Home Schooling Tips

The new home-schooling parent may be overwhelmed at the various options available for curriculum and activities. Some practical advice for new home school parents will help take the fear and trepidation out of undertaking the education of your children.

Learn State Laws

Each state has different laws regarding home-schooling. Research what the laws are in your state to determine what is required to legally home school your children. Some states mandate a certain number of days each year while most require a set number of hours. Every state requires parents to file out certain forms that need to be filed with the state. A good source for all home school parents is www.hslda.org

HSLDA offers legal guidance and reference materials regarding home schooling laws in every state.

Learning Styles

Determine your child’s learning style. Curriculum choices are vast and varied, many of them revolve around different learning styles. A hands on learner will not excel with book work. Finding the right curriculum to match your child’s learning style should be a top priority.

Search online for recommendations for a curriculum based on their learning method.

Curriculum

Choosing the right curriculum is very overwhelming to the first time home-schooling parent. There are many websites that home school parents utilize to sell their used books. Buying used curriculum is a great way to save money and determine if a certain book publisher works for your child’s needs. The website

www.freehomeschooling101.com is a fantastic resource for all things free in home-schooling. Some parents strictly use free resources to educate their children paying only the cost of printer ink and paper.

Find Support

A solid support system is vital to successful home-schooling. Many options exist for the home school family who is looking for a support system. Do a web search for home school support groups in your area and you will be amazed at what is available. Many churches offer home school support groups for parents and activities for the children. Some groups form co-ops that offer classes in electives and primary subjects taught by other parents. Co-ops are a great way for your child to be instructed in a subject that you do not feel comfortable teaching. Many of these groups plan field trips and activities for children to socialize and meet home schooled children.

Online Support and Help

Find an online forum such as www.welltrainedmind.com or www.homeschoolspot.com

These forums allow parents to ask for and offer advice on a variety of subjects regarding home-schooling. Finding a forum with parents who are experienced can prove to be very beneficial to the new and veteran home school family.

Home schooling is the right option for many families and diving in seems staggering. Utilizing the internet and various support options will offer the home school parent the chance to feel good about their choice and find others who believe the same way they do about education.