Hello, I am wondering if someone can give me some good direction to start homeschooling......?

Question

my child? I have never done anything like this before, so I'm not sure where to start, and how much it will cost. At this point, I think I will be able to help my child learn better at home, than in the present school environment. Thank you for any information....

Answer 1

First, check your state laws through www.hslda.org.
Then, you have to choose a curriculum. You don't say how old your child is. I've heard Abeka is a good curriculum. I've also heard k-12.com is good. If your child is in high school, I personally like the American School of Correspondence or Penn Foster (prefer the American School). In some places, you can also homeschool through the school's curriculum.
I would recommend joining a support group, if there is one in your area.
It can cost anywhere from nothing to a couple thousand dollars to homeschool your child.

Answer 2

Hello Amanda

You have taken the first and hardest step in making the decision to school your child at home - well done! I am not sure if your child has been in PS up until now or is still preschool aged...?

Now you need to follow a few more steps:

1. Let your child "de-school" if they have been in PS. Give them time to just enjoy being with you, reading books, doing work at home - this cna be up to 3 months.

2. Research curriculum while you are busy with your child in this period. Look at the type of philosophy you like - literature based, text book, unit study, charlotte mason..?

3. Purchase your program (cost is totally dependant on the program you choose can be up to $600 per year) and spend time familiarising yourself with it.

4. Start easing into the subjects with your child. Add one a week over a period of 4 weeks. Keep up with those chores and lots of real life learning.

5. Get connected with other homeschoolers - yahoogroups has lots of eloops for homeschoolers.

6. Make sure you take time out for yourself and your interests. Make sure you get organized at home and most importantly keep the records that are required in your country.

Answer 3

Before removing your child from school, check with your state's Dept. of Education to see what the specific laws are regarding homeschooling in your state. In my state you must notify the Commissioner of Education and the local Superintendant within 10 days of beginning a homeschool program. So first, you need to know the law, and your rights.
HSLDA (Homeschool Legan Defense Assoc.) is an excellent resource; link below.

Secondly, check your local churches and libraries for a homeschool support group. The homeschool classifieds website listed below has links to different state's support groups...it is also a great resource for used curriculum.
Find a support group...you will need someone to help mentor and support you in this decision.

Next, you need to decide on a curriculum...depending on your child's grade, you will need to know what you will need to teach, or choose an all inclusive curriculum workbook type program. There is so much to choose from. The Cathy Duffy link will provide you will reviews of different curriculums. Cathy Duffy is well thought of in the homeschool community.

If you choose to be a little more creative in your homeschooling adventure, a book I would recommend is "Teaching Children: A Curriculum Guide to what Children Need to Know at Each Level Through Sixth Grade" by Diane Lopez. She will help you stay on track with what your child should learn...her book has a seperate chapter for Kindergarten, and grades 1-6 are broken down by subject then grade level.

As far as costs are concerned, homeschooling can be done very inexpensively...or not. As I previously stated, you can purchase used curriculum. My state requires the local school to provide textbooks if they are available...so you may have that option as well. My homeschool support group has a lending library which allows members to borrow curriculum books for up to a year.

You can do this! Feel free to email me privately if you'd like more information.

Answer 4

My child is in high school and I`ve been homeschooling him since 2004. He will graduate this Spring. If you`d like more info, visit www.journeyihs.com. If after visiting the site, you still need more detailed info, email me with your specifics (your child`s age, needs, etc.). I may be able to show you how to do this without spending much money on resources. There are a lot of free resources available as well as some good paid ones. At any rate, you can do if you`re willing to put in the time and energy. I`m willing to help in any way I can, free of charge, of course!. [e-mail]. Good luck!

Answer 5

First find out the requirements for you to homeschool. Each state, country, has different requirements.

Next, see if you can locate homeschoolers in your area. They will be your best support.

Also, begin researching and reading. There is so much information online. READ

but...try not to be overwhelmed. The wealth of information and materials is staggering!!! Much of it is very good. It is a matter of finding the right things for you and your children.

Homeschooling does not need to be expensive. It may seem that way with the cost of some of the curriculums. However, it is not necessary to purchase complete curriculums to do a wonderful job teaching your children. In fact, I believe, you can do a much better job without it...especially with younger children.

It is hard to give you much more advice without knowing more about you. I would be happy to have you contact me if you want to talk.

Answer 6

Go to hslda.org ( I think == it's Home School Legal Defense Association) and ask them for contacts for local homeschooling groups. Attend a meeting and meet some people. You can ask them what works for them and maybe go to their houses and see it in action.

And definitely join! It's $100, but they provide legal defense if this wonderful principal decides to get even with you for homeschooling. Be low key--don't tell the principal you're homeschooling until after you join!

I use Bob Jone's HomeSat program--the classes are broadcast via satellite, most in one-week blocks. I then make dvd's (some people with only one child just leave them on the hard drive and view them from that) and the children watch them.

Answer 7

The best thing to do is to find homeschool support groups, at the state or more local level (or both). They will tell you all about the laws where you live, what you need to do, etc.

It doesn't need to cost much--just paper, pens, stuff like that. If you want a pre-packaged curriculum, the price varies considerably. You'll be able to learn more about what people use where you live, possibly even see what they use, etc. to get a better idea of what you might want to use.

Answer 8

Everyone has good ideas and advice, but they are forgetting one thing...this is your child and you know him/her best. So here's the $0.02 from someone who has taught and now homeschools(on a budget).
To begin: Fill out an INTENT form with your local School Board.
First- whatever State you live in find out what their State Standards are (you can do this online).This way your child and you stay abreast of the bascis they are doing in the school system(just in case they have to go back to school).
Second- age of child (younger students do younger things)
Third- How does your child learn--Visual,Tactile,Aduitory (knowing this will help you help your child)
Fourth---find yourself a pocket calender (you can get these cheap at Walmart or your favorite store), everytime you do school simply circle the date and at the end of the month count up how many times you did school--it must all add up to 180 days at the end of the year.
Fifth-- get yourself a lesson planbook (available at Staples or Teacher supply stores) and keep track of what you are using for schooling and what you do...... Art,scouts,music lessons,field trips, books you read, etc.

No matter which direction you go (do it yourself or Umbrella), the above things will help you keep your sanity. There are ALOT of online programs that won't cost you a dime that you can get craft ideas from, you can also find Teaching ideas in the Library (of all places the Children's section),{Science,Art,History,Language,Math}. Homeschooling does not have to cost an arm and a leg, set a buget and try to stick to it. When you go to the Bookstores ask them about discounts for Homeschoolers, the same for Office supply stores.
One last thing----for your Portfolio, get a sturdy plastic file box(legal size) and file folders (again legal size). You can get these at Walmart very cheaply. Label the files (Math,science,history,){you get the point} for the appropriate school work(date EVERYTHING) and stock up on pencils,notebooks(the basics) when they have back to school specials. A good digital camera comes in handy (field trips,Science projects). Field trips count as school days (Zoo,park,Circus...be creative).

Good luck to the both of you on your journey.

Answer 9

Teaching your child at home can let you give more focus to your child then a public school teacher can. The child will have a safe and great education with out peer pressure or getting picked on by bullies. Has your child been in public school before? What grade will your child be in, will really help in answering this question.....If you need more info/help just e-mail me...

Answer 10

First thing's first . . . find a safety net! Search in your area for a homeschoolers' group. This will help you start of in the first rocky year of homeschooling AND provide your child(ren) with the social interaction he/she/they need(s). Often these groups will have group lessons also, especially in foreign languages, music, art, etc. Remember, when taking on such an important task as the education of your child(ren), you will need help and support. Do not be afraid to ask for it!