How to Start Homeschooling Your Child
Choosing to start homeschooling your child is a personal decision that is arrived at for many different reasons. Homeschool offers significant advantages for parents, who can instruct their children based on the tenets of their unique worldview while still making education practical. Understanding the process to begin homeschooling your child will ease the transition and help you to properly prepare.
The national public school system as it exists today began in the early 18th century. Prior to that time homeschool was the norm, with most children learning the family trade from their youngest days. Since public school became compulsory in 1852 most people have abandoned the traditional methods of transmitting information in favor of allowing children to matriculate through the public school system.
While the knowledge taught in schools is indeed commendable, teaching your children at home is an equally valid option if you have the ability and means to do so. A few steps to follow in order to start homeschooling your children include:
- Understand local laws for homeschoolers. Teaching your children at home does not exempt you from having to follow certain laws. Most states require a homeschooling parent to have at least a high school diploma and be able to present evidence of their ability to effectively convey educational information for the betterment of their children. Visit the Department of Education website for your state to ensure that you remain in compliance with the homeschooling laws.
- Obtain an accredited curriculum. Much like public school teachers, homeschoolers must also have a written curriculum which outlines the information their children will learn each day. Many homeschool organizations host online stores that make accredited curriculums available for any age group. Use your favorite search engine to find the curriculum that best represents the information your children should learn. If you aren't able to find a curriculum that fits your situation, create your own.
- Consult other homeschoolers. Finding or creating a network of homeschooling parents can be very beneficial, enabling you to share curriculums, teaching tools and other best practices for effective learning. If your local area lacks homeschoolers, take to the Web and find the support you will need to successfully homeschool your children.