Homeschooling is becoming a viable option for many parents across the USA, allowing a far more personalized education tailored to the needs of their own children. If you are considering homeschooling your little one, but don’t know where to start, here’s all the information you’ll need.
Let’s start by taking a look at some of the most common questions asked.
Questions about Choosing a Homeschooling Method
What are the different homeschooling methods?There are various methods of homeschooling, ranging from the traditional structure of following the same curriculum as in a regular school system to the more alternative methods such as the Montessori and Radical Unschooling approach.
The homeschooling curriculum you choose will depend upon your own preference, your child’s learning style, and the resources available to you. Popular examples of homeschooling methods include: child-led learning, classical education, traditional education, Montessori education, Unschooling, Charlotte Mason approach, unit studies, and eclectic style.
What is the difference between Traditional and Unschooling?The main difference between traditional and unschooling method is in the amount of structure that you give your child.
Traditional homeschooling follows a curriculum such as a textbook or online course, whereas unschooling allows your child to pursue their own interests and have control over the learning process.
Should I choose a specific curriculum for my child?This depends. Some parents find it easier to use an existing curriculum such as Abeka or Saxon, as it provides them with a framework to follow.
Others prefer to create their own curriculum by collecting and curating resources from various websites, books, and other sources. Ultimately the decision is yours, and you will need to decide what works best for you and your child.
Questions About Finding the Best Resources
What resources are available for homeschooling parents?
Homeschooling parents have access to a wealth of resources. Resources for homeschooling parents come in a variety of formats and can include books, websites, online courses, lesson plans, and more. You will also find organizations such as state or national homeschool organizations, which can be incredibly helpful and provide support, guidance and assistance in helping you create the best curriculum and teaching approach for your child.
What should I look for in a homeschooling resource?
When selecting a homeschooling resource, you should look for items that provide quality materials and are aligned to your child’s learning style and abilities. It is important that resources should be age-appropriate and engaging in order to ensure that your child will actually learn from them. It’s also important to find resources that provide activities that supplement the lesson plans and that can make curriculum more fun and interesting.
Where can I find free, or low-cost homeschool resources?One of the best resources for free or low-cost homeschooling materials is online.
A simple internet search can help you find all kinds of websites, books, and other resources for homeschooling. You can also look for resources at your local library, or at bookstores or educational toy stores such as Learning Resources or Learning Express.
Additionally, you can find a variety of free worksheets online, as well as online curricula such as Khan Academy or CreativeLive.
Questions about Creating a Homeschooling Schedule
How should I plan my homeschooling day?Planning a homeschooling day can be tricky as you will need to integrate your child’s needs with your own.
The best way to create an effective schedule is to start with a morning routine, with some breathing exercises, stretching or yoga, a healthy breakfast and some math or reading. Afterwards, you can focus on specific tasks like science, language, art and social studies.
It’s important to create a flexible schedule that can accommodate activities like field trips, physical activities and extracurriculars. How much time should I spend on each subject?
It depends on your own personal preference as well as your child’s learning style. Generally speaking, a balanced school day should include between 2 to 3 hours of academic work, 1 hour of physical education, 20 minutes of free play or exploration, and some time for a break or a nap.
That said, it is important that you keep your child’s individual needs in mind when creating a schedule. Can I incorporate activities such as arts and crafts or music into my homeschooling day?
Yes, absolutely. Arts and crafts activities, music and other creative outlets can be a great way to reinforce the academic lessons your child is learning.
Allowing your child to express themselves through creative outlets also helps to make learning more enjoyable, while also providing them with a space to relax and express themselves freely.
Questions About Finding a Support System
Should I join a homeschooling organization?Joining a homeschooling organization can be a great way to get access to valuable resources, lessons plans and support from other homeschooling families.
Joining a homeschool co-op, or a homeschool group on social media, can also be incredibly helpful in terms of finding materials, getting advice on teaching methods and strategies, and just making sure that you have support from other homeschooling families. 1
Are there any online resources or communities that can provide support to homeschooling parents?Yes, many online resources and communities are available to help homeschooling parents.
These can include websites such as HSLDA. org, Time4Learning. com and the Homeschooling Resource Guide, as well as communities like the Homeschoolers of America or the National Home Education Research Institute.
Additionally, social media and online forums such as Reddit, Facebook and Twitter are both excellent sources of support and advice. 1 Can I get help from professionals?
Yes, you can. Homeschooling professionals such as certified teachers, educational consultants and curriculum specialists are available to provide assistance to homeschooling parents.
Additionally, many schools and colleges offer homeschooling courses and programs which may be of interest to you. Consulting with an educational specialist or seeking out a mentoring program can provide invaluable advice and help you to create a successful learning plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be both an exciting and challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting one. With research, planning, support and dedication, homeschooling can be a fulfilling journey for both you and your child.
By understanding the different methods and resources available, creating a schedule that works for your family, and building a support system, you can rest assured knowing that you are creating the very best educational experiences for your child.