How Do I Homeschool?

The basics

How Do I Homeschool? Whether you're new to homeschooling or just curious about it, the idea of teaching your kids at home probably seems overwhelming. There are so many questions to be answered, decisions to be made, and new ideas to grasp. My advice is to relax -- every homeschooling parent was once in your shoes and soon discovered that homeschooling is not as hard as it looks.

The first step to successful homeschooling is to read (or a least look through) a few good books. Here's my list of the top five homeschooling books:

The Homeschooling Book of Answers by Linda Dobson. Almost four dozen homeschooling experts answer just about every question on homeschooling how-to's. After nine years of homeschooling, I still refer to this book.

Homeschooling: The Early Years: Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 3- to 8-Year-Old Child by Linda Dobson. The best resource for providing answers to the unique challenges (and opportunities) of teaching the very young child at home.

Homeschool Your Child for Free by LauraMaery Gold and Joan M. Zielinski offers more than 1,200 resources for home education on the Internet and beyond. Reassuring advice and stories accompany links to amazing educational sites. The most used homeschooling book in my library!

Homeschooling: The Teen Years: Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18-Year-Old by Cafi Cohen. As the cover states, "If you're homechooling a teenager you'll want -- and need -- this outstanding book." Cohen makes homeschooling a teen fun. (Well, almost!)

State lawsThe next step is to know the homeschool laws in your state. While homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, reporting, testing, and evaluation requirements vary widely. A thorough knowledge and understanding of your state laws before you begin will prevent difficulties down the road. For an excellent overview of how and why state laws affect homeschoolers, read The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith. The Homeschooling Almanac by Mary and Michael Leppert contains a state-by-state outline of homeschooling laws, as well as suggestions on how to work with those legal requirements.

Do not contact your local school, board of education, or elected officials concerning homeschooling laws. The information obtained from these sources is rarely correct. A good resource for state laws and reporting requirements is the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Support and resourcesCommunity Support
A crucial element for successful homeschooling is a good support system. I know I would not have continued homeschooling without the advice, guidance, and support of more experienced homeschooling families. Networking with other homeschoolers also gives your kids the opportunity to meet other homeschooled children and participate in group activities.

Don't be discouraged if you can't find a like-minded support group immediately. When I was starting out, I participated in lots of activities sponsored by a variety of religious and secular groups. My girls gravitated towards children close to their age and with similar interests. I then invited those families over for playdates, and friendships blossomed. Rarely do other homeschooling families come to you — networking is essential, and it's up to you to reach out and expand your circle. Homeschoolers, as a group, are very receptive to those new to learning at home and offer help and guidance willingly. Use the Internet to find a local support group.

You may also find other homeschool families by posting messages on your community, library, or place of worship bulletin boards. La Leche League (www.laleche.org) often has homeschooling members, as well as your local food co-op or natural foods store. I often approach families that I meet in parks or playgrounds during school hours and ask if they homeschool. Starting your own group may involve nothing more than deciding to meet every Friday afternoon in a certain park or playground. Advertise in a few of the aforementioned locations. You'll be amazed at how quickly your group will grow!

Finding Resources
How Do I Homeschool? Read "Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum" and visit our Homeschool home page to jump-start your learning adventure.

How Do I Homeschool? Stop by your local library. Be sure each family member has a library card and uses it regularly.

How Do I Homeschool? Use Family Education Network's vast K-12 educational resources. Research any subject or grade to find free games and activities that make learning fun.

  • Homeschooling, subject-by-subject toolkits
  • Grade-by-grade skill-builders    
  • Factmonster information tool

Most importantly, remember why you decided to homeschool. Be flexible and open to new ways of doing things. Observe your children and discover how they learn and what they love to do. Nobody knows your kids like you do, and no one is better qualified to help them choose the course of study that suits them best. Happy homeschooling!


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