Homeschooling Chronicles - How to Start Homeschooling

Parents who are new to homeschooling are likely to feel overwhelmed by the notion of how to ‘break into’ this educational arena. They have many questions as to how, when, and where they should school their children. Prior to deciding to homeschool it is wise to weigh the pros and cons in order to determine if it is right for your family.

Homeschooling can begin with any age and any grade. However, be aware of how your child's previous school experiences might affect your homeschooling situation. The transition will be different if your child has been attending a traditional school than it will be if you are starting with preschool.

Transitioning to Homeschool

For preschoolers or kindergarteners, the idea of learning at home is not a foreign concept. They are used to interspersing learning with play. You can teach them reading and letter recognition skills, while still having ample time for imaginative play. Intertwine math, science, and language arts as you create games and crafts for your young learner. Since most young children only know their home environment, the transition from no school to homeschool is generally seamless.

If your child has attended a traditional school, it is usually better if the decision to start homeschooling is made collectively.  It can prove to be a more difficult transition if your child is resistant to the notion of schooling at home. If this is the case, allow yourselves a longer time to adjust to the new situation. No matter who decided to make the move from traditional school to homeschool, it is important to remember that until now, most children have considered home to be a place to unwind from the school day. It can be hard for a child to transition to the idea that home is now the place for school work. Open communication and allowing the child to help design the schedule should make this change a little smoother.

Ease Into the Curriculum

 A good way assist in the transition is to avoid jumping into the text books right away. At first, the parent-teacher may want to concentrate on the child's strengths or his favorite subjects. Pursuing hands-on learning activities, such as science experiments, is also a good way to begin.  Art projects or nature journals are two ways to involve your student without using a textbook. Take an excursion outside. Go on a hike or walk. Collect leaves, or have your student write or draw what he sees in his journal. Later, you can look up information on the plants and animals you saw. Approaching education in this manner can be helpful for easing into the book-learning period.

Finding the Right Curriculum

Searching for the right curriculum takes time. While this process usually involves trial and error, some forethought will help you to discern the best material for your school. Consider how you, the parent, like to teach. Are you more comfortable with an organized curriculum, or would you like to create one as you go? If you don't like the materials you are teaching, your student will not like learning it either. Similarly, think about how your student learns best. Does he like to read, hear, or experience learning material? Are colors on the book pages distracting or intriguing for your student? As you narrow down your parameters, use the library for as many resources as possible. This will help to reduce costly mistakes. Often, there are other people willing to let you either look at, or borrow, their curriculum as you investigate your options. If you buy, be sure to check the return policy. You will undoubtedly find that it will take several tries to find what works best for your family. Don't be discouraged, it's part of the process. Over time, you will discover the best curriculum for your homeschool.

Find Out About Homeschooling in Your Area

First of all, research the legalities of homeschooling in your state. Be sure to file the necessary paperwork and maintain required records. Next, find other homeschoolers in your area. Are there support groups or co-ops you can join? Interaction with other people living this lifestyle is encouraging for parents and students alike. By socializing with one another, families are able to share information and give advice. It is also nice to find someone who truly understands your altered lifestyle.