Begin Homeschooling with Confidence

© 2011 Vicki Lewis

1. Know why you are home schooling. What are your reasons?

2. Spend time in prayer with God.

· Tell Him all your hopes and fears for the coming year.

· Ask for insight into each child you plan on teaching.

· Ask Him to supply all that you need in order to home educate.

· Ask Him to make you the parent and teacher He wants you to be.

· Thank Him for going before you every step of the way!

3. Know the current law regarding home schooling in the US state in which you reside.

· Obtain a copy of the law at http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/info.asp. Click on “Legal Homeschool Options.”

· Have a current copy of the law and read it through carefully.

· Know what the law requires of you.

· Know what the law does not require of you.

· Be vigilant about the law so this educational option will remain.

4. Get support in place.

· The support of other like-minded families is vital.

· Connect with a state level Christian homeschooling organization at http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/info.asp. Click on “State Homeschool Organizations.”

· Join a local home school support group. Check with your state homeschool organization for this information.

· Check out home education magazines in print and online.

o The Teaching Home http://www.teachinghome.com

o Practical Homeschooling http://www.practicalhomeschooling.com

o The Old Schoolhouse http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com

· Get your name on the mailing lists or email newsletters of curriculum/resource providers.

o A Beka Books http://www.abeka.com

o Bob Jones University Press http://www.bjupresshomeschool.com

o Answers in Genesis http://www.answersingenesis.org

o Rainbow Resources http://www.rainbowresource.com

o Lifetime Books and Gifts http://www.shoplbg.com

o Christian Books Distributors www.christianbook.com

o Veritas Press http://www.veritaspress.com

o Trivium Pursuit http://www.triviumpursuit.com

· Join Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). www.hslda.org

5. If you are removing your child from a conventional/government school....

· Realize that this will require adjustment time for student and teacher.

· Focus on family, faith, and character issues first.

· Individualize academics to meet needs.

· May need to ease into a full schedule.

· Restore enthusiasm for learning.

6. Determine your child’s academic level(s).

· List the subjects you plan to teach.

· Decide if your child is on grade level, below grade level, or above grade level in each subject.

7. Choose curriculum materials.

· Read curriculum review manuals. http://cathyduffyreviews.com

· Become acquainted with a variety of curricula and approaches.

· Choose the curriculum methods/materials for each subject.

· If you do not like the material, neither you nor your child will use it!

· Purchase curriculum materials and basic school supplies.

· Remember, you are a “home” before you are a “school.”

8. Create learning space at home.

· Decide where you will “do” school in your home.

· Decide how you will organize books, papers, pencils, globes, etc.

· Each child needs a place for working/storage--so does the parent.

9. Establish structure.

· Establish a yearly school calendar.

· Determine a weekly and a daily schedule.

· Plan to include your babies and toddlers.

10. Get started!

· Plan your start date.

· No amount of preparation will be perfect!

· Even veteran home schooling parents are still learning!

· Work your plans, but be willing to be flexible.

· Pray constantly.

· Trust God for the results.

[Web links accessed 3 April 2011.]