I thought I would go back and revisit the NEW to Homeschooling tips. So many are homeschooling today that may not be aware of the already posted information from long ago. That and there are always new tips to add. :)
In brief I want to note that homeschooling is a big, scary step that each of us has had to take at one time or an other. (It really is not as scary as it looks). The emotions you are feeling are normal we have all felt them at one time. Sit back and take a deep breath. You can handle this, I promise. You just need to relax, step out and take things one step at a time.
First things first. If you are new to homeschooling here is what you need to know.
In brief I want to note that homeschooling is a big, scary step that each of us has had to take at one time or an other. (It really is not as scary as it looks). The emotions you are feeling are normal we have all felt them at one time. Sit back and take a deep breath. You can handle this, I promise. You just need to relax, step out and take things one step at a time.
First things first. If you are new to homeschooling here is what you need to know.
- Know your states Homeschool Guidelines. How do I find my state guidelines? At the left side of this screen near the top of my page are dropboxese. Below the first set of dropboxes is a clickable map of the US. You can select your state there or click the attached link in this post to locate your state guidelines. HSLDA - State Laws. I highly recommend you printing them off and keeping them in a binder where you can access them as needed. I also recommend you follow your state Homeschool Advocates Group as well as follow the HSLDA for any legislation changes.
- I am withdrawing my child from school, what do I need to do? If your child is being withdrawn from a public school, you will need to submit a letter in writing on your decision to withdraw and again depending on what your state requires you will need to make sure you are within guideline requirements.
- Be in session the required amount of days your state has set. That does not mean run your school like a public school. Your in session days can be 4 days a week or 5 days. 4 Hours a day or 8 hours a day. Mon - Fri or Tues - Sat. You decide what works for your family.
- KEEP RECORDS of your homeschool journey.
TIPS to help you make a smooth transition:
- Whether your withdrawing your child or just beginning. I recommend you assess your childs learning ability. Do a Learning Style test to determine their learning style. Once you have learned their learning style you can take that next step and search your curriculum out. Now a days most curriculum will note which learning style the curriculum works best with. (Always incorporate hands-on-learning in every grade. I say that because kids burn out with constant drilling.) School should be engaging and fun a long with some structured drilling. Believe it or not most kids learn better being inviolved in the lesson.
- If you are withdrawing your student, I recommend doing a placement test. Believe it or not their is a difference in the public school curric and homeschool curric. Years ago when we brought our then 4th grader home and tested her. She tested at a 3rd grade level for most of her subjects and 4th grade for a few. The school was preparing to pass her on to 5th grade. We were baffled. Come to find out that due to the statewide mandated ISTEP testing, the required grades would spend most of the school year recapping the previous year for ISTEP preparations. This explained why our daughter was testing at 3rd/4th grade levels and not 5th grade material. So when we brought her home to homeschool, we had to reevaluate our school year and purchase more curriculum. Yup our first year was not just panic because of the first year gitters. We had two grades to work on to keep her at 5th grade material.I was livid. Being a new schooler then I thought I had to cram it all in, in one year. I want to help you to be prepared so I recommend testing your children coming out of the public schools. You can purchase tests online or test your student at a local tutoring center.
- NOTE: WHAT WORKS FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S FAMILY DOES NOT GURANTEE IT WILL WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY! We all can tell you what we recommend, how our agenda is set up, our schedule and so on. But the end result is you will have to find out what works for your family. That means you may be experimenting off an on through out your school year. You may get in a groove that works a couple years and then all of a sudden you have to do some adjusting and experimenting again. We all go through it this is nothing new. If you need a short break, take it. Sit back and evaluate where the struggles are and why? Make some changes and try it again.
- If you are already homeschooling but struggling: Take a step back, break if need be. Reevaluate your school year and make some changes. There is nothing wrong with taking a break here or there. Some times we all need to get a clear visual of our school year.
Most importantly breathe. Take things slow a step at a time and enjoy every moment of your kiddos.
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