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