What do I need to do to homeschool my children?

Question

How do I go about doing this?I have 3 children and really think this is the best thing to do but I have no idea how to get started and what to do!Can you give me some advice?

Answer 1

What you need to do to get started will vary based upon the regulations in your state. I would recommend that you contact your local and state home school organizations and join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).

You can find links to homeschool reasearch, homeschool organizations and an analysis of home schooling laws in your state at the HSLDA website:

www.hslda.org

Answer 2

Well, there's a few things I would recommend to start. Legally each state has different requirements. Here is the site that tells you what you need to do for your state: http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.asp Just click on your state. Then click on the "laws" tab on the top and it will tell you what your state requires. Some states require virtually nothing, while a few like New York and Washington are more involved.

I would also recommend you order a good homeschool catalog or two. A great one is the one put out by Rainbow Resource; it's about 1000 pages and is free, and will give you an idea of all the homeschool curriculum that is out there. Their website is at: http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php I tend to order most of my curriculum from there because they have almost everything and they have good prices, too. My 2nd favorite catalog is probably www.timberdoodle.com.The best Christian catalogs if you are looking for them are probably www.sonlight.com and www.cbd.com.

Best websites to start with are probably www.starfall.com and www.uptoten.com which are free and http://www.iknowthat.com/com which is also free. Another great website which teaches reading but which is not free is www.headsprout.com. It was about $70 for the first 40 lessons for my dd (I found a coupon online), but I think it is worth the money. They let you try the first 3 lessons free as a preview which I would recommend to see if you and your child like the program, and we really did! We are probably going to sign up for Lessons 41-80 as well as she is about to finish up the 40 lessons in a week or two. That site is for 4, 5, 6, 7 year olds? and when you are finished with Lesson 80 they say your child will be reading at mid-level second grade level.

Edit: I just wanted to add having read one poster's belief that children need to attend school to be socialized and learn tolerance. First of all, the mom posting this question has 3 children so having several siblings you will already learn tolerance being part of a good-sized family. I also question how attending public school and sitting at a desk filling out worksheets or seatwork the majority of the day helps one learn socialization? Also, I would guess most people making comments like that have not spent lunchtime with children in public school. Their socialization is scary. Eating with open mouths, insulting each other, most of what would pass for socialization in the school system is negative socialization. I guess the theory might be that negative socialization toughens one up or teaches one how NOT to behave or something? I personally believe that positive role models probably are a better way to teach. And I know not everyone can homeschool and/or does not wish to. Additionally, homeschool activities and sports, and access to public school activities and sports & neighborhood friends allow homeschoolers additional methods of socialization.

Answer 3

With the exception of just a couple of people here, you first need to ignore the stupidity. Then I would go to the library and take out anything you can find on homeschooling and the different styles. My personal favorite is Mary Pride's Big Book of Home Learning. In it she gives you a non-discriminitory view of homeschooling styles. Read, read ,read! That is where you need to start. And don't get discouraged and let the ignorant sway your decision. Good Luck and have fun!

Answer 4

Depends upon their ages. I truly believe that kids should spend a few years in school like say Kindergarten through 3rd grade this gives them basics and you can see if the school is good enough to actually teach anything to your kids.
When you bring them home you will have to buy books, paper, pencils, you will need a lesson plan, stuff for arts and crafts. Figuring the time of school in a day is from 8:30-3:00 and during those hours much time is wasted taking roll call, money for lunches, announcements, recess, lunch breaks, settling down time from recess, lunch breaks and so on.. the average learning time at school is approximately 3 hours out of 6-1/2 hours at school.
When you teach the kids set it up for when you are at your best . Since they know the basics you can get deeper into history, reading, grammar, geography, science and math. And never forget field trips to historical sites, the zoo and museums.
Its a wonderful world if you are willing to give your kids the time and if it doesn't seem to be working out that is okay too I think all parents should try it for a year or two. Good not to be on someone else's schedule for awhile .. Good Luck!

Answer 5

On the Internet there's is good information to get you started. Some people are against it. But you make that decision. I thinking about home schooling. Lot of woman from my church home school there kids and most of the kids like it, and yes some kid would rather go to school, education is better I think cause you are not on a schedule that you have to teach reading in 40 min, math another 40 min etc., you take as long as the child needs help and yes kids do work independently. Good luck

Answer 6

I am an educator and I think homeschooling is a ridiculous idea. Children need to be socialized and taught by different people. They need to learn to be independent and they will not be if you do all the teaching. Children who are home schooled are often strange and do not fit in with others. You can instill good values and religion in your children without keeping them so close. It is unfair to them to keep them so isolated. Besides, won't they have to be part of the workforce one day? They need to learn tolerance of others and social skills. If you do not have a degree in education you are cheating them out of some really innovative teachers and their techniques. Your three kids should go to a real school and their mother needs to be present sometimes from a distance. Have faith in them...they will do well with your guidance not your boring four walls. Good luck.

Answer 7

Okay...I am reading the reviews so far and what is not really shocking me is the TEACHERS here that are slamming homeschool kids. Okay..First...these are the teachers (not all schools) that are suppose to be teaching our kids...I thought teachers were suppose to be open minded and supportive.

Would you really want this type of teacher for your child?? One reason why I have chosen to help educate my child instead of wasting his time with teachers like this. Unbelievable!!!!!

Answer 8

Start making lesson plans and get in touch with the education organization in your state.

Answer 9

First, get a therapist. Your kids will need it.
Honestly, I am a public school teacher, and I have seen many home-schooled kids come back to public. They miss out on so much of the socialization that is so important to their development.

Answer 10

If you have to ask what u need to educate your children at home then u are not qualified to do it. You need a qualified teacher. Be fair to them. Think about their future and not your beliefs!