how do you home school your children , where do you start?

Question

ok so i am on my way on making up my mind on home schooling, but the question is how, where do you start? do they still have to wait till they are 5, anyone with answers to this would be of great help! i just want the best for my kids and i believe that i can do that through home schooling.

thank you everyone, i am actualy going to copy all of these answers and go to all of the web sites. i can only pick one answer as the best but all of the answers were helpful, thank you!

Answer 1

i had my son home schooled for awhile all i did was go to the public school that was in my district and let them know. from there the school may help you w/ material but if not you have to supply it yourself and you have to report to the school what your teaching the child(ren) and they grade him or her to see if your educating him or her successfully or not.thats what i had to do where i live it may very but this is the idea of it i hope it helps you out.

Answer 2

I agree with you. I started with http://www.homeschool.com/. They have a starter kit that includes a book that I really liked. They also had information about what each different state requires and the different methods for teaching children - how you can get online curriculums or go with the unschooling method, etc.

I am in california and there are a lot of great resources on line (I added links below) for state homeschool associations, etc. Here children don't have to go to school til they are 6 and each year in October you have to send a form letter of intention.

I use the unschooling method, and as a computer professional it was natural for me to turn to educational web sites for my kids. My 6 year old taught herself to read a year ago and the almost 3 year old can do simple math problems and spell about 15 words so far. They are certainly beyond the curriculums of the local preschools.

For socialization I have a great Mother's Club in my area, a local library (that is just starting a summer program) and lots of time at the playground. I plan to get them into classes during the school year (karate, gymastics, whatever they like) to keep them socializing.

You can do it - and you will be so glad you did! Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further help. Peace!

Answer 3

Congrats on that, you are about to begin a great journey.
Where do you start? First thing is to report to your school district...from there you're gone! The best thing about home schooling is that it's your way, which is often the better way since you know your individual children better than anyone else does. You don't have to wait until they're five, since you're home with them you can start when you want. If they're not ready until five, then you can start with the simple things. ABCs, numbers, and writing their names. Making songs out of things often helps them learn the subject faster. You can also make charts with poster boards and markers with the subject on it, and for right at the beginning you can find number cards and alphabet cards at Walmart for cheap. For starting with the books there are sooo many choices, most of which can be found or ordered off of the internet. Here are a few: Alpha and Omega, Abeka, Saxon Math (excellent, highly recommended but doesn't start until third grade,) and ACE paces.
Believe me, you'll have so much fun with this if you just don't stress over it, there is help everywhere you look. Also for if you want to teach them science or history or something at this young age, you can check out the library for books about almost anything.
Don't let anyone tell you that your kids can't have a life being homeschooled, they can. It's just up to you to provide that.
I hope that helps, good luck!!!

Answer 4

You would like to begin homeschooling. Your children are already in school. How do you begin? Start with a trip through the Home School Legal Defense Association's website (http://www.hslda.org) to learn what must be done in your area to be in compliance with your state's laws.The first physical step would be to pull your children from the school system they are in, but truly, you already have started teaching them.From there you can begin with the books that you already have around the house. Literature is a great way to start: read to your children, and have them read to you. Make cookies together and do the math of fractions. When you begin to doubt whether you are doing enough, stop to consider how much time your children would be wasting in a classroom while waiting in line, waiting for silence, or waiting for the teacher to finish whatever is going on before they can all move on to the next thing.

Answer 5

Every state has different requirements - some or more lenient (like Texas) others are MUCH more strict (like Pennsylvania). Start at the HSLDA website to get an overview of what your state's requirements are and what they will and won't help you with (here in Texas, we're pretty much on our own, but we don't have to report to anyone either!).

Next you need to start looking at curriculum and this can be overwhelming. You have several options. You could go with someone like Alpha-Omega or Bob Jones and use all their curriculum for every subject. Or you could go really old-school and use living books (no textbooks, no workbooks, just reading fiction and non-fiction, using blocks and other items on hand for math, etc.) Or, you could combine these two and use some prepared curriculum (say, for math) and create your own for other subjects (say, history).

There are several good curriculum reviewers (Cathy Duffy and Rebecca Rupp come to mind). An EXCELLENT source of info is your local homeschooling group (most towns and cities have at least one). There, you can talk to veteran homeschoolers and find out how they've overcome some of the difficulties you are facing (and will face) and even preview some of the curriculum you're thinking of using (maybe even buy it used - bonus!)

I agree that you've been schooling your kids all the time, whether you realize it or not. I wouldn't do too much for the K year (mainly math and English - phonics, reading, writing). One of the best resources I have seen is a book by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise-Bauer called, "The Well-Trained Mind". They give detailed descriptions of what you CAN do for each year (although it can seem overwhelming, they specifically say you don't HAVE to do everything they mention). Or, check out, "Home Learning Year-by-Year" by Rebecca Rupp.

It can all seem like so much when you're just starting out, but after a short time, you'll get into a groove and wonder how you ever thought this would be tough. My only word of caution is to make sure you get them involved in something that requires them to interact with others (scouts, drama, sports, homeschool co-ops, park days).

Answer 6

First, start with your state's department of education to find out the educational requirements you need to follow (these vary state to state).
Second, decide who will teach your child as well as how long you plan to teach them at home--you may need a tutor as the children get older because you might know much about certain topics.
Finally, iit is REALLY important to work a social life into your curriculum. this can be through organizations where homeschooled families get together, after-school programs at your local public school are also options.

Answer 7

You should start home schooling when they are able to realize the difference from right and wrong, and also if you do decide you should at least go and take some class up in school so your child or children want be left behind if you do decide to enroll your child or children in public or private school, but if i was you i would let my child go to private or public school so they would have the ability to have friends and a LIFE outside the house without their parents always in their face.

Answer 8

First of all the answer to the age question. You started homeschooling your child they day they were born, maybe sooner if you talked or read or sang to your unborn baby. Who taught your child to walk, talk, eat, manners, all of that? The best thing to do, if you are serious is to find out your states laws. Dont ask the public school or school board, they are not always sure of the exact laws. Here is a sight to check out, it will give you the laws for your state and links that you can go to for more info www.hslda.com If you want to become a member with them they will also provide legal help if the school district or Social Services ever gives you problems with homeschooling, sometimes they offer free trial membership (doesn't require credit card) or free membership to families that are struggling. And yes, you can give the best to your children because you know them the best. You know how they learn, so you know how to teach them. The public school can not possibly do this.

Answer 9

It is always best to start children on a basic learning curriculum as early as possible. I think it is in the best interest of the child if they are, however, enrolled in preschool or kindergarten. This gives them the opportunity to assimilate to working with other children who aren't their siblings. It helps them to develop positive social skills.
When they reach an age where they may be placed in home school most school districts have a home study program that is monitored through the district office. There are even home school programs that will allow your child to participate in extra-curricular sports and clubs. Call the district office of your particular school district and they will be able to provide all the information for you.

Answer 10

Homeschooling goes on all the time - you've already started even if they aren't 5.
There is a place out of Florida that has a whole curriculum for all ages; including evaluations to make sure the the children are at grade level and in compliance with learning standards. If the child is having trouble with certain areas, they also have addendums for additional learning skills.
It is listed on the Internet - I don't have the name of it.

Answer 11

I am a homeschooling mom.

First you need to start by contacting your local (state) Board of Education. Request the forms for homeschooling. There are 2 rules for homeschooling in Nebraska, I believe they are nationwide. Rule 12 is for a non-religious reason and Rule 13 is for religious reasons. You will need to fill out all the paperwork they send you, and then they also will need the original certified copy(-y ies) of your child(ren)'s birth certificate.

One of the best places that I have found to search for homeschooling curriculum is on Ebay. I personally use the Abeka and Alpha Omega programs.

There is no set age at which you can start. The law just requires that you child start by 6yrs old.

If you have any further questions, I would be more than happy to help. My email is [e-mail] and my name is Jenepher. Thanks :)