Homeschooling is becoming a popular choice for many parents wishing to provide the best education for their children. While homeschooling can provide a unique learning experience, it comes with a variety of tasks and considerations that you must be prepared for.
In this article, we’ll outline the process for preparing for homeschooling and provide tips for getting started.
1: Understanding the Different Types of Homeschooling
When it comes to homeschooling, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As such, it’s important to understand the different types and approaches to homeschooling that can fit your unique needs as a family. Traditional homeschooling is the classic approach to homeschooling, where a parent teachers a student all subjects.
In this approach, the parent develops a curriculum and syllabus and prepares lesson plans in line with established education standards. They can follow a general program they’ve developed, or they can use off-the-shelf curriculum packages, books, and other materials.
There are multiple providers of these materials, so researching what’s available can help parents decide which approach to take. An increasingly popular approach is online homeschooling.
This normally applies to high school-age children and consists of providing digital learning materials, such as textbooks and videos, for the student to work through independently. Many of these online schooling programs offer live tutorial support, so the child has access to instruction from a qualified teacher in addition to the online materials. Some other types of homeschooling include unschooling and unit studies.
Unschooling is based on the idea of allowing children to pursue their own interests at their own pace. In unit studies, topics are explored in depth and across multiple disciplines.
This allows students to learn a host of ideas related to a single theme or topic.
2: Research your State’s Laws and Regulations
Every state has its own laws and requirements for homeschooling. It’s important to research your area to familiarize yourself with the necessary tasks to get started. Depending on your state, you may need to register your student with a local public school and/or the state’s department of education.
You may be obliged to file particular paperwork, or to submit your curriculum for review prior to beginning. Homeschoolers also have to keep up with any updates to the state’s laws and regulations.
So, it’s important to set up online alerts or to check with your local homeschooling organization for any changes that need to be followed. Taking the time to research your state’s homeschooling laws and requirements can provide you with the knowledge necessary to ensure that your homeschooling endeavors are compliant with local regulations.
3: Consider Your Financial Resources
One of the most important factors to consider when planning to homeschool is the financial resources available. Homeschooling can be costly if a parent decides to buy a range of curriculum materials and other related educational products. It’s important to determine how much you can afford to budget for homeschooling and to set aside funds each month to cover those costs.
It’s also important to consider other expenses related to homeschooling, including software and technology needs, books, and field trips. Along with this, it’s important to be aware of any potential tax Benefits or public programs available to help with the costs associated with homeschooling.
4: Setting Up Your Workspace
Setting up a workspace for your student is essential for homeschooling success. Allocating an appropriate space for homeschooling can provide structure and help to build the student’s motivation. When deciding on a workspace, it’s important to factor in your student’s age, the size and layout of the space, and the necessary materials needed for the activities.
Other elements to consider include having easy access to the internet, having charging ports for any laptops or other devices, and access to a printer. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure that the space provides the appropriate environment for a student to work comfortably and efficiently.
5: Finding Educational Resources and Materials
An essential part of homeschooling is having access to the appropriate learning materials. While a library can provide a wealth of information, there are also great online sources to find educational material and resources.
Everything from textbooks and lesson plans, to worksheets and interactive activities are available online. When looking for a resource, it’s important to make sure it’s relevant to the curriculum and to the student’s individual learning objectives. It’s also wise to take advantage of any free resources available online before resorting to purchasing any additional materials.
6: Testing Your Children to Establish Baselines
In some states, it’s mandatory to assess students’ progress and progress assessments throughout the year. As such, it’s important to consider which tests to use in order to accurately track and measure students’ development. When selecting tests, parents should look for assessments that match their state’s testing standards, as well as the student’s individual learning objectives.
It’s also important to understand what the assessment is looking for and the basics of administering the tests. While certain tests are mandatory in some states, others may be optional.
Parents should research what tests are available and have any further questions answered by the tests’ provider or the local school board.
7: Creating a Study Schedule and Deadlines
Organization and consistency are core components of successful homeschooling. As such, it’s important to establish a study schedule and set regular deadlines and goals to keep students motivated and on track. When creating a study schedule, factor in the type of learning activities the student should be doing, how much time to allocate to each activity, and how to manage any breakdowns in motivation.
It’s also important to divide up major projects and assignments into smaller tasks that are more attainable and manageable. This will help the student break down a large project into smaller, easier-to-complete pieces.
8: Connecting with Other Homeschoolers
Homeschooling can be a lonely undertaking for both parent and student. Connecting with like-minded parents, groups, and homeschooling networks is a great way to get advice, share experiences, and obtain research and resources.
Local libraries, online groups, and community centers are excellent sources of local homeschoolers and groups. Joining online communities can also provide access to experienced homeschoolers from all over the world. All of this can help parents gain the foundations and knowledge necessary for successful homeschooling.
9: Organizing the Home Environment
In times of homeschooling, parents often find that the environment at home is much different than the traditional bricks and mortar school. Creating a productive and educational environment can help the student get the most out of homeschooling. Decluttering and organizing spaces can help create an environment that motivates the student to learn.
Additionally, it is important to create technology-rich spaces in order to make use of the variety of digital tools, tablets, and laptops available to support students’ learning.
10: Ongoing Professional Development
As a home educator, it’s essential to stay informed of current educational trends and best practices. Continual professional development can help to maintain morale and provide the knowledge required to continue successfully homeschooling the student. Professional development opportunities can be found online, through college courses, and even by attending conferences and conventions dedicated to homeschool education.
11: Keeping Track of Progress
It’s important to regularly keep track of the student’s progress to determine areas of improvement and assess what works best for the student. Noting every achievement and milestone is a great way to maintain a record of academic successes and to spot areas that may need extra attention. Having this record can also help to identify any skills gaps and show progress to college boards and potential employers.
As such, parents should create an easy-to-use filing system or database to track a student’s homeschooling progress.
12: Utilizing Technology
When it comes to homeschooling, technology can be a great resource that provides access to many different learning applications and programs. Technology can also help with engaging students, organizing resources, and keeping track of progress.
Technology provides access to different virtual learning outlets, including the ability to join in online classes, get access to online materials, and take research trips online. Utilizing technology can give homeschoolers access to a variety of learning opportunities that may not be available to them in a traditional classroom.
13: Communicating with Local Schools
As part of the homeschooling process, it is important for homeschoolers\ to maintain an open line of communication with the local school district. This can include attending meetings, keeping up-to-date with local public school policies and district events, and informing the district of any changes in course material or curriculum.
Keeping in contact with the local school district will assist in the homeschooling journey, encourage open communication, and ensure that homeschooled students stay connected to the wider school community.
Conclusion
While homeschooling can be daunting at first, the key is to be well-prepared and organized. Knowing the different types of homeschooling, researching state laws and regulations, and finding the appropriate resources and materials can help parents get the basics in place. Additional considerations include setting up a workspace, organizing the home environment, finding educational technology, and registering with the local school District.
Furthermore, understanding the necessary tests and assessments, creating a study schedule and deadlines, and establishing a system of tracking progress can all help to make the homeschooling journey a successful one.