Using the traditional public school system for your child’s education may seem like the best option but for some parents, homeschooling has major advantages. Pulling a child out of public school to homeschool them is not an easy endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly daunting either.
With a clear understanding of why homeschooling is beneficial, prep for success, and a realistic plan of action, you can successfully transition your child away from the public school system to homeschooling.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
While the decision to homeschool is a personal one, there are some benefits of homeschooling that appeal to many parents. Homeschooling allows you to create a customized plan of learning based on your child’s needs, strengths and interests, as well as instilling in them the values, faith and beliefs that you want them to learn.
Additionally, many children benefit from learning one-on-one with an adult and the flexible schedule of homeschooling allows you to fit learning into your family’s lifestyle. Other benefits of homeschooling include being able to travel and explore the world, having more time at home with family, and not having a fixed schedule based on traditional school hours or holidays. You also get to tailor the lesson plans to your child’s interests, meaning that learning can be fun for them.
This means that children don’t feel pressured to learn and are able to focus more efficiently.
What Are the Steps for Pulling Your Child Out of Public School?
There are several steps that you need to take when you decide to pull a child out of public school. It is important to understand your state’s homeschooling laws and requirements, as each state is different. In some states, you may need to submit an intent to homeschool form, registered with the state, and meet additional requirements.
You may also need to submit a portfolio of your child’s work periodically. Check with your state’s Department of Education or Board of Education to determine the specific requirements.
Once you understand the legal requirements, the next step is to create a plan of action and budget; understanding exactly how you will go about homeschooling your child. Figure out a realistic timeline, whether you are planning on homeschooling for a few years or for a life purpose education. You must also create a logical teaching plan and stick to a schedule.
Remember that homeschooling can be fluid and you don’t need to be too rigid but it can be helpful to have a daily plan to follow. Finally, you need to find, educate and train those that are responsible for the homeschooling tasks, whether it is a family member, yourself or a tutor.
You must make sure that those that are responsible for homeschooling have proper credentials and understand the specific laws and regulations in your state.
What Are the Preparation Steps for Homeschooling?
Whether you are doing the instructing yourself or hiring a tutor, there is a certain level of preparation and research that needs to go into each subject before you begin homeschooling. Ready-made curriculum is readily available across the internet that makes the homeschooling process easier.
Depending on your child’s interests, you can tailor the curriculum to their likes or use a varied curriculum that covers all the required areas, such as science and math. Additionally, you may want to look into different teaching methods and curriculum, as not all curriculum and instruction styles will be conducive to your child. You can read books and homeschooling blogs, watch videos and attend webinars to learn more about the homeschooling process.
During this preparation step, you can also think of how to use physical books and materials in addition to online teaching, such as interactive props and field trips. Teaming up with other parents homeschooling their children can also be beneficial, as you may be able to trade ideas and resources.
Some organizations even provide classes and activities for homeschooled children, so you may be able to take advantage of those. Additionally, many states have co-ops and homeschooling networks, allowing for classes and social activities for your child.
How to Adjust the Learning Environment?
Homeschooling does not mean that your child has to stay indoors all day. You can set up learning activities such as visiting museums, zoos and libraries for a hands-on approach to learning.
You can also integrate games, puzzles, and other educational toys into their learning. Further, you can have them learn in the comfort of your own home and they may even have some outdoor tasks to complete which means they won’t get tired of staying indoors. You can also adjust the learning environment to suit your child’s needs, whether they prefer sitting at a desk or on the couch with a laptop, the learning space should be one that appeals to them.
Make sure to choose a quiet, comfortable place to learn, free of distractions. Make sure that your child has the proper equipment that they need and ensure they have plenty of light and comfortable seating. Furthermore, you can add some personality to the learning environment by displaying artwork, photos, and posters related to the subject.
Lastly, many home schoolers are using virtual classrooms, online courses, and online curriculum to teach children. You can try different approaches and see which one works best for both the child and the instructor.
What Resources Should You Consider for Homeschooling?
To make the process of homeschooling a success, you must have a solid resource base available for you to draw from. You may begin by finding a certified teacher or tutor who can teach your child and help them with the curriculum.
Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made curriculum that is already accepted by the state and is tailored to your child’s age group. Most states now offer digital versions of the curriculum, providing you with more flexibility and convenience. You can also look into homeschooling organizations, as they can provide you with materials and resources.
These organizations can also provide you with support, advice and guidance through the process. Additionally, having support from a network of parents and families that are homeschooling can be a great resource. Online forums, discussion boards and social media groups can provide a forum to ask questions and find resources.
Lastly, you should take advantage of the many online resources available. With the internet, you can find many teacher’s websites, databases, and lesson plans.
There are also many online tools including virtual textbooks, online classes, online tutoring services, and online activities. The internet has opened up a wealth of resources for homeschooling, allowing for more flexibility and creativity in the learning process.
Conclusion
The decision to homeschool a child can be a big one and it is important to make sure that you have thoroughly researched and prepared for the commitment before deciding to pull your child out of public school. Start your research process by understanding the legal requirements of your state and deciding upon a realistic timeline. After that, you need to create a plan of action, build a resource base, and adjust the learning environment accordingly.
With a clear understanding of the process, and a little bit of determination, you can easily transition your child away from the public school system and into homeschooling.