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How to Homeschool
Your Child
Now that you have decided that homeschooling is the way to educate
your child, get ready for the ecstasy and the anxiety - the road
ahead is a bit bumpy, but the rewards more than make up for it.
Producing a well-adjusted and well-rounded personality is no mean
achievement.
First of all, it is important to check out your state laws on home
schooling. Some states need an affidavit filed with the State's
education department. There are basically 3 categories for
homeschooling laws. These are: private school laws, home education
laws and equivalency laws. Find your state laws. You may also need
to maintain a portfolio that records the child's educational
progress. It is important to look into the legal requirements BEFORE
you start homeschooling. Some States also stipulate a minimum
educational qualification for the parent or teacher.
Next, look for a support group. If you live in a friendly or curious
neighborhood, well-meaning friends will try to dissuade you. At the
very least, they may put a lot of uneasy questions in your mind. A
support group that consists of like-minded people will insulate you
from the criticism, pressures and questions of regular school-goers.
Many groups organize fun events like visits to the zoo, museum,
tours to the ice cream shops etc. And if your children hit it off
with other homeschoolers, they will be able to build lasting
relationships that do not fade when their friends change schools.
These groups provide an important avenue for
socialization.
The next important thing to do is to select a curriculum. Depending
upon the method of homeschooling, you may choose various tools that
aid you in this process. The internet is also a rich resource for
homeschooling. Do some research and look into the material that is
available.
Set certain ground rules. Homeschooling requires a lot of
self-discipline and hard work. Here is a comprehensive list of the
things you will need:
1) Eagerness to learn
2) Hard work and effort
3) Discipline
4) Time and patience
5) Flexibility
6) Enthusiasm
Consider why you want to opt for homeschooling. Your motives and
your reasons are important pillars on which the whole edifice of
your child's lessons depends. Also, consult with your children. Ask
them what they feel about homeschooling.
Select a curriculum or custom-make a curriculum that best suits your
child. Record keeping is an important part of homeschooling. Look
into the various methods of record keeping. Set up a schedule. Your
child does not have to learn 6-7 hours a day. Allow him or her to
dictate the time. Flexibility and fun are the cornerstones of
homeschooling. Do not stuff too many skills into a single term or
year. Prepare a skill list. Make the child learn the skills that he
is ready for.
Gentle parenting is the secret to successful homeschooling. Children
make great advances in learning and show more enthusiasm. They also
turn out to be surprisingly well balanced and well informed when
they are taught at home.
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