| So you're considering homeschooling? Where do | | | | homeschoolers can offer a wealth of information |
| you start? | | | | on a variety of subjects. They can help with |
| As with everything in life, those who prepare are | | | | many aspects of homeschooling, i.e. choosing |
| more apt to succeed. This is true for | | | | curriculum, record keeping, meeting the state |
| homeschooling too. The majority of the structure | | | | laws, and group activities. Some have been |
| and organization of the homeschool is up to you. | | | | homeschooling for a long time and have solutions |
| Planning ahead will reduce pitfalls and improve the | | | | to difficulties you might encounter. You too can |
| effectiveness of your homeschool. | | | | contribute by bringing new and fresh ideas. Even if |
| There are many ways of creating your plan but | | | | you want to keep your autonomy, find a group |
| there are some basics you should address. Here | | | | that fits your needs. These groups can streamline |
| are guidelines to help you get started with your | | | | your homeschooling and prevent common pitfalls.o |
| homeschooling preparation.o First and most | | | | Choose your curriculum. You can choose a |
| important, get a commitment from everyone in | | | | complete program or create one yourself. It can |
| the household who will affect or be affected by | | | | new, used, shared or borrowed. It can be |
| the homeschool. Make sure they understand that | | | | expensive or cost nothing. This is where a |
| they are going to contribute to the success of | | | | homeschooling network is valuable. Get input from |
| the homeschool.o Gather information and | | | | other homeschoolers. See what has worked them |
| resources. You can get valuable information by | | | | and what fits for you. Takes cues from your |
| visiting homeschooling web sites, signing up for | | | | children. Use the Internet or go to the library to |
| free online newsletters, visiting homeschooling | | | | research your options.o Set up a record keeping |
| message board and join homeschooling chats and | | | | system. There are many different styles of |
| email lists. Find homeschooling events calendars | | | | record keeping. You can develop your own style |
| online and attend homeschooling conferences. | | | | of record keeping. Your record keeping can be as |
| Subscribe to homeschooling magazines. Visit a | | | | simple as a daily journal or as complicated as |
| book store or go to your local library.o Become | | | | keeping track of daily schedules, and setting |
| familiar with homeschooling laws in your state. It is | | | | short- and long-term goals. Also, your curriculum |
| usually simple to satisfy the laws. There are many | | | | may determine how you keep records. Determine |
| websites that provide this information. The local | | | | what final result you want. Check out local |
| public school district office and the public library | | | | colleges, trade schools universities and see what |
| can also help you in this area.o Join a | | | | they require. Find out what record keeping is |
| homeschooling support group in your area. It is | | | | required by law. Consult your support group and |
| very important to exchange ideas in a group. This | | | | find what has worked for them. |
| can be a group of homeschooling friends or | | | | Planning ahead both short- and long-term goals will |
| families associated with your curriculum. You can | | | | go a long way towards your homeschooling |
| also find regional homeschooling support groups | | | | success. |
| and state level homeschooling associations. Other | | | | |