| If you're new to the idea of homeschooling, you | | | | them helping them learn to write their alphabet, |
| likely have questions. Are you overwhelmed at | | | | learn simple math, and prepare them to learn to |
| the different choices you have to make? How do | | | | read. Small workbooks available at most discount |
| you prepare for the school year? Do you have to | | | | stores. Use candy or beans to teach math |
| buy a specific curriculum, or do you even need | | | | concepts. Teach them to form their letters |
| one? Before you allow yourself to get too | | | | properly, use shaving cream or rice on a cookie |
| stressed, the following guidelines might help to | | | | sheet. As you can see, you don't need to spend a |
| make the process easier. | | | | great deal of money to teach the basics. |
| 1. Learn your state's homeschooling laws. Each | | | | After teaching the basics, make sure your child |
| state has their own laws concerning educating | | | | has an opportunity for fun. Get involved in a |
| your child. Make sure you understand and obey | | | | support group with other homeschoolers. Plan |
| the laws in your state. | | | | some play days or field trips; let the children run |
| 2. Write down your educational goals for your | | | | and work off some of their pent-up energy. |
| child. This will help you decide which curriculum will | | | | Having a support group helps moms, as well, |
| best meet those goals. It will also give you a | | | | especially when you have questions or need |
| guide to see if you're on track throughout the | | | | guidance. |
| year. | | | | Subscribe to some homeschooling magazines or |
| 3. Develop an educational philosophy by | | | | newsletters. This will also help when you have |
| determining what you believe to be important. | | | | questions because you'll be able to see how other |
| Are you concerned just about academics, or do | | | | people homeschool and learn how they handle the |
| you consider character development to be equally | | | | different aspects of daily life while homeschooling. |
| important? Do you want your child to be able to | | | | It will help you to know that you're not alone. |
| learn for a test, or do you want them to learn to | | | | Plan on going back to school yourself; continue |
| think for themselves? | | | | reading and learning as you teach your child. There |
| 4. Decide what type of personality your family | | | | will always be new things to learn, so plan on |
| has -- do you normally schedule everything down | | | | becoming a life learner. As your child grows you |
| to the minute, or are you more spontaneous. | | | | may need to try a different approach. By reading |
| Knowing this one piece of information can make a | | | | and learning along the way, you'll be better able to |
| big difference in choosing the style or method of | | | | make the necessary changes. |
| homeschooling you choose. | | | | Choosing to homeschool is not always an easy |
| 5. Know your child's learning style? Are they a | | | | decision to make. However, when you realize that |
| hearing, seeing, or doing learner? Knowing their | | | | you can do it and follow these basic guidelines, |
| learning style will help you determine what items | | | | you'll soon realize that you made the right choice. |
| you will need to best meet their ability to learn. | | | | Homeschooling is an awesome opportunity for |
| If your children are very young, you don't have | | | | you, your family, and your children to learn and |
| to purchase the latest curriculum. Spend time with | | | | grow together. |