How to Homeschool
How To Homeschool
If you've ever thought of homeschooling, but thought "I don't know how to homeschool", I am hoping to fill in some of those details for you here. First, you should think about what kind of style you would like your homeschool adventure to take on. The sky is the limit when it comes to finding a homeschooling style. You can go with a very child-led style like unschooling or use a curriculum that will tell you what and how your child should learn. Online classes or computer programs are other ways to go.I started out using workbooks I bought at Sam's club since I started when my oldest was only three. I thought I needed to do preschool with him since that was what other kids were doing. In all honesty, reading to your child is the best thing at that age. Sitting your child down at 3 or 4 to "do school" is not really necessary. They learn by doing at this age. So, don't feel like you need to "do school" at this age. Sometimes your child won't be ready to sit down for any length of time till they are 8. In the beginning, doing school will not take nearly as long as you might imagine. A couple hours is really the most a smaller kid can handle.As your child learns to read, they will be able to focus for longer periods. Slowly increasing the amount of work your student has each year, will prepare them for high school. There will be requirements for your high schooler, so make sure you check into those. HSLDA is a great resource for finding out the laws in your state. Each state is different, so know what is required of you before you pull your kid out of public school. Michigan, where I live, does not have a lot of requirements for its homeschoolers. Your biggest issue will be meeting what a college accept for admittance. Since every kid is different, I recommend at least starting out your high school curriculum with the intent of preparing them for college admittance.Something else to consider is looking into HSLDA's membership. It is a nice way to have peace of mind when homeschooling. They can give you legal advice and represent you in case issues arise. I hate to be a downer, but it does happen. We live in a fallen world. There are those who claim they are homeschooling so that can keep their kids at home for no good purposes. They ruin things for the rest of us who are doing what we are supposed to.Choosing a teaching style and curriculum is important and can be a challenge. Next, I will discuss different styles. Keep in mind that every kid is different and your needs may change throughout the time you are homeschooling.
Unschooling
Unschooling is a very child led style of homeschooling. In this particular style, the parent looks for cues from the student on what subjects they are interested in. The student also sets what pace they will take. In the beginning, unschooling can look like the child is not being taught much of anything. Most read to their children a lot and use that for their learning experiences. To be honest, until a child can read, using curriculum you have purchased can be a waste of time. You will need to walk through everything for them anyway. Kids often enjoy having books read to them rather than filling out worksheets.As the child gets older a parent using this style will see what areas the child finds most interesting. They will let the child lead the way on when to start working on a history curriculum or if reading lots of books is better for them. If they are really into science, the parent might find a co-op or other program to put them in to get more in-depth teaching. It is harder to follow some state laws with this style. Especially in high school where you may need to have a certain number of credits in each subject. But, if you get creative you can find ways to fill these requirements.
Using a Curriculum
For most families who are figuring out how to homeschool a complete curriculum with every subject included is often where they begin. Once they are more comfortable with how to homeschool they often start using curriculum from different companies for different subjects. Homeschool curriculum is often cheaper when purchased as a whole and you feel like you have everything covered that way. The downside is when you discover your child really cannot learn in this style and every day becomes a battle to get your hands-on child to sit and read for 2 hours. It can be a lot of money down the drain.I would suggest before buying a full curriculum, try out some used items. Or possibly borrowing something from another homeschooler to try it out. Ask someone you know if you can borrow something they aren't currently using. Summer is a great time to do this. Or you can ask someone who has kids in a different grade level. I bet they have all the curriculum they have used unless they have kids who are much older. Going to a support group meeting where the members bring their favorite curriculum is really helpful as well. If you need help finding other homeschoolers check out my post on what you should know before you start homeschooling.I have used many different curricula myself. Some of the main ones are:
On a Budget
Some of you may have tight budgets that don't allow for a brand new shiny curriculum. You may be thinking about how to homeschool with a limited income. I get it. But fear not! There are lots of options for you as well. It might mean getting creative or spending more time researching, but it can be done. An easy solution is something like Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool website. Another option is just checking out library books. There are many resources out there that will list suggested topics to cover for each grade level to help you determine what you might need to check out. Used book sales are a great way to find curriculum on a budget.
Online and computer programs
With online and computer programs, you still have control over what is taught to your child, but it will be more hands-off. Computer programs typically still require you to grade or monitor the child's progress somewhat.If you truly need hands off a great option is an online course with a teacher. These usually require you to take the class at the time the teacher is teaching the class online, so you can have discussions and ask questions. These types of curriculum do tend to cost more, but if there is a subject that you just can't figure out yourself or really don't have the time for, you can find these on many different sites. Some use the curriculum they sell and just hold classes utilizing it. This is a great option for someone who still works and has an older child that can stay home to do their work. Some options that I know of are the following:
Some states have online programs that you can use as well. The state runs these, so your child will be learning the same things as his or her public school friends. It also puts you in their system which some of us are not as comfortable with. In my state, we have an amazing amount of freedom on how we can homeschool. I do not want to be told how to homeschool my child, so I do not get involved in state-sponsored programs even if they are free.Another option you may find helpful: many homeschoolers who have degrees in certain subjects may offer private or small group classes. These can range from writing classes that are submitted over email, to science classes with labs. There really are an amazing amount of choices out there.
Cooperatives and Other Onsite Classes
Cooperatives are such a blessing to homeschoolers. I highly recommend them. They do require an investment of your time though. My children have had many of the courses I am less confident in taught to them by other moms that are more passionate about these topics. Often times it is a great place for science classes since you can do labs together instead of dissecting a frog in your own kitchen, yuck! I have had good and bad experiences at a co-op. Do some research before you join. Just like curriculum, not every co-op is for everyone. Maybe the co-op doesn't have a good selection of classes for your little ones, or maybe they are disorganized. Whatever the case, make sure it's right for your family.Public schools will allow your student to take certain courses or join extracurricular activities. I avoid public school offerings so that I am not dictated to on what my kid is or is not doing. Some local schools also have programs that allow you to pay for classes your kid may be taking. I know a few moms at our dance studio that get money for their kid's dance lessons. I again would rather not get into the system, but if you aren't concerned, you can certainly look into such programs.Another option is checking into Christian schools. We have one near us that does a homeschool day. The kids come in one day a week and get a variety of classes. They are also allowed to participate in the sports activities at the school. This particular school also offers classes by the hour. So, if you really want that science class out of the way, they will let you pay for and attend just that one class. But, you do have to go every day of the week at that particular hour.
A Quick Wrap Up
As you can see there are plenty of options on how to homeschool. From very hands-on, to private teachers. From unschooling to very detailed curriculum. Don't feel like you need to do what your friend is doing. Every family is different and every kid has different needs. I am always willing to answer any of your questions, so feel free to contact me at any time. Sign up for my newsletter[mc4wp_form id="168"]Contact me with any questions or comments [contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form]