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How to Start a Homeschool Program?
There are over 2.5 million K12 homeschooling students in the United States. This number continues to increase annually. The number of homeschoolers rose exponentially because of the Covid-19 pandemic that affected over 55.1 million learners. Parents are now managing the home-based and online education of their teenagers more than in previous years. It is challenging to start a homeschooling program, resulting in frustration and making learners lag behind on learning goals and assignments. Moreover, the homeschool curriculum of your high school student has numerous moving parts – in case you have many teenagers, the complexity increases.
Can you Start Homeschooling at Any Time?
Yes. You can start homeschooling at any time during the school calendar in all states of the United States. You can start homeschooling due to stressful family situations, school anxiety, illness, negative traditional school environment, bullying, or other unanticipated situations.
There are numerous ideas that you have to know before starting homeschooling. Hence, take a deep breath and be aware that you can start homeschooling any time that you wish.
Here are top tips for starting homeschooling in high school and keeping your students on track.
Simple Steps to Start Homeschooling in High School
1.State Homeschooling Laws
The first thing in starting a homeschooling program is understanding and fulfilling your state homeschool regulations. Homeschooling laws are usually simple tasks you require to complete at the start of your homeschooling experience. Some states necessitate homeschooling parents to have college degrees or high school diplomas, hence ensure that you are acquainted with all homeschooling laws of your state.
2.Determine your “HOW”
You have to determine why you want to start homeschooling then find out how you are going to accomplish it. Your “how” depends on how you are going to educate your teens at home. Even though each homeschool is different, some homeschooling approaches and styles are common. Many homeschoolers usually don’t follow one method or style because there are diverse homeschooling styles. Rather choose homeschooling ideas as well as suggestions that fit your lifestyle and family and ultimately come up with your own teaching method. Each family is different; hence you should look for the kind of homeschooling which is perfect for you and your high school students.
a). Homeschooling while Working
In case you are a single working parent, or when all parents are working full-time, your homeschool approach might require to be tailored to the dynamic of your family. Nevertheless, it’s possible, so do not be discouraged. Homeschooling your teenager while working requires juggling and creativity, but you can homeschool if it is appropriate for you and your teenagers.
b). Homeschooling Teens with Special Needs
In case you have a disabled student, “how” you are going to homeschool will vary in your family. Homeschooling is the best choice for learners with disabilities. Some states extend special needs so as to assist homeschooling families; hence ensure that you check with the Department of Education in your state when you want to homeschool.
3.Know Your Teenager
Your teen is absolutely amazing and unique, and knowing how your teenager learns as well as what motivates them is crucial to choosing the best homeschool curriculum. Considering the learning preferences of your student and your teaching style is a crucial aspect of creating a strong homeschool foundation. Also, you will find out what encourages your learner. Determine all things you can regarding their learning style. Some students enjoy listening and watching, while others prefer a hands-on approach to study.
4.Create a Designated Workspace
K12 online homeschooling is exciting, fun, and messy. Learning and living under one roof quickly results in chaos and disorganization – an environment that doesn’t make students happy. In order to avoid such confusion, ensure that the learning materials of your learners are organized and allocate a specific studying hub where they can keep books and supplies. Although students may end up doing their assignments at the kitchen table, it assists them in keeping them well-organized in one area. After the students have completed their assignments, make sure that they return learning materials to the designated area.
Be sure to post printed schedules on their workspace so that they can be aware of work that requires to be completed as well as goals they are working on a particular week or day.
5.Following a Daily Schedule
The other tip on how to start homeschooling today is following a daily schedule. Homeschooling brings about spontaneity and flexibility to the education of your teen. Nevertheless, without a clear structure, they can be distracted from their studies. Students succeed when they have a basic routine and structure. Create and follow a day-to-day schedule. A schedule will provide you with daily direction and focus.
6.Create Education Goals Together
Homeschooling provides your teen with an opportunity to customize their learning. Goals are a crucial part of the learning process. With a plan and vision, you are most likely to attain those education outcomes and correctly align with your online homeschool curriculum.
As the instructor or parent, stake the main learning goals for your teen ahead of time. Learning objectives will depend on the national or state requirements, abilities, and age of the student or your personal learning philosophy. With benchmarks and objectives in place, sit down with your students and get their contributions. You can break down the objectives by month, semester, and year. Also, this is an important chance of teaching students the best practices and goal-setting skills.
7.Determining the Best Homeschool Curriculum
Getting a homeschooling program that fits your lifestyle and family is vital. The best way of getting insight regarding homeschool curriculum and homeschooling is finding a mentor to share advice, inspiration, and insight. If you are not able to get a mentor, you can;
a). Find Homeschool Support Groups
Connecting with local homeschool groups offers you invaluable homeschool assistance through resources, information, and suggestions. The homeschool groups can navigate the homeschool curriculum and state requirements and then share with homeschooling beginners what works. Other homeschoolers can offer your insight into homeschool programs and curriculum with which they have primary experience.
b). Attending Homeschool Conventions
With the current Covid-19 pandemic, attending homeschool conventions isn’t a choice. Nevertheless, there are numerous online homeschool conventions that are the best options for inspiration, resources, and homeschool information. Participating in homeschool conventions provides opportunities to;
- Browse programs and curriculum individually
- Enjoy homeschool convention discounts on curriculum purchases and bundles!
- Feel connected to other students
- Get homeschooling support groups
- Get face-to-face recommendations from individuals who have actually utilized homeschooling products
- Hear from other homeschooling parents
- Listen to homeschooling teachers and experts
c). Decide on Your Homeschool Curriculum!
Attending online homeschool conventions and getting local help are crucial steps in finding the best homeschool curriculum, which you have to decide at the end of the day. Choosing the best curriculum is a daunting process to start, but you can make it.
8.Maintain Good Homeschool Records
Maintaining wide-ranging homeschooling records is an aspect that worries many homeschooling parents. It might seem to be a difficult task, but when you take small steps constantly, you will create the best homeschool records with time. Some of the things that you can utilize in record-keeping include;
- Generate report cards. Report cards assist your teens in understanding the progress of your homeschooled students. Also, they can be utilized for rewards or discounts at theme parks and restaurants.
- Generate transcripts for homeschooling high school students. Certainly, do not wait until the last hour so as to generate your transcript. Additionally, make sure that you include the descriptions of your course on your transcript because many colleges and universities will need to know.
- Maintain a grade book. This might be a spreadsheet, notebook, or printable paper grade book.
9.Take Education Outside the Classroom
The main advantage and aspect of homeschooling is the flexibility of learning outside a brick-and-mortar classroom setting. Explore education opportunities outside the classroom such as;
- Go to the market.
- Go to the community library.
- Learn home management skills such as simple budgeting and laundry.
- Play computer games.
- Practice cooking and baking.
- Visit businesses.
- Write emails to families and friends.
Dedicate time for these activities in your day-to-day schedule – meeting new persons, playing, and discovering new skills are crucial ways of growing and learning. Integrate these experiences into your homeschooling setting for the best curriculum.
10.Make Studying a Family Activity
You can share your enthusiasm for studying with your teenagers. You should lean on subjectivities or activities that every member of your family enjoys. For instance, you can:
- Tour your town.
- Explore new hobbies.
- Have family members teach new skills.
- Go geocaching.
- Make crafts.
- Read together.
- Take a family hike.
- Visit an arts center.
There are many ways of making fun and involving your family when homeschooling. Take your teens to the zoo to learn about ecology and animals. You can learn home economic skills such as cooking together. Involve all members of your family and be creative for a memorable and fun experience.
11.Connect with other Homeschooling Students
Since you are in control of the education of your teenager does not mean that you are alone. There are diverse and rich homeschooling communities across the globe. Collaborate with other homeschooling learners in your location virtually so as to share resources and connect. This will enhance the process of homeschooling and will also enhance the experience of your teenagers and increase their learning opportunities.