Homeschooling Parenting Tips

Guest post from Amanda , former teacher and homeschool mom of two.

There are approximately 2 millions students in the U.S. that are home schooled according to an article in A to Z Homes Cool.  In 2007, the number of homeschooled students was about 1.5 million, and from 850,000 in 1999 according to the U.S. Department of Education. This presents a continual rise in parents who are choosing the avenue of home schooling. Homeschooling was not even an option for me.  I even stated, “I will never home school!”  I am now in my fourth year and can’t imagine going back.  I remember spending whole summer beforehand looking for materials and curriculum.  Even as a private school teacher, I was a nervous wreck, thinking I couldn’t home school my two children (14 and 10 year old).  I will admit, home schooling is not for every family, but if you are thinking about taking the plunge, here are a few tips to help you in your first year.


Here are 10 great Homeschooling Tips for homeschool families


1.   Each state is different. Find out your state requirements for homeschooling.

2.   Depending if your requirements allow, decide if you are going to home school solo, go under an umbrella school, or (if state/county offers) virtual or county online school.  Search out there pros and cons and see what fits for you.

3.   Link up with a home school group or coop in your area.  Groups and Coops provide a wealth of information and support that you can glean from. They are also a great way for your child to meet other homeschoolers while taking classes, field trips, and participating in clubs.

4.   Investigate different curriculum options.  Pick what fits your families need and your child’s learning style. Pick things your child is interested in.  There are so many curriculum choices, but don’t get overwhelmed.  Check out the resource, Cathy Duffy's 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.

5.   Ask fellow home school parent’s about curriculum before you purchase.  I try to avoid buying an all inclusive curriculum.  In my experience, I have never taught a curriculum that presented every single subject to my liking, plus they are very expensive. Don’t be afraid to mix-n-match.

6.   Avoid buying new materials.  There are many avenues for purchasing books from Amazon to homeschoolclassifieds.com.  Even coops and groups have sales locally or online.

7.   If it’s not working, try something else.  That is the freedom you have as a homeschooler.  If your child is struggling with a math curriculum, try a different one. Find one that works and allow the child to feel a sense of accomplishment.

8.   Have a schedule.  Yes, you will have to be a little flexible from time to time, but having a schedule brings consistency and stability.

9.   Probably the most important advice is PROTECT YOUR TIME, PROTECT YOUR TIME, PROTECT YOUR TIME.  Talk to family and friends and let them know your time allotted to home schooling and ask them to respect it.

10.  Finally, have fun!  Don’t get bogged down.  Home schooling is an open canvas of opportunities for you and your children. Explore all avenues to learning.  And if you happen to get a bit rusty, attend home school conferences to revive your creativity.

Source:

U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2009).

The Condition of Education 2009 (NCES 2009-081) Indicator 6 .