Those who choose to homeschool their children are taking on a tremendous responsibility and commitment. The tasks involved in successfully homeschooling can seem daunting — parents may feel worried, anxious, or uncertain about what needs to be done in order to successfully reach their desired educational objectives for their kids.
For mums who are undertaking this challenge, here are the 13 key things you need to know to homeschool successfully.
1. Know Your Rights as a Homeschooling Parent
Homeschoolers in the United States have specific rights granted to them at the state level. As a homeschooling parent, it is important to familiarize yourself with your local regulations to ensure that you are meeting the applicable laws and requirements. Research the specific regulations and requirements in your state and become an expert on the rights and obligations of homeschoolers in your area.
If you have further questions, contact your local homeschooling organization for more guidance.
2. Learn about Modern Methods of Homeschooling and Different Curriculums Available
Homeschooling no longer involves teaching exclusively from textbooks everyday — today, there are all sorts of incredible curriculums and resources available to modern homeschoolers. Everything from online classes and video lectures to mentor programs and field trips encourages a diverse and engaging education for homeschoolers. Research the various options available to you and decide which curriculums you would like to pursue.
There are an array of choices, so do not feel limited to those which may seem only traditional or required by law.
3. Consider the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Your Children
Homeschooling has a lot of great advantages it can bring to you and your children, such as flexibility and individualized learning. However, it is also important to realistically assess the difficulties that come along with homeschooling. Time and financial resources must be allocated to this endeavor, and it can be difficult to adjust to the teaching role while ensuring your child is continually engaging with their education.
It is important to assess these pros and cons carefully before committing to homeschooling your children.
4. Set Realistic Learning Goals for Your Home School Curriculum
Once you have determined which curriculum you are going to use, the next step is to set defined goals for each subject area. This will help to structure your home school day, and provides a tangible way to measure progress.
Every subject might have a different goal, such as mastering math concepts, interpreting literature, or mastering grammar. Make sure to set realistic timeframes and standards for these goals, and involve your children in the goals-setting process.
5. Factor in Contingency Planning
It is important to plan ahead and think of the potential difficulties that may arise while homeschooling. Develop a flexible-plan that you can rely on when things do not go according to plan. This could include a back-up plan if a lesson takes longer than expected or if your child is not responding well to a particular learning style.
Being prepared in these situations can help to put your mind at ease and help ensure you are successful in your homeschooling journey.
6. Understand Learning Goals for Each Grade Level
In order to keep your children on track in each grade-level, it is important to understand the milestones and expectations for each grade. It is a good idea to check in with a school counselor or local homeschool organization for advice on what types of learning objectives your child should meet for each grade level.
This way, you can structure your curriculum to make sure that your children are meeting the appropriate grade-level goals.
7. Make Learning Fun and Engaging
School can be a bore if not taught with enthusiasm, but that should not be the case when homeschooling. Homeschooling provides parents the perfect opportunity to really get creative and bring the learning material to life.
Incorporating fun activities into your lessons, like educational games or field trips, can help to keep your child engaged and make learning fun. You can also break up long lessons with creative projects, such as art and music projects, or experiments to demonstrate a particular scientific concept.
8. Keep Track of Children’s Progress
It is important to stay up-to-date on your child’s progress so that you can be sure they are meeting their learning goals and development milestones. Utilize tracking tools, such as online gradebooks or portfolios, to keep a comprehensive record of your child’s progress.
This will also help when it’s time to report to the state, and is an easy way to spot any areas where more attention or effort may be needed.
9. Create an Organized Plan of Action and Stick to It
Homeschooling can be a bit overwhelming for parents, especially when trying to balance all the roles involved — teacher, disciplinarian, and parent — all at the same time. To make the most of the homeschooling experience, plan out your schedule with realistic expectations and then commit to it.
You can even make daily to-do lists or weekly lesson plans to keep organized and stay on track.
10. Access Resources, Support, and Advice
Starting the homeschooling journey doesn’t have to be a lonely job — there are plenty of resources available to new homeschooling parents no matter where you live. Seek out advice from other homeschooling parents, join online support groups, and check out local resources such as community centers and libraries for additional learning materials or guidance. Having access to these resources can help make the homeschooling process easier, and allows you to take advantage of the great advice that experienced parents can offer.
11. Allocate Time for Pre-Planning, On-the-Spot Planning, and Review Times
When homeschooling, it is important to carve out dedicated time to plan lessons, review completed work, and prepare materials. Pre-planning lessons and activities once a week can help to make sure you stay organized and on-task, without having to take the time to plan activities each morning and night. Reviewing material each week in a relaxed, low-pressure environment also allows parents and children to review activities, celebrate successes, and determine when more focus and effort may be needed.
12. Make Time for Yourself
Parenting and teaching can be draining, day after day — take the time for yourself to relax and step away from the day to day hustle and bustle. Parents who are better rested and mentally recharged are typically more successful in homeschooling their children. Carve out a little “me time” each day, whether it be for a walk outside or a 15-minute meditation session.
13. Have Fun and Enjoy the Homeschooling Process
Homeschooling offers an incredible opportunity for parents to bond with and help develop their child’s potential. Even though there may be stressful or difficult times, remember that this is an amazing journey to experience with your children.
Educate yourself and adjust as needed, but don’t forget to enjoy the process of learning with your children.
Conclusion
Homeschooling children requires dedication and hard work, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience for you and your children. By understanding your rights as a homeschooling parent, researching the different curriculums available, and creating a plan of action, you set yourself up for success in this homeschooling journey.
Accessing resources and advice, setting realistic learning goals, and taking time for yourself throughout this process can help make your homeschooling experience more manageable — and more enjoyable.