Have you made the jump and decided to homeschool? There are many things to consider before you pull your child out and start on this homeschooling journey.
Check Your State’s Homeschooling Laws
Always check your state’s laws on homeschooling before starting, or when making changes to your homeschool. You need to know what, if any, paperwork you need to submit. Every state has different laws and requirements. I am in New York, and we are considered a more strict state for homeschooling because of all the paperwork we have to submit. In New York, you must submit a Letter of Intent to the school board when pulling a student out for the first time. Once it is approved you have two weeks to submit what people refer to as an IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan). Then there are quarterly reports and either testing or written narratives at the end of the school year. If it’s your second year homeschooling, the school board has to receive your Letter of Intent by July 1st. Some states have minimal requirements in terms of paperwork. Always check first so you don’t get into trouble down the line.
Check Out HSLDA
Along those lines, you want to check out HSLDA. On their website you can see what the homeschool laws are for any state. For a fee, you can become a member of HSLDA and they will help you whenever you have legal trouble or questions related to homeschooling. There are sections on their website about special needs, what to teach, and many more. I highly recommend the membership!
Decide What You Are Doing For Homeschool Curriculum
Before you start, you want to make sure you have what you are using to teach set up. If it is online, make sure you create and set up the account so all the child needs to do is sign in and do the work. If you are using a book curriculum, make sure you have all the books, and you are familiar with the lesson plans or what you plan on teaching. When I order curriculum, they usually ship it in smaller boxes, so not all of it comes at the same time. Sometimes things from suppliers are on backorder. If you are instructing your child, be familiar with what you are teaching, so you can answer any questions that come up. If you need to print something or need something for science experiments, you should plan ahead so you aren’t caught unprepared.
Get Involved With Local Homeschooling Groups in Your Area
Homeschool groups are a great way to meet people in your area who are also on a homeschooling journey. You can talk to other parents and get ideas that you can incorporate. It’s an opportunity for your child to make some new friends. Other homeschool parents can be some of your best supports! Sometimes they sell curriculum in good quality for cheaper than you would buy through a bookseller. I usually sell my books after the school year to other homeschooling parents. They are also a good source of information about any homeschooling co-ops in the area. A great way to find these groups is by doing a Facebook search.
Homeschool Co-Op
Search around to find out if there are any homeschool co-ops in your area. Co-op’s are similar to school. Co-op usually takes place one day a week in a larger building, such as a church. Parents of students who attend usually are the ones who teach the classes. Co-op’s are a great way to expose your child to subjects you are unfamiliar with or don’t teach. Our homeschool co-op is on Wednesday. There are three classes that you sign up for before hand. In the spring semester, my daughter is taking experimental science (studies plants and pollinators), an art class, and a class that teaches different physical activities and basic nutrition. For most, you will have to pay for membership, but if you agree to teach a class, you may get a discount.
Deschooling
Deschooling refers to the adjustment period your child needs when transitioning from public school to homeschooling. They are going from a strictly regulated and scheduled day to a day that is more fluid and relaxed. They will need a grace period while they are learning what to expect from homeschooling- things like my parent is now my teacher- how do I react, becoming a self-motivated learner, and learning subjects they weren’t taught in school. You want to enforce any rules you have, but you also want to have grace when they don’t meet expectations in the beginning.
Resist the urge to jump right in and make sure you have everything you need set up so you can have a successful homeschool!
