The Dos and Don’ts of Homeschooling
If you’re considering homeschooling your high schooler, you may be wondering where to start. The process of homeschooling can seem daunting, but with the right information and resources, it can be a smooth experience for both you and your child.
In this post, we’ll give you a rundown of the dos and don’ts of homeschooling high schoolers.
So, whether you’re just starting to think about homeschooling or are already in the thick of it, read on for some helpful tips!
What are the Top 12 Do’s of Homeschooling?
1. Do your research
If you’re thinking about homeschooling, the first thing you should do is research. Talk to other homeschooling families, read books and articles about homeschooling, and familiarize yourself with the laws in your state.
It’s essential to go into the decision with your eyes wide open, so you know what you’re getting into and can set realistic expectations.
2. Do develop a curriculum
One of the great things about homeschooling is that you have the freedom to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and interests. However, this also means that it’s up to you to develop a homeschool curriculum that meets those needs.
There are many resources available to help you, so don’t feel like you have to do it all on your own.
3. Do create a schedule
A homeschooling schedule does not have to be rigid, but it is crucial to have some structure in place. This will help keep both you and your child on track and ensure that all the necessary material is covered.
It can also be helpful to include some downtime in the schedule for extracurricular activities and relaxation.
4. Do set aside dedicated homeschooling space
It doesn’t have to be a separate room, but it’s important to designate a specific area for homeschooling. This will help your child focus and stay on task.
If you don’t have a lot of space, get creative and set up a homeschooling area in the corner of a room or use a portable whiteboard to create a makeshift classroom.
5. Do take advantage of resources
Homeschooling can be isolating, so it is crucial to take advantage of your resources. There are many homeschooling groups and co-ops that offer social and educational opportunities for homeschoolers. These can be great places to make friends and find support.
6. Do get outside help if needed
Just because you’re homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. There is no shame in getting outside assistance if you need help developing a homeschool curriculum or teaching certain subjects.
You can hire a tutor, take classes at a local community college, or even have your child take an online course.
7. Do keep records
It’s important to keep detailed records of your homeschooling experience, including transcripts, attendance records, and portfolios of your child’s work. This will come in handy if you ever need to prove to authorities that your child is receiving a quality education.
8. Do plan for college
If you’re homeschooling with the goal of sending your child to college, there are some things you need to do to prepare. Make sure you understand the admissions process and what colleges are looking for in homeschooled applicants.
You should also start thinking about standardized tests and how to best position your child for success.
9. Do take breaks
Homeschooling can be intense, so make sure you take breaks every now and then. This will help prevent burnout and give you both a chance to recharge—plan regular vacations, weekends off, and days where you just relax at home.
10. Do have fun!
Remember that homeschooling is an adventure! Embrace the opportunities it provides to bond with your child and explore the world together. Make learning fun and enjoy the ride!
11. Do allow yourself time to adjust
Homeschooling is a big adjustment, so give yourself time to get used to the new normal. It’s okay if things are a little chaotic at first. Just take it one day at a time, and things will eventually fall into place.
12. Do be flexible
Flexibility is critical in homeschooling. Things will come up that you didn’t plan for, so be prepared to change course when necessary.
Remember that there is no “right” way to homeschool, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your child.
What are the Top 12 Don’ts of Homeschooling?
1. Don’t forget to plan
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when homeschooling is not planning ahead. Just like with anything else in life, if you want homeschooling to go smoothly, you need to have a plan.
This means mapping out your goals for the year, creating a schedule, and stocking up on supplies. You also need to make sure you understand the homeschooling laws in your state so that you can stay compliant.
2. Don’t try to do it all yourself
Homeschooling high schoolers can be a lot of work, so don’t try to do it all by yourself!
There are plenty of resources available to help you, including online courses, homeschooling co-ops, and support groups. There’s no shame in asking for help, so reach out to your homeschooling community when you need it.
3. Don’t neglect extracurricular activities
Just because your child is homeschooled doesn’t mean they have to miss out on extracurricular activities. In fact, many homeschoolers find that they have more time for activities like sports, music, and clubs since they aren’t tied down to a traditional school schedule.
If you want your child to participate in extracurriculars, make sure to research the options in your area and plan accordingly.
4. Don’t forget about socialization
One of the biggest concerns about homeschooling is that high school students will miss out on meaningful socialization opportunities. However, this doesn’t have to be the case!
There are plenty of ways homeschoolers can socialize, including joining homeschooling groups, participating in community activities, and taking online classes with other students.
5. Don’t skimp on the quality of education
Just because your child is being educated at home doesn’t mean you should skimp on the quality of their education. Make sure you are using high-quality materials and teaching methods so that your child can get the most out of their homeschooling experience.
6. Don’t let your personal beliefs get in the way
If you’re homeschooling because of your personal beliefs, it’s important to make sure that these don’t get in the way of your child’s education.
For example, if you are a Christian homeschooler, you shouldn’t force your beliefs on your child or try to keep them from learning about other religions.
The same goes for other high school subjects, like evolution vs. creationism. Remember, you want your child to get a well-rounded education, so make sure you aren’t limiting their learning unnecessarily.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling, don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are plenty of resources available, including books, online forums, and support groups. You can also hire a tutor or take classes at a local community college to brush up on your own skills.
8. Don’t let your child get behind
If your child is struggling with a particular subject, don’t be afraid to get help from a tutor or look for other resources. The last thing you want is for your child to fall behind in their studies.
9. Don’t compare your child to others
It’s natural to want to know how your child is doing compared to their peers but resist the urge to compare them too much. Every child learns at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child isn’t keeping up with the Joneses. As long as they are making progress, they are doing fine.
10. Don’t be afraid to experiment
There is no one right way to homeschool, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for your family. You might need to try a few different approaches before finding the perfect fit, but that’s okay!
The important thing is that you and your child are happy with the arrangement.
11. Don’t knock somebody else’s style
Just because somebody else homeschools differently than you do doesn’t mean they are doing it wrong. There are many different ways to homeschool, so don’t be quick to judge somebody else’s methods.
12. Don’t strive for perfection
Homeschooling is not an exact science, so don’t strive for perfection. Do your best to provide a quality education for your child, but don’t beat yourself up if things don’t always go according to plan.
Remember, the important thing is that your child is learning and growing, not that everything is perfect all the time.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling can be a great option for families who want more control over their children’s education, and with the right preparation, it can be a successful experience for both parents and students.
However, there are also some important things to keep in mind when homeschooling, which we’ve outlined in this blog post. By following these tips, you can ensure that your child receives a quality education in the comfort of your own home.
Contact High School of America today for more information on our homeschooling program. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on this exciting new journey!