Working and homeschooling can be an incredibly difficult combination. That’s why, if you’re considering homeschooling a child, it’s important to understand the complexities it presents and have a plan in place for getting the job done.
In this article we provide a comprehensive guide on how to homeschool and work full time.
1: Assess Your Family’s Needs
The first step you need to take when attempting to homeschool while working full time is to assess your family’s needs. Every family is unique, and what works for one group may not be suitable for another.
Make sure that you understand the financial, educational, and emotional requirements of teaching your child at home. This will help you properly prepare for homeschooling and ensure you are able to make the right decisions along the way. Financially, it’s important to consider the cost of teaching your child.
You will likely have to purchase supplies, pay for curriculum subscriptions, or hire private teachers for some subjects. You will also need to consider any loss of income, such as if you need to cut back your hours at work, or eliminate certain expenses to make room for homeschooling. Educationally, consider the type of curriculum you’ll need to invest in for your child.
You may choose to go the homeschool route and use online learning or paper-based curriculums. Or, if you are a dependent on someone else, such as a military family or parent of numerous children, you may be eligible to take advantage of a government homeschool program.
Make sure to research all your options before selecting a particular curriculum. Emotionally, consider how your family will handle the day-to-day work and schooling responsibilities.
This will depend largely on your family’s dynamics and capabilities. For example, if you are the primary breadwinner and homeschool teacher, chances are you will be carrying the majority of responsibility and may need to find ways to stay organized and manage your time.
2: Choose a Homeschooling Method
Once you have your family’s needs assessed, the next step is to select a homeschooling method or program. There are a variety of homeschooling methods available, so determine which will best suit your family’s needs. Here are some of the most popular homeschooling options to consider: Traditional homeschooling is similar to a traditional school look and feel in your own home.
This option can include printed textbooks, class projects, and other activities similar to what you would find in a regular classroom setting. Online homeschooling is another option that is becoming increasingly popular.
This method provides a more flexible, customizable approach to learning than traditional homeschooling. It is usually self-paced and often allows students to interact with their peers online or through discussion forums. Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that forgoes traditional grading methods, textbooks, and assignments.
It is based on the premise that children learn best when learning at their own pace and through self-directed activities. You can also opt for hybrid homeschooling, which combines traditional methods with online learning.
Hybrid homeschooling can be tailored to meet the individual learning needs of each child. Whichever option you decide on, make sure that your chosen homeschooling method is in compliance with the laws of your state. Some states have stricter laws when it comes to homeschooling than others, so it is important to consider these regulations prior to enrolling your child in an official program.
3: Understand the Legal Requirements and Regulations
In addition to familiarizing yourself with your state’s laws and regulations on homeschooling, you should also be aware of the requirements and regulations associated with working and homeschooling full time. Depending on your state, you may need to adhere to certain rules related to the hours you work, the frequency of testing and evaluations, and the qualifications necessary for teaching your child. For example, in some states, you may need to provide an established curriculum and demonstrate that your child is making the required academic progress.
You may also be required to submit quarterly and/or annual evaluations by trained professionals to show that your child is making the expected educational progress, usually measured by standardized tests or other assessments. It is essential that you have a clear understanding of your state’s laws and requirements for homeschooling before you begin the process.
Find out what documents and fees are necessary to comply with all the regulations so you can prepare in advance and avoid any potential issues down the line.
4: Utilize Local Resources
Another important element to consider when homeschooling is taking advantage of local resources. Chances are, there are numerous homeschooling programs and support systems available in your local community.
Take some time to do your research and find out what is offered in your area. Your local library likely offers a variety of educational materials and books that can help you and your child learn, as well as provide a great place to study together. Museums, community centers, and churches also often have educational programs for children.
You can also seek out local support groups and resources for both you and your child. You can find out about field trips, book clubs, online classes, and more that can enhance your child’s education and provide both you and your child with the opportunity to socialize.
5: Create a Practical Schedule
Once you’ve rallied the necessary resources, the next step is to create a practical schedule for both your work and homeschooling days. Time management is key when working and homeschooling, so it’s important to make the best use of your available time. You will need to consider your daily working hours, school hours, and the time needed to prepare meals and take care of your family.
You will also need to prioritize tasks, such as make sure you have enough time to plan lessons and grade assignments. Make sure to build in some flexible scheduling to account for unexpected events, such as illness or a last-minute work assignment.
Make sure to also schedule downtime for both you and your progeny. There will be days where you both need a little break, and that’s ok.
6: Find the Right Technology Solutions
Staying organized is essential when working and homeschooling, so make sure to invest in the right technology solutions for managing your ever-increasing workload. There are plenty of apps and online services available to help you stay organized, and many of them are specifically designed for working parents. Look for solutions that are both easy to use and affordable.
Popular choices include to-do list tools which you can use to plan tasks and track progress. You can also find school management tools to help you organize lesson plans, curate curriculum materials, and track progress.
Be sure to look into educational technology solutions as well. This could include subscription services for doing research, interactive digital media to help your child complete assignments, or education games to make learning more fun.
7: Build in Structure and Routines
When working and homeschooling, there are bound to be days where it feels like you are both pulled in multiple directions. It’s important to create structure and routines to provide structure and encouragement to stay on task. For example, once you’ve established a schedule that works for your family, make sure to stick to it.
Go over various subjects every day, and make sure your child understands how to review and complete assignments at home. Additionally, you may want to consider setting up a designated study space in your home, such as a desk in the living room or a special corner in the bedroom.
It’s also a good idea to set rewards for work well done. You can use positive reinforcement to motivate your child to do their best. This could include a reward system such as stars or points collected for completing tasks, or a family outing for extraordinary effort in a particular subject.
8: Support and Empower Your Child
When working and homeschooling, make sure to provide your child with the necessary encouragement to understand and accept their newfound responsibilities. Your child may be feeling anxious about homeschooling and potentially different from their peers, so make sure to offer appropriate support and understanding.
Encourage your child to pursue their interests and explore the world around them. This will provide essential life skills and help your child become more self-confident. You can also provide democratic decision-making opportunities to help your child develop into a critical thinker.
Show interest in their studies and provide guidance to help your child find the right path. This will not only help strengthen the bond between you, but also help your child become an independent learner.
9: Manage Time and Stay Healthy
As a working and homeschooling parent, it’s vital to take care of yourself to ensure you are able to perform both roles to the best of your ability. One of the most important elements of this is managing your time and getting the necessary rest and activity to stay healthy. Make sure to have regular breaks in between work and homeschooling sessions to relax and recharge.
Try to get to bed early and remember to fit in some form of physical activity every day. You can even incorporate your child in this and show them the value of healthy lifestyle choices.
Also, make sure to follow a healthy diet. Eating regular and balanced meals is essential for both you and your students.
10: Connect with Other Homeschool Families
When homeschooling, it’s important to connect with other families who are going through a similar experience. Having a support system can provide much-needed information and camaraderie. There are numerous online communities available to connect with other homeschoolers, both in your local area and around the world.
You can join social media groups, find advice, ask questions, and gain insight on many homeschooling topics. You can also look for local meetups and even join homeschooling organizations that offer field trips, sports teams, and other activities geared specifically towards homeschoolers.
Other homeschool families can provide valuable insight and support that you may need on your journey.
11: Know When to Step Back
One of the most important things to keep in mind when homeschooling and working full time is to know when to step away. This will be different for everyone and will depend largely on your family’s needs. Make sure that you are not overworking and taking on too much.
You don’t have to be a teacher 24/ It’s ok to accept help from family members and friends or to hire private tutors for the more complex work.
Ensuring that you and your child have time to relax and rest will enable you both to perform better and enjoy the homeschooling process more.
12: Understand the Long-Term Benefits
Finally, when considering homeschooling while working full time, it’s important to understand the long-term benefits. Homeschooling often provides a unique opportunity for closer family relationships, an increased understanding of the curriculum, and increased flexibility.
It can be an incredibly rewarding process for both you and your child. You get to witness the growth and development of your child and provide the opportunity for them to explore their interests and believe in themselves. The time invested in understanding the complexities of working and homeschooling will be worth it in the long run.
In the end, you will have both a successful career and a well-rounded and educated child.
Conclusion
Homeschooling while working full time presents numerous challenges, but it can also be incredibly rewarding if done correctly. Make sure to assess your family’s needs, understand the legal requirements and regulations, and choose the right homeschooling method for your circumstances.
Utilize local resources and technology solutions to stay organized, provide support for your child, create structure and routines, and manage your time and stay healthy. Finally, connect with other homeschool families, know when to step back, and understand the long-term benefits. With the right approach, you can both juggle working and homeschooling successfully.