My OperaHow To Prepare For Home Schooling
Saturday, March 3, 2012 12:05:02 PM
Home schooling doesn't seem so unusual or eccentric anymore, which is a good thing for parents who make this choice. Nonetheless, you will have challenges to get through when you have made the decision to home school your kids. When parents make the commitment to home teach their children full-time, they go through a period of adjustment. Fortunately, for most parents, once this new lifestyle becomes second nature, they find that they are very happy they made this decision.
Relevant articles and tips: Ways That You Can Prepare Yourself For Homeschooling That Are Easy
Home Schooling -Things to Think About Before You Start
Your area will have its own rules and laws regarding home schooling. You have to become familiar with these. In the United States each individual states controls home schooling. Every state has formulated its own rules and regulations. Even if you've home schooled in another state, that doesn't mean the system will be the same if you move to a new state. Fortunately, the laws and regulations for schooling your kids at home have loosened up and now you can home school legally in virtually anywhere. Nevertheless, it's imperative that you avoid problems with the local system and authorities by following the regulations exactly. If you don't, you may face the prospect of your children being returned to the public school system. Simply become familiar with what is required of you and you won't encounter any difficulties home schooling your kids. Try to find other parents in your area who home school or one of the groups that have formed of home school parents. These parents can help you immensely and share with you their "secrets" to success with home schooling their own kids.
No matter how well educated you or your spouse is, it's likely that there are subjects that you're not really qualified to teach. When it's necessary, then, seek help in subjects that you want your kids to learn but that you're not very familiar with. There are many instructional programs available on DVD or online that do a good job teaching; if your kids need more personal help, hire a tutor who specializes in the relevant subject.
You should also encourage your child's interests in creative areas, so think about enrolling them in art classes or bringing them to a teacher for private lessons. When you identify any area where your kids should be learning something and it's not your strong point, make sure you find a way to close this gap, whether it's a tutor or a computer program. Read these tips on tricks on guitar here...
There's also another option to think about - the home school co-op. The families who come together form these co-ops basically establish what resembles a small school. A positive aspect of this alternate is that your children will be in a learning environment with other children instead of being isolated at your home. Still, the size of the classes is limited so your children won't be thrust into a class situation that's overcrowded. The co-op format is also to your benefit because you will be sharing the responsibilities and duties with a congenial group of other parents who have the same goals that you have. Consider checking to see if there is such a co-op in your area and how it operates. If you can't find one, but the idea interests you, you could consider starting your own co-op with like-minded parents. If you are looking for a middle ground solution for schooling your children, a home school co-op might be just the thing. They combine the benefits of both a traditional school (although much smaller) with home schooling. In some ways, the hardest part about home schooling is starting out with it. Your perception of what "school" is like will have to change from sending the kids off on the school bus to facing the challenges of teaching them at home. Whichever type of home schooling you decide upon - home schooling just your children, online home schooling, or a home schooling co-op - once things are going smoothly, you will be glad you made this decision for the benefit of your children.
Other relevant columns and tips:
Is Home Schooling Right for You? Some Points to Ponder
Home Schooling - What it Takes to Get Started
Relevant articles and tips: Ways That You Can Prepare Yourself For Homeschooling That Are Easy
Home Schooling -Things to Think About Before You Start
Your area will have its own rules and laws regarding home schooling. You have to become familiar with these. In the United States each individual states controls home schooling. Every state has formulated its own rules and regulations. Even if you've home schooled in another state, that doesn't mean the system will be the same if you move to a new state. Fortunately, the laws and regulations for schooling your kids at home have loosened up and now you can home school legally in virtually anywhere. Nevertheless, it's imperative that you avoid problems with the local system and authorities by following the regulations exactly. If you don't, you may face the prospect of your children being returned to the public school system. Simply become familiar with what is required of you and you won't encounter any difficulties home schooling your kids. Try to find other parents in your area who home school or one of the groups that have formed of home school parents. These parents can help you immensely and share with you their "secrets" to success with home schooling their own kids.
No matter how well educated you or your spouse is, it's likely that there are subjects that you're not really qualified to teach. When it's necessary, then, seek help in subjects that you want your kids to learn but that you're not very familiar with. There are many instructional programs available on DVD or online that do a good job teaching; if your kids need more personal help, hire a tutor who specializes in the relevant subject.
You should also encourage your child's interests in creative areas, so think about enrolling them in art classes or bringing them to a teacher for private lessons. When you identify any area where your kids should be learning something and it's not your strong point, make sure you find a way to close this gap, whether it's a tutor or a computer program. Read these tips on tricks on guitar here...
There's also another option to think about - the home school co-op. The families who come together form these co-ops basically establish what resembles a small school. A positive aspect of this alternate is that your children will be in a learning environment with other children instead of being isolated at your home. Still, the size of the classes is limited so your children won't be thrust into a class situation that's overcrowded. The co-op format is also to your benefit because you will be sharing the responsibilities and duties with a congenial group of other parents who have the same goals that you have. Consider checking to see if there is such a co-op in your area and how it operates. If you can't find one, but the idea interests you, you could consider starting your own co-op with like-minded parents. If you are looking for a middle ground solution for schooling your children, a home school co-op might be just the thing. They combine the benefits of both a traditional school (although much smaller) with home schooling. In some ways, the hardest part about home schooling is starting out with it. Your perception of what "school" is like will have to change from sending the kids off on the school bus to facing the challenges of teaching them at home. Whichever type of home schooling you decide upon - home schooling just your children, online home schooling, or a home schooling co-op - once things are going smoothly, you will be glad you made this decision for the benefit of your children.
Other relevant columns and tips:
Is Home Schooling Right for You? Some Points to Ponder
Home Schooling - What it Takes to Get Started
