© 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.]