Ten Tips For Homeschooling Parents
Homeschooling can be a fantastic way to educate and prepare your child, but it's not nearly as easy as it may seem! Use the following 10 tips to guide you through the planning and preparing and success with homeschooling.
1. Know your local registration and requirements. Laws differ by state and it's essential that you understand the ones that apply to your locality. Check with school administration and follow their advice carefully. Although homeschooling is now a widely accepted practice, not every district is encouraging.
2. Understand your own teaching philosophy and purpose. Homeschooling is not just about ABC's and 123's; it's a lengthy and involved process that covers everything a child needs to know. Consider what approach you are going to take and how you will address various subjects, including science, creation, government and other controversial issues.
3. Organization is essential. You need supplies and an efficient system to proceed smoothly in homeschooling, particularly your lesson plans. This is something you should develop well in advance and have expert guidance with. Think just like a teacher and look ahead to the curriculum for the entire year, preparing all materials and keeping them organized.
4. Be a team. You and your child will be working closely in a challenging environment, so teamwork is essential! Keep the lines of communication open and look for cues that you are pushing too hard or perhaps proceeding too slowly. This is very much a give-and-take relationship that must be nurtured every step of the way.
5. Join forces with other homeschoolers. You need support from other like-minded parents and your child will benefit from seeing the full spectrum of the homeschooling community. Be a part of online and local groups and incorporate that perspective into your program. Give and receive advice and be a better homeschooler because of it!
6. Set-up a school within your home. The physical aspects of your homeschool are very important to your child's ability to learn and take cues consistently. Prepare a classroom in a section of your home where you can instruct and they can learn without distractions. Make it off-limits to other activities and present it in a professional manner.
7. Have a solid academic plan. You're probably not qualified to generate a complete itinerary on your own; find a good program to adopt and modify it to your individual needs. This plan is essential to consistency for your child and the overall success of your efforts.
8. Use a standardized method of evaluation. No matter what or how you chose to teach, your child's learning must meet an acceptable standard outside of your own opinions. Print out the same tests that are given in public schools, abide by the criteria of evaluation set by your local schools and keep your child in the loop.
9. Be open to the possibility of traditional school. Although most homeschooling families do not waiver in their desire to teach within the confines of their own houses, some kids feel the need to branch out and join the public academia. Think about your position on this and be prepared for questions and possible pleading to go that route eventually.
10. Incorporate great social activities for your child. Homeschooling is by no means social isolation; enjoy all the sporting, scouting and scholastic adventures that are available. Be an active part of the community and offer your homeschooler the opportunity to shine in public!
Some of the most successful people on the planet were homeschooled and your child can excel at this method also! Develop a great program and enjoy the process.
