Getting Started with Homeschooling

Congratulations on choosing to homeschool! You are embarking on a wonderful adventure.

Getting started with homeschooling brings a great feeling of liberation to parents and children and is an exciting time. Of course there will also be some bumps in the road as everyone adjusts. Here are some suggestions to help pave the road, making your entry into the world of homeschooling a smoother ride.

One of the first things to do is to consider your homeschooling goals. For example, do you want to include Bible studies in the basic lessons of reading, writing and arithmetic? Or, are you choosing to homeschool because you have a child who is simply not challenged intellectually by the system? Perhaps you love the idea of the more natural and holistic approach to education and child rearing known as unschooling.

It may help to journal a bit about your homeschooling goals. Writing is a wonderful way to clarify thoughts, and your homeschooling journal entries such as this will be good to read down the road.

Once you are clear about your homeschooling goals, the next step is to check with the legal issues surrounding homeschooling in your state or country. Some states have none or very few restrictions regarding homeschooling, while others have far more homeschooling laws you have to be aware of. It is a good time to connect with a local or state-wide homeschooling group, these groups will give you valuable advice. Veteran members may be able to help you figure out how to both achieve the homeschooling experience you want while jumping through any necessary hoops.

Many homeschoolers feel very strongly about their constitutional right to homeschool without interference and can show you how they have managed. Some simply ignore restrictions and don't register their children at all; however they are taking the risk of legal problems, even jail time and CPS involvement. If there is any concern, do seek legal counsel. You don't want to cross any lines that could result in being separated from your children.

Many states have pretty easy to follow guidelines. If the other parent's job or yours (if you are a single parent homeschooler) allows for relocation, do an Internet search for homeschool laws by state or country, and then take it form there. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) http://www.hslda.org/laws/ is one of the Websites that lists the state laws. This fundamental Christian based homeschool organization is somewhat controversial among homeschoolers for some of the state laws that have come to pass as a result of their litigation; however, no matter your religious beliefs, you can find helpful legal information on their site. Once you've narrowed your search down to some specific places, check their department of education's Websites and make phone calls, making sure the information you collected is up to date. If seriously considering relocating, I would also join online homeschool groups that serve homescoolers in those areas just to get their take, and then of course research the neighborhoods (and job situations) you are considering; making sure it is a good move for your family.

The rest of the process of getting started with homeschooling will fall into place fairly easily once you've accomplished these first two steps. You can then work on curriculum that supports your homeschooling philosophy and your children's' individual learning styles, strengths and interests. Some homeschooling parents write their own curriculum but many find curriculum packages that suit their needs.

Joining a local homeschooling group will provide you with a support system and a way for you and your family to get together with other homeschooling families on outings and such. One more thing you may want to do while getting started with homeschooling – celebrate you and your family's newfound freedom! 

If you are looking for crafts to do with your homeschooler you can have a look at: No Sew Fleece Crafts

Homeschooling Pros and Cons

Making the decision of whether to homeschool can be a tough one. While some know this is the right path for their families, others of a more analytical or cautious nature want to weigh homeschooling pros and cons before making the decision whether to step away from the norm (approximately 5 percent of today's school age children are homeschooled). Here are some of the most often heard pros and cons...

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College Prep

Pros

Homeschooled students are admitted at many colleges, including some of the top universities, such as Stanford, Patrick Henry and Harvard as they normally score more than the average students on college entrance exams.

Cons

Entry requirements often call for more planning on the parents and student's parts. Some colleges will only require SAT and/or ACT scores, some a GED along with college entrance exams, and still other others require the parents to create a transcript and/or a portfolio.

School as Childcare

Pros

Instead of handing the children over to someone else 8 or more hours a day, the parent/parents have much more time and influence with the children. Homeschooling parents may swap childcare with other parents for a few hours a week, and children may spend some time at outsides activities, but the main source of education, parenting and role modeling comes from the home.

Cons

Because school serves as childcare for parents who work outside the home, many who homeschool are mothers in two parent families and far less are single parents. When a homeschooling parent works at home, striking a balance can be challenging, although many do find a way to make it work,

Socialization/Citizenship

Pros

The fact that homeschooled children don't socialize the same as their conventionally schooled peers is considered a pro by many. Home schooled children have more opportunity to socialize with those of varying age levels when on outings or participating in community, church and/or volunteer groups, as well as special interest activities and classes. Another benefit is that this socialization can take place in more natural, "real world" settings, and without the bullyism, peer pressure, and unnatural cliques.

Cons

It will take some effort on the parents' parts to ensure the children do have opportunities to socialize with other children; however freedom from the school's schedules allows for plenty of socializing time. Considering that on the average, a homeschooled child only needs a few hours to complete what it would take a week to complete in school, there is plenty time left for socializing.

Family Time/Learning Time

Pros

Families who homeschool spend much more time together. Even when one parent works outside the home, there is more time spent together because the children won't be holed up in their rooms doing homework after dinner.

Cons

On the downside, many homeschooling moms (usually the one at home with the kids 24/7) feel stressed from all the togetherness. However, homeschooling needn't and shouldn't mean that your children can't learn or do anything apart from you. As mentioned above, many homeschooling children are involved in activities outside the home.

Learning Style Freedom

Pros

Homeschooled children can learn at their own pace, if the state's laws are homeschool-friendly. A fast learner needn't wait for the rest of the class before moving forward, and a slow learner needn't be turned off of learning due to frustration and self esteem issues. Also, a homeschooled child may be at varying levels, according to subject, meaning that rather than being held back needlessly in math, for example, because the spelling isn't "up to speed" yet, the child's strengths can be allowed to blossom.

If you are giving serious thought to Homeschooling you will get really good advice at: The Ultimate Homeschool Planner (Orange Edition)