Homeschooling your child provides many advantages such as personalized learning with individualized academic and social skill development, the ability to progress and tailor studies according to each child’s unique interests, and instilling values, morals and traditions within their education. It is an important choice to make and there are many steps to follow in order to homeschool a child. This article covers the steps to apply to homeschool and the questions to ask yourself before starting the process.
What Do I Need to Know About Homeschooling?
Before considering homeschooling, it is important to understand how homeschooling works, the options available, and the requirements for the various approaches. Homeschooling typically requires parents to provide all instruction for their children, however, there are other options available to parents such as co-ops, online schools, and private tutors. It is also important to understand the laws and regulations of your state or local jurisdiction, which may vary from place to place.
The following are the most common approaches to homeschooling: Unschooling: Unschooling involves allowing children to learn through experience and self-directed explorations.
Traditional Homeschooling: Traditional homeschooling involves an academic, structured approach with a planned curriculum and tests, as well as instruction from parents.
Classical/Charlotte Mason: Classical homeschooling or the Charlotte Mason approach is a combination of the traditional and unschooling approaches, focusing on a few, high-quality materials and based on the writings of Charlotte Mason.
Eclectic: Eclectic homeschooling is a combination of different philosophies, such as a combination of unschooling and classical approaches.
What Questions Should I Ask Myself Before Homeschooling?
Before deciding to homeschool your child, there are important questions to consider. as a parent, deciding to homeschool your child is a big decision, and it is essential to consider these questions carefully before committing to homeschooling.
Am I prepared to provide instruction to my child? Parents who choose to homeschool must be prepared to instruct their child and provide materials needed for their child to learn.
Do I have the time and emotional capacity to provide instruction?
Homeschooling requires parents to be dedicated to instruction, provide emotional support and guidance, and dedicate adequate time to the teaching and learning process. Do I understand the educational requirements in my state or locality?
It is important to understand any laws and regulations that may be in place in your state or locality before commencing homeschooling.
Do I have a plan for instruction and assessments? Parents must create a plan for instruction and assessment and be prepared to adjust and revise their plan as needed.
What are the specific needs of my child? Parents must be familiar with the academic and social needs of their child and be prepared to adjust instruction and supports to meet those needs. Do I have the resources to provide my child with the materials needed to learn? Homeschooling requires access to materials and equipment of some sort, such as textbooks, worksheets, art supplies, technology, and more.
Steps to Apply to Homeschool Your Child
Once you have determined that homeschooling is the right choice for you and your family, there are several steps to take in order to formally apply to homeschool your child.
Submit the required paperwork: Depending on your state or locality, there are various forms which must be submitted in order to apply for homeschooling. Common forms may include a notice of intent to homeschool and forms indicating parent qualifications and the educational plan.
Meet with school district representatives: Most states require parents to meet with school district representatives prior to being granted permission to homeschool. During this meeting, school representatives will discuss the educational plan and provide direction on any additional forms or documents which must be submitted.
Receive permission to homeschool: Once the required paperwork is submitted and the home school is registered, the school district will grant permission to homeschool.
Maintain records: Once permission is granted, parents must maintain records of instruction, including daily attendance records, evaluations of student progress, and a portfolio of work samples. Notify the school when homeschooling ends: When the parents or student decide to end homeschooling, it is important to notify the school district of the decision.
Conclusion
Homeschooling provides many advantages but it is important to understand all the steps which must be taken in order to properly apply to homeschool your child. It is also important to understand the laws and regulations of your state or locality and the specific needs of your child in order to customize instruction accordingly. By following the steps outlined in this article, parents will be well on their way to successfully homeschooling their child.