Hi Everyone,

some homeschooling basics:

The Basics Of Homeschooling

Because homeschooling is new to you, you will probably have many doubts and fears. You may even feel overwhelmed with the choices you have to make. You may be wondering how to prepare for the school year, do you need to buy a specific curriculum, or are there alternatives available and do you even need one?

The following are a few guidelines to help you;

1. Make sure you know your state’s homeschooling laws.

Every state has its own laws concerning homeschooling. Know, understand and obey the homeschooling laws in your state.

2. Set educational goals for your child and write them down.

Knowing your goals for your child will help you with the choice of a curriculum suitable for your child’s needs. Use these goals as a guideline to make sure you are on track during the year.

3. Set educational priorities for your child.

Determine what it is that you think is important. Education involves far more than only academics. Your child does not only need to accumulate information and be able to write a test. Development of your child’s personality, your child’s ability to think for himself and the development of your child’s ability to do research on his own are a few of the other skills your child will need in later life. Learning by rote has no meaning. Your child must be able to learn continuously and independently.

4. Decide on the personality your family.

Do you normally schedule everything down to the minute, or are you more spontaneous. Knowing this one piece of information can make a big difference in choosing the style or method of homeschooling you choose.

5. What is your child’s learning style?

Under what circumstances does your child learn the best? Does your child learn by observing or is your child a doer? Knowing your child’s learning style will help you determine how to best meet your child’s learning needs and what it is you’ll need to meet these needs of your child.

For very young children it is not necessary to purchase the latest curriculum. You do need to know the standard of the skills your child needs to master though. Spend time with your child help him learn to write the alphabet, teach him simple math, and prepare him for learning to read and write. Small workbooks are available at most discount stores. Use simple easily available supplies for math like beans or candy or macaroni! Anything readily available is suitable. Teach them how to form their letters properly by using rice on a cookie sheet or let them fill in letters that you’ve drawn for them with frosting on biscuits, anything goes, as long as they get the idea. Here I really want to suggest a good crafts book that will give you more than enough ideas.

Remember to make opportunities for fun as well. When you have taught your child a few of the basics, get together with other homeschoolers and let the kids play and work of some pent up energy. Join a support group for homeschoolers. Plan play days and field trips. The support group will also be able to support you if you have any problems. They are the best equipped to answer your questions as they are in the same position.

Subscribe to some homeschooling magazines or newsletters. This will also help when you have questions because you’ll be able to see how other people homeschool and learn how they handle the different aspects of daily life while homeschooling. It will help you to know that you’re not alone.

During this experience you’ll be going back to school yourself. Remember, you’re not expected to know it all now, but, you have to keep learning and you have to keep up. As your child grows you may need to try a different approach. By reading and learning along the way, you’ll be better able to make the necessary changes. So you’ll have to plan to stay on track. Keep reading, keep researching and keep growing.

Making the choice to homeschool can be a very difficult one. When you realize that you can do homeschooling by following these simple guidelines, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted yourself. You, your family and your child can only benefit by homeschooling. Homeschooling is a very rewarding experience for the whole family. Remember there is enough help available and you’ll never be completely on your own.

Enjoy your day,

Magriet

Download Lots Of Crafting Fun With Fun Kids Crafts!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

At Last! Everything You Need to Know to About Homeschooling is Revealed!