I want to homeschool my daughter, where do I begin?

Question

She's not even a year old yet, but I would like to get all my ducks in a row now. I was homeschooled for high school and I loved it! I plan on enrolling her in the same homeschool program that I was in (Clonlara). What other things can I do now to prepare for the future?

I am not asking for opinions on whether or not I SHOULD homeschool her, I'm asking for some good ideas to start with. Sitting in a small room with 35 other children for 7 hours a day staring blankly into space and day dreaming does not constitute good socialization. Being involved in playgroups, sports and community activities while getting one-on-one attention sounds a lot better to me!

Answer 1

At this age the only thing you really need to do is find out what the laws are where you live or plan to live when she is school aged. The site someone else recommended, HSLDA (HomeSchool Legal Defense Association) is a good starting place, but you may want to read the code yourself and not rely on someone else's summary or interpretation.

If you're looking for curriculum ideas or activities you can start now check out http://www.letteroftheweek.com. They have lots of ideas starting from 3 months old that will help get your child ready to learn and help you get into a homeschool parent mindset without a whole lot of work.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First, check out

www.hslda.org to see what the laws are in your area.

Next, think about what kind of curriculum you want to do. We use a work book here and there, but mainly we learn from the real world.

When she's a little older, get involved in local homeschool play groups. When she's 5 she can join the girl scouts if you are interested.
Many sports have a team for children 3 and up.

The main thing is to not back down. Don't doubt yourself. Public school is NOT the answer for any person who wants to raise a well rounded, respectful child.

Answer 3

There are great accredited online high schools, you just have to look on the net. They give books, cd's and reading materials. I have been homeschooled this way since i was in 9th grade and i love it. I will be going into 11th grade this year and im going through compuhigh.com. By the way, the reason i love homeschooling over public schools is, i actually have 5 A's and 2 B's from last year, im making A's in math, because i dont have any distractions or gripy teachers that dont want to help you.

Answer 4

Talk with the parent who homeschooled you, for starters. Be ready for stress.
Network. Find other homeschooling parents in the area so that your daughter will have some friends with a common scholastic situation; social skills start to develop in the early years of school. Make sure that your daughter gets plenty of playtime, but schedule it so that you don't have too much trouble with wanting to play or sleep during schooltime.

Answer 5

I was homeschool from birth until my Junior year of highschool when I attended public school. I agree that my education was better (in public school they considered me to be "smart" and lots of people copied my answers), but my social development was severely hindered. My personal belief is that homeschooling is good up until perhaps Middle School, then public school is good because it provides the social interaction. Be carefull how you raise your child though... just build a thirst for knowledge in her then let her go. It's far too tempting when homeschooling a kid to protect them from society. When I was no longer under the supervision of my parents I immediately went downhill and experimented with drugs and alcohol because I was never around it and was always told that it's bad, so when I was around it I wanted to try it.
You're going to want to make sure you take care of the legal aspect. If you enroll her in a support group or homeschool program you might not have to worry about that though. There's some resources on the Internet for homeschoolers you can take a look at.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

google homeschool online and find out about existing ideas for curriculum and find out your state requirements for curriculum, call your local school district and go to a teacher supply store, see if there are some books on the subject and pick up the newsletter or whatever is available so you can start networking with others who share your interests

Answer 7

It may sound strange, but you still must enroll in a home study school in your home district. (Or else, your child may be considered truent.) This is in California...

Your child will be assigned a home study teacher to administer required assessments, help with curriculum and put you in touch with other homeschoolers in your area. Sometimes, they even arrange field trips. Good Luck with your child's education.

Answer 8

Enroll her in a daycare and public school so that she may be properly socialized. Not to say that you are some recluse who has no social skills but although public schools are not the greatest and they may expose your child to things that you may not want her to see, she has to leave the house some time... I know this is a sensitive issue but I know kids my age that were home schooled and they seem to have difficulties making new friends and networking. I am not putting that way down but there is more to schooling that reading, writing and arithmatic.

Answer 9

Get ahold of the department of education for your local area , they will help you get your ducks in a row to educate you (and your daughter) on home school tactics.

Answer 10

Take her to public library story hours. Read lots of books with her. Buy alphabet blocks or alphabet refrigerator magnets. Take her to museums and art galleries. Listen to music with her.


Have fun together.