You've Officially Decided to Homeschool. Here's What to Do Now.

08-03-2020 • The Organic Prepper by Linnea Johnson

You've made the decision to homeschool this year and you're wondering where to start. Don't panic! You've got some time. There are a couple of things, however, you could do right now.

-Check your state or locality's laws about homeschooling. You may need to withdraw your children from their school to avoid truancy laws. Your state may require you to notify the state of your homeschool and provide some documentation. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) can help.

-Contact your local homeschool support group and join. Ask how you can get connected and if they have curriculum resources to share with you. Find out if there are any open co-op groups or classes being offered through the support group and how you can enroll. Ask them for advice.

What can be done to develop our homeschool style?

Ask yourself these questions, and be honest: How much time do you have to devote to homeschooling? How much time do you want to spend preparing for and doing homeschooling? These key questions, along with the next ones will drive your choice of homeschool style and curriculum.

Ask your children these questions if you haven't already:

-How do you feel about homeschooling?

-Is there anything that worries you? What? Why?

-What is your favorite part about school? How could we recreate that in homeschool?

-Is there a subject that is your favorite? Why do you feel that way?

-Is there a subject that you don't like? Why do you feel that way?

-What things would you like to learn this year?

-What activities would you like to be a part of? (sports, music, art, hobbies, etc.)

-If you had the choice of learning by the following ways, which ways would you prefer and why? Your child may prefer one method for Math and another for English or spelling. Older children will tend to gravitate toward certain methods since they've been in the school system for longer. Some children may not know how they learn best, but as you progress in the school year, it will become more apparent to you and to them.

How do I know what my child's learning style is?

This article details basic learning styles.