Homeschooling: Don’t Knock It Until You Try It

If you’re like most people, you probably think of homeschooling as something that only religious zealots or extremists do. You may see it as a way to shelter kids from the “real world,” or keep them from being socialized.

But what if you are told that homeschooling can be a great option for any family? That it can provide children with a more well-rounded education than they would get in public or private schools? Don’t knock it until you try it!

What Is Homeschooling, And How Does It Work?

Homeschooling is the process of educating children at home, typically by parents or tutors, rather than in a formal school setting.

Homeschooling can be done for various reasons, including religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with the public school system, or the desire to give a child a more customized education.

Some states have strict homeschooling laws, while others are much more relaxed. In some states, parents who homeschool their children must follow the same curriculum as the public schools. Other states require parents to submit annual notifications or portfolios of their child’s work. And in a few states, there are no regulations at all!

How Do Families Homeschool?

There are many ways to homeschool your child, and your chosen method will depend on your child’s learning style and your family’s needs. These ways include:

• You can teach your child at home yourself.
• You can hire a tutor to come to your home and teach your child.
• You can enroll your child in a distance-learning program, where they will receive their instruction online or through the mail.
• You can join a homeschooling co-op, where you will share the responsibility of teaching multiple children with other families.
• You can take advantage of the resources and programs offered by your local public library.

How To Get Started with Homeschooling?

If you’re considering homeschooling your child, there are a few things you need to do to get started.

1. Decide why you want to homeschool.

The first step is to decide why you want to homeschool your child. Do you want to provide them with a more customized education? Are you concerned about their safety in a public school? Or do you simply want to be more involved in their education? Once you’ve decided why you want to homeschool, you can begin to research whether it’s the right decision for your family.

2. Choose a homeschool curriculum.

There are many different types of homeschool curricula available, so choosing one that will fit your child’s needs is important. You can find curriculum packages online or at your local homeschooling resource center. Additionally, many states have homeschooling organizations that can provide you with information about choosing a curriculum.

3. Choose a homeschooling method.

There are many different ways to homeschool, so you’ll need to choose the method that best fits your family’s needs. Some families opt for a more traditional approach, using textbooks and other curriculum materials.

Others prefer a more relaxed approach, relying on educational resources and materials from the library or online. There is no right or wrong way to homeschool, so take some time to explore all your options before making a decision.

4. Follow the law and regulation.

Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to be familiar with the homeschooling regulations in your state. Ensure you understand the homeschooling requirements and follow all the laws and regulations.

5. Get organized.

Once you’ve developed a schedule and chosen a curriculum, it’s time to get organized. Create a dedicated homeschooling space in your home and stock it with all the supplies you’ll need. Additionally, you’ll want to create a filing system for your homeschooling records and documents.

6. Invest in resources.

Homeschooling can be done on a tight budget, but you’ll need to invest in some basic resources and materials. These may include textbooks, workbooks, educational games and toys, art supplies, and more. You can find many of these items second-hand or online at discounted prices.

7. Reach out to other homeschoolers.

One of the best ways to get started with homeschooling is to reach out to other families already doing it. There are many homeschooling support groups and resources available online and in your community. These families can provide you with advice, support, and information about getting started with homeschooling.

8. Register with your state.

In some states, you’ll need to notify the authorities that you’re homeschooling your child. This usually involves submitting a notice of intent to homeschool or a portfolio of your child’s work. Check with your state homeschooling organization or the Department of Education to find out what’s required in your state.

9. Develop a schedule.

Homeschooling requires some planning and organization to be successful. You’ll need to develop a schedule that works for your family and ensures that your child gets enough time for their studies. Additionally, you’ll want to plan for regular breaks and vacations so that everyone has time to relax and recharge.

10. Join a homeschooling association.

Joining a homeschooling association will give you access to resources, support, and information about homeschooling. These organizations can also provide you with legal assistance if you run into any problems with your school district or the state.

11. Find a support group.

Support groups are a great way to connect with other homeschooling families and get advice and support. These groups can also offer your children educational field trips and extracurricular activities.

12. Start homeschooling!

Once you’ve completed all the necessary steps, you’re ready to start homeschooling your child. Remember to take things slowly at first and give yourself time to adjust to this new way of life. There will be challenges along the way, but homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child.

Remember, there is no one right way to homeschool, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for your family.

Resources for Homeschooling Families

If you’re thinking about homeschooling your children or are already homeschooling, you’ll need to find resources to help you get started and continue providing a great education for your kids. Here are some of the best resources for homeschool families:

• Home School Legal Defense Association – This organization provides legal support and information for homeschoolers. Also, it offers an annual membership which gives access to discounts on educational materials and other benefits.
• National Home Education Research Institute – This institute provides research and resources, including a searchable database of over 1,200 research articles on homeschooling.
• Home Education Magazine – This magazine provides practical advice and information for homeschoolers, as well as homeschooling curriculum and product reviews.
• The Homeschooling Guide – This website provides an extensive directory of resources for homeschoolers, including articles, curriculum resources, support groups, and more.
• National Geographic Kids – This website offers educational games, videos, activities, and other resources for kids of all ages about various topics related to science and nature.

These are just a few of the many great resources available for homeschool families. With a bit of research, you can find everything you need to provide a quality education for your children at home.

Conclusion

If you are still on the fence about homeschooling, we hope that the information in this post has helped you make a decision.

Homeschooling can be a great option for students who want to get more out of their education or for families who want to have more control over their child’s education. It can also be a great way to prepare students for college.

If you are interested in learning more about homeschooling or would like help getting started, don’t hesitate to get in touch with High School of America today.

At High School of America, we welcome all students who wish to pursue a high school diploma – whether they are enrolled in our online program or choose to homeschool.

Contact us today to learn more about our accredited curriculum.