One of the most controversial educational decisions a parent can make is to home school their child. With so many different resources, curriculum options, and teaching techniques, it is important to thoroughly research homeschooling before making a final decision.
If you are considering homeschooling your 6-year-old, here are fifteen essential questions to ask yourself before making a final decision.
1. What are My Goals for Homeschooling?
Before you begin the homeschooling process, it is essential to sit down and determine your goals. What do you hope to accomplish with homeschooling?
Are you wanting for your child to have a stricter academic schedule than a traditional school? Are you doing it to provide your child with a more personalized education? Furthermore, do you hope for your child to have higher academic success than in a traditional school setting?
Setting your goals can help guide you in choosing the right curriculum and help you stay focused on reaching your academic goals.
2. What Tutorials or Assistance Can I Utilize?
It is normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to properly homeschool a child. There are many helpful tutorials and resources available to help you along the way.
Make sure to research your options and find the right fit for you and your family. You can try local homeschool groups which will provide you with tips, help, and moral support throughout the journey. There are also online forums and websites that post helpful advice on topics such as curriculum and lesson planning.
Additionally, some online websites will even provide online classes taught by certified teachers.
3. What Curriculum Should I Choose?
Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions you will make during the homeschooling process. Make sure you thoroughly research and compare different curriculum options.
Consider creating a list of your preferences and goals in order to stay focused on the curriculum that is right for you and your child. Make sure the curriculum you choose lines up with your state’s guidelines and grade level.
4. What Are My Homeschooling Budget and Resources?
Before committing to homeschooling, it is essential to sit down and consider your budget and resources. Are you able to dedicate time and money towards the homeschooling process? Homeschooling does require a significant amount of time and financial resources.
Some parents may find it more cost effective to purchase a pre-packaged curriculum that includes all the materials needed. Alternatively, some parents may choose to create their own systems, in which case many of the resources needed can be purchased online.
5. What Are The Most Important Skills for My 6 Year Old to Learn?
At the age of 6, children are beginning to acquire more knowledge. It is important to consider the skills that your child needs to learn in order to develop a successful academic career.
Many of the curriculums out there may include extra resources or activities that can help your child learn these skills. Common skills your 6 year old should learn are beginning reading and writing, basic mathematics, and the introduction of creative activities such as drawing and painting.
6. What Homeschooling Approach Should I Choose?
Once you have determined your goals, resources, and the curriculum you wish to pursue, it is important to have an idea of the type of approach you would like to take in order for your child to learn best. Are you taking a more traditional approach with textbooks and worksheets, or are you looking to try more unconventional approaches with hands-on learning? Each method has pros and cons, and finding the right fit for your child is essential in ensuring their success in homeschooling.
7. How Will Socialization Be Handled?
Homeschooling does not completely isolate your child from social interaction. It is still important for your child to make friends and take part in activities that involve other children.
Some states may even require children to take part in a certain number of social activities each year. Make sure to look into the requirements in your state and research local homeschool groups and activities.
8. How Can I Monitor My Child’s Progress?
It is important to monitor your child’s progress in a homeschooling environment. This can help determine what topics need to be focused on and where there is room for improvement.
You should determine how frequent you will be testing or monitoring your child’s progress, as well as which methods you will use in order to track your child’s progress. Some of the common assessment methods used are standardized tests and progress reports.
9. What Are My State’s Requirements for Homeschooling?
Every state has its own set of regulations, policies, and requirements for homeschooling. It is important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before starting the homeschooling process. Make sure the curriculum you are using matches the requirements in your state and that all paperwork is filled out and filed.
10. How Will I Stay Organized?
Organization is key when it comes to homeschooling. You should create a system that works best for your family and set aside a specific space and time to do homeschooling.
Make sure to make all the necessary arrangements ahead of time and use helpful tools such as filing systems, planners, lists and reminders to help keep you on track.
11. How Will I Monitor Time?
Time is an important element in homeschooling. If you want to maintain a steady schedule, it is important to accurately monitor and track hours spent on different activities. In some states, your homeschooling schedule could be subject to review from the state, so make sure you accurately track the hours and activities.
12. What Do I Do If My Child Struggles With a Subject?
Even the best curriculum and lessons cannot guarantee that every subject will be easy for your child. If your child is having difficulty with a subject, make sure to reach out to other parents, or even a professional, in order to provide the extra help or guidance your child needs. There are also online tools and resources available to help support children learning a particular subject.
13. How Can I Provide a Challenging Environment for My 6-Year-Old?
At the age of 6, your child can already understand more advanced concepts and should be taking part in stimulating activities. Make sure to find activities and projects that will help your child grow and challenge them.
This can include activities such as reading more complicated books, working on puzzles, and even helping out with household chores.
14. What Are Some Extracurricular Activities I Can Include?
Extracurricular activities can bring an invaluable element to a homeschooled child’s life. These activities can improve reading and organizational skills, help children learn how to collaborate and communicate with others, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. Make sure to find activities that suit your child’s interests and abilities, such as sports, art, or music class, or even participating in a homeschool debate team.
15. Should I Seek Assistance From a Professional?
Sometimes homeschooling can become overwhelming and you may feel like you need some extra help. In some cases, seeking assistance from a trained professional can be very beneficial in helping you stay organized, keep track of progress and make sure your child is learning all the necessary skills.
Professionals, such as private tutors or educational consultants, can provide an invaluable resource in the homeschooling process. ConclusionHomeschooling your 6-year old can be an incredible teaching experience that allows you to provide a more personalized and unique education. Although it can seem daunting, there are many resources, groups, and professionals that can provide assistance and support throughout the process.
Before taking the homeschool route, make sure you are well-informed and prepared to make the best decisions for you and your child.