How to HomeschoolA step by step guideYou want to learn how to homeschool, but there are so many things to think about. Where do you start? Here are 10 steps to make starting the journey a little easier. Legally establish your homeschoolCheck with HSLDA for your state's requirements.Create a vision for your homeschoolThis should be a one or two sentence statement you create as the foundation for your school. What goes into a homeschool vision statement?Gain confidenceOnce you make the decision to homeschool it will seem as though suddenly you are bombared with questions (from yourself and others) about your choice. Can you answer homeschool questions with confidence or are you still “wishy washy?”Decide on a methodA method (also called an approach) is the WAY you teach your child. A method will give you a framework for planning as you start your homeschool. Do you need help with choosing a homeschool method? Click here.Discover your child's learning styleIs your child primarily a visual learner? An auditory learner? Or a kinesthetic learner? It’s useful to know before you start your homeschool. See characteristics of each type of learner and find suggestions on how to teach to these strengths.Find SupportSupport is crucial when you start your homeschool. Your support network of family, friends and other homeschoolers serves as a sounding board for your ideas and can provide you with new perspectives. The more support you have, the more confident you will feel about your homeschool decision. What do support groups have to offer, and how do I find one?
Prepare your childrenGoing to school is so “expected” in our society that it doesn’t matter if your child is 5 or 15, they are going to need to “prepare” for the homeschool journey too. Don't we just "start"? How would I prepare my children?Research curriculumThere’s A LOT out there…decide on a traditional or non-traditional approach and take into account your homeschool vision, method, and childrens’ learning styles and you’ll have an easier time. With so many choices for homeschool curriculum, how do you know how to narrow it down?Keep accurate recordsNow that you have all your new curriculum, you are anxious to start your homeschool year. But first, set up a record keeping system based on your state's requirements. Are you required to keep attendance records? Test scores? Shot records? Work samples? Get a file folder or notebook organized now to make record keeping later a breeze. Click here for tips on organizing your paperwork.Have fun!Recently, a friend of mine was in tears because her youngest child is graduating high school at the end of this year. She told me, "I can't believe it's ending! I've had the time of my life!" I hope, at the end of your journey, you can say the same thing.Leave the How to Homeschool page and return to the HBD home page.
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