Homeschooling has grown dramatically in the United States since the late 1990s, increasing by an estimated 2 million students in recent years. Many families are considering homeschooling for its educational benefits and lifestyle flexibility, but deciding which route to take and how to get started can be daunting.
It is important to take the time to research the state and local laws, your options, and the pros and cons of homeschooling before making the decision. This article will cover the steps a family should take to pull their child out of school and get started with homeschooling.
Researching Homeschooling Laws
The first step for any family considering homeschooling is to research the state and local laws. Each state has different regulations determining who can homeschool and how that education must be provided.
It is important to understand what is required to homeschool legally in your state. Laws also vary on issues such as being accountable to the state, filing paperwork, and whether or not a registered or certified teacher must be involved in the homeschooling process. The Home School Legal Defense Association is a great resource for understanding homeschooling laws in each state, as is the homeschooling page of the state’s education department website.
It is also important to research local homeschooling groups for more details, as local rules may be more strict or provide more flexibility than state laws.
Choosing the Right Program
Once the laws are understood, the next step is to choose a homeschooling program that is right for the family. There are many different types of homeschooling programs available, including online programs, homeschool co-ops, and curriculum programs that are sent in the mail or purchased online. It is important to carefully research each option to determine which one is the best fit, as all programs have different goals, philosophies, and expectations.
Families should also consider their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as their goals for homeschooling. If parents are not comfortable teaching certain subjects, for example, an online program or a co-op may be a better option.
Other factors to consider include cost, required materials, method of instruction, and the amount of structure the program provides.
Creating a Home Learning Environment
Once the program and curriculum have been chosen, it’s time to create a home learning environment for the family. This may involve setting designated times for learning, creating a dedicated study space, and gathering materials such as books, flashcards, and manipulatives.
Families should also make sure to clear up any misperceptions or doubts that their student may have about homeschooling. It is important to take the time to explain that homeschooling is a viable and often superior educational choice. In addition to setting up the physical environment, it is also important to discuss with the family the expectations, goals, and learning styles that will be used.
This includes discussing topics such as the importance of respecting learning styles, creating relationships with mentors and other homeschoolers, and creating routine and consistency. By setting clear expectations, the whole family will be better able to focus on learning.
How to Pull Your Child Out of School
Once the family decides to homeschool, the next step is to pull their child out of school. It is important to remember to be polite, but firm when withdrawing the child from school. It is also important to provide written documentation to the school about the reasons for the child’s withdrawal.
The school will also require that the student’s records be updated and transferred to the new homeschool program. It is important to note that many states require parents to give two weeks’ notice before officially withdrawing the child.
School districts in some states may also require a homeschooling plan to be submitted before the child can be withdrawn. In some states, the school district may also require the parents to attend a conference and have the student evaluated to make sure that the homeschooling plan meets the educational requirements.
Gathering Materials and Resources
The next step is to gather the necessary materials and resources for homeschooling. This includes textbooks, workbooks, and other curriculum materials, as well as school supplies such as pens, paper, binders, and folders.
Families should also consider everything else involved in the homeschooling process, such as field trips and outside activities. It is also important to research homeschooling resources for assistance with curriculum and related issues. These resources may include local homeschooling groups, online support groups, and educational websites.
For some families, homeschooling networks may provide access to co-ops, curriculum-developers, and other materials and resources.
Creating a Homeschool Schedule and Routine
The next step is to create a homeschooling schedule and routine. This will depend on each family’s home situation, goals, and available resources.
It is important to take the time to come up with a routine that works best for the family. This routine should include a set schedule of activities, such as allotted times for lessons, exercise, art and music, and play. It is important to talk with the student to determine what works best for them, such as the times of day when they are the most productive.
It is also important to create breaks throughout the day to give the student time to rest, explore interests, and socialize.
Evaluating Progress
Finally, it is important to evaluate the student’s progress throughout the homeschooling year. It is important to keep track of the student’s progress and create a portfolio of their work. This portfolio can help the family measure the student’s progress and provide evidence of the child’s achievements.
Many states require standardized tests to evaluate academic progress, and it is important to research these requirements to make sure that the student is on track. It is also important to track the student’s educational achievements and awards, as these can help in preparing for college or future job opportunities.
ConclusionHomeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational choice in the United States, and it can be a rewarding experience for both the student and the family. It is important to research the laws, choose the right program, create an environment for learning, evaluate progress, and pull the child out of school in order to successfully get started with homeschooling. With careful preparation, homeschooling can be a positive and successful experience for all involved.