So, things are not going well for your child at public school and you are thinking about homeschooling? Or, perhaps your children have not begun school yet and you are wondering if homeschooling is right for him or her. Either way, before you make the big jump to teaching at home, there are certain things you should think about. Allow this article to be your guide to everything you need to know about homeschooling.
With so many learning opportunities around you, why limit your child to the pages of a dry textbook? Your child should practice reading a wide variety of books, magazines, newspapers and other published material. Reading articles allows them to learn about what’s going on in the world, opening up discussions about politics, geography and history. Analyzing current events is also an excellent way to build critical thinking skills, which is a gift that keeps on giving.
Just because you follow a curriculum from another source, does not mean you must follow it to the letter. There are often going to be parts of a curriculum that do not suit your child’s learning style or schedule. Be flexible with a curriculum and do not be afraid to drop those parts that are not fitting for your educational plan.
It may be a concern of yours about who your child interacts with socially; however, it is a necessary part of learning. Schedule play dates with friends and family. The park is a great place for kids to get exercise and meet other kids. Find some clubs, organizations or teams they can join.
Familiarize yourself with the laws regarding homeschooling in your state. States have vastly differing legislation regarding homeschooling, and you need to make sure that you are following your state’s regulations. Take note of your state’s stance on things like standardized testing, physical education and documentation requirements. Some states even require you to register your house as a private institution.
Don’t forget the ‘social’ side of school. A child gains much more from school than simply academics. Make sure that your child is involved in activities that a school offers such as sports and music. This can be achieved by meeting other homeschool parents and organizing extra curricular activities at the end of the school day or the weekend.
The Internet is an amazing homeschooling resource. There are numerous resources to be found on the Internet. Many are free, very cheap or require a nominal subscription. Take advantage on any trial offers and weigh each resource on its merits. Homeschooling forums will also offer you unparalleled advice when you are facing challenges with homeschooling.
Allow your child to take a break and exercise a little. Just like in a traditional school, this will help lessen their boredom. Pick scheduled times and stick to them so that your children have something to look forward to.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you may be considering homeschooling your children. No matter what your reason may be, becoming as well informed as you can about homeschooling can do nothing but help you. Use the above tips to figure out if homeschooling is the best method for your child to receive a good education.
Beatrice Cox is a writer and stylist with a passion for the intersection between biology, technology and design. High in Swedish Bali and Heritage, it travels around the world encouraged and informed a global perspective on the future of fashion and its relations with planetary health. She is currently working for a sustainable fashion label in Bali, Indonesia.