at “home”. Parent or guardian must have high school diploma or GED, file a notarized affidavit including a complete vaccination record, 180 days of instruction (900 hours in elementary, 990 hours in secondary level), extensive list of required subjects, maintain a portfolio with samples of work and standardized tests, child to be evaluated every year and portfolio must be submitted for an annual written evaluation.
Texas
In Texas, homeschools are considered private schools. The required subjects are math, reading, spelling and grammar, and a course in good citizenship. Science and history are not required by state law but many colleges require them. Use a written or online curriculum.
A great website to find the different requirements is https://hslda.org/
LEARN HOW YOUR CHILDREN LEARN BEST
What is your child’s learning style? What would be best for them to make learning fun and worthwhile? Are they a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? Remember that visual learners learn by seeing it. Auditory learners learn by hearing it. Kinesthetic learners learn by doing it. (To put it simply.)
I have several videos that cover the different learning styles as I have seen first hand – in the classroom and with other children I have worked with – that it is important to know how your child learns best and to make your homeschooling serve them well in that.
DECIDE WHAT METHOD YOU WANT TO USE
There are a number of different methods you can use in your homeschooling. I have covered some of them in other posts. But before I say what these methods are, please remember that you can change your mind as you progress in your homeschooling journey. You do not have to stick to one method.
Some of the main methods of homeschooling are:
- Classical
- Charlotte Mason
- Montessori
- Waldorf
- Unschooling
- School-at-Home
- Unit studies
- Eclectic education
RESEARCH YOUR CURRICULUM OPTIONS AND DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO USE
This is where you can get fatigued. So be careful. There are many great options out there but you do need to find one that is right for you. I have reviewed a few (see below), but I know that barely scratches the surface of what is out there. Next week I will look at how to find a curriculum that suits you.
But talk to your friends and find out what they are using. Ask them for not only the pros but also the cons. What do they like about and NOT like about it?
Get some samples to look over or borrow from friends. You can’t decide from a description.
These are some simple steps to get you started with homeschool. I know that it can be more nuanced, but working through these steps will greatly help you.
Homeschooling is a wonderful journey to be on and I wish you all the best!
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