As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create uncertainty about the future of education, more and more parents are considering homeschooling as an option for their children. But what does it take to homeschool a child? In this article, we will lay out 15 questions that will help parents understand and plan for all aspects of homeschooling.
1. Do I Have a Plan in Place?
The first step in homeschooling a child is to come up with a plan. This should include deciding what type of educational model you will use, such as traditional, Montessori, or unschooling.
You’ll also want to lay out which subjects the child will be studying, how you will assess progress and how you will ensure that the child is receiving a well-rounded education. Additionally, it is important to consider how you will manage issues related to socialization, as well as the role that parents will take in providing instruction.
What Should Be Included in My Plan?
When planning for a homeschool program, parents should consider all aspects of their child’s education. This includes deciding which subjects to focus on, setting expectations for your student, coming up with a schedule of learning activities and academic goals, and determining the appropriate grade level or course material for the student. Additionally, parents should consider how to supplement the curriculum with extracurricular activities and field trips, as well as how to assess progress along the way to ensure that the child is receiving an adequate and appropriate education.
What Are Some Suggestions for Structuring Learning Activities?
The structure of learning activities should reflect the needs and interests of the student. Parents should determine which subject areas are of most interest to the child and create a well-rounded learning program.
For example, a student may enjoy reading and writing, but may struggle with mathematics. In that case, parents may want to provide additional math activities or tutorials along with reading and writing activities. Additionally, parents may want to include extracurricular activities, such as music lessons, sports teams, or community service projects, to supplement the curriculum.
2. How Much Time Will I Need to Devote to Homeschooling?
When homeschooling a child, parents should think carefully about how much time they are willing and able to devote to the endeavor. Generally speaking, parents should expect to spend at least 2 to 4 hours a weekday engaging in instruction, but this may vary depending on the age of the child and the activities that the parent has planned. Additionally, parents should plan for additional time for grading, preparing for lessons, and engaging in other administrative tasks related to homeschooling.
When Should I Plan Instructional Time?
Parents should plan to conduct instructional sessions according to a schedule. This lets the child know what to expect and helps the parent maintain consistency and order.
Generally speaking, when homeschooling an elementary age child, parents may want to plan for two 3-hour instructional sessions each day and then break this up into shorter segments depending on the child’s age and level of interest. For older students, parents should plan more complex and longer instructional sessions throughout the day.
How Can I Be Efficient with My Time?
One way to be efficient with time when homeschooling is to maintain a consistent schedule and to plan activities ahead of time. This helps to reduce the time you need to spend on planning and also allows for down time and breaks. Additionally, parents should consider resources such as online courses, tutors, and online games and activities that can supplement instruction and activities to provide for breaks during the day.
3. What Supplies and Resources Will I Need?
Homeschooling a child requires being prepared with all the necessary supplies and resources. The supplies needed will depend on the type of educational program being used and the subject matter being studied.
At a minimum, parents should consider having access to textbooks, educational apps, internet access, printer, pencils, and paper. Additionally, families should consider what type of scientific and mathematics tools will be needed, such as protractors, calculators, and rulers.
Do I Need to Purchase Textbooks to Use as a Curriculum?
Textbooks can be useful for homeschoolers, but they are not required. Parents may choose to purchase textbooks in order to supplement their instruction, but they can also use instructional materials and resources such as website activity apps and online learning activities.
Additionally, parents can supplement their instruction with field trips, activities in the community, and hands-on projects.
Are There Any Free Resources I Can Use?
Fortunately, there are a number of free resources available to homeschoolers. The internet is an excellent source of information and provides access to a variety of educational activities, websites, and course material. Additionally, parents should consider taking advantage of community resources and programs, such as libraries and museums, which may offer free or discounted admission for homeschooled children.
4. How Do I Ensure My Child Is Receiving a Well-Rounded Education?
It is important for parents to make sure their child is receiving a well-rounded education. This includes providing instruction in all core subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, parents should consider supplementing the curriculum with extracurricular activities, field trips, and online courses to provide for a broader educational experience for their child.
How Do I Evaluate My Child’s Academic Progress?
Parents should track the progress of their child’s academic performance on a regular basis. This may involve assigning tasks, activities, and tests, as well as monitoring the child’s development and abilities in each subject.
Additionally, parents may want to consider attending conferences and workshops, or enlisting the help of a tutor or expert in the subject matter to ensure that the child is receiving a quality education.
How Can I Develop Social Skills in a Homeschool Environment?
Homeschooling a child does not have to be an isolated experience. One way to ensure that your child is receiving socialization and developing social skills is by engaging in activities such as field trips, sports teams, or clubs. Additionally, parents should consider setting up playdates or social events with other homeschooled children in the area.
This can help to build social skills and create a sense of community for the child.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires a great deal of planning and preparation. Asking and answering the 15 questions outlined in this article can help parents lay the groundwork for their homeschooling program and ensure their child is receiving a well-rounded and quality education.
With the right plan in place, parents can be confident that their child will be given the tools and resources to be successful.