How do i get started homeschooling my kids?

Question

Who do i call?

I need all the basics, really.

Answer 1

If you're going to call anybody, the first people to call should be from a local, county or state-based homeschool support group. You can probably just email or even look around online to find out what you need to know about the laws. www.hslda.org has details on the laws, but just doing a search for your state's name and homeschooling laws will provide you with more information. If you leave out "laws", you will find pages with information on support groups and more.

Your basics are:

1) Find out the laws where you live.

2) Do whatever you need to legally do to get started (it depends on where you live).

3) Start looking at how you want to homeschool--check out pages on homeschooling methods, approaches and styles. Check out catalogues and websites on resources. Connect with other homeschoolers near you and find out how they homeschool, take a look at their resources, etc.

Answer 2

It's quite a big thing to start. How old are the kids?

I was homeschooled through grades k-12 and I have seen it inside and out. It's tough. There are several ways to do this. You can, if you want to, check with the school district and see if they have a program where testing would have to be done regularly to check on progress....or you can totally ditch that and do it yourself (of with spouse's help). What we did was buy used textbooks from a company (like The Backpack, etc.) and wrote up a schedule and tests and followed that for the year. Some companies, like the one I mentioned, have grade packs. Like you can order a pack of books for 5th grade or whatever you need. Plus the Teacher's Editions (which you will definitely need).

One of the totally awesome benefits of homeschooling is that you are learning more than what is needed to pass the tests.

Email me if you want any more info. I imagine several others also experienced in this area will answer too.

Answer 3

There are many questions like this in the archives.  It gets asked at least once a week.

Here is a list of state HS'ing laws:

http://www.nhen.org/LegInfo/state_list.a...

After doing what you legally have to do in your state, which may include dis-enrolling the children from their public or private school, then look at HS'ing methods.  After deciding which method to use, then find out your children's learning styles...and your teaching style.  Attend a HS'ing convention and vendor hall for seminars and to look at curriculua.  Choose curricula for each child to match their learning style.

Connect with your state/local HS'ing groups/associations.  There may be a group or two in Yahoo Groups - my state and local area has several.  Many groups are having used curriculua sales or "curriculum share" nights - where parents share their experiences with different curricula.

Just know this is a huge *lifestyle* change for your whole family.  Start slow and ease into it.  Don't try to recreate school at home.

Answer 4

I was homeschooled and Lighthouse Christian Academy was my homeschool material supplier. Search them on Google and you will find something. They send you books and tests and then your child does the workbooks at his own pace and there are no time limits etc..After he/she is done with the workbook there is a test that goes with that particular book and you grade the work then send the scores to the headquarters. I thoght this program was wonderful and not too expensive..Good luck.

Answer 5

i homeschool and my mom is a coach at a private school, I think she's considering coaching people from outside of the school at some set rate some time soon, she coaches parents    in the basics and supports them and suggests things etc. if you're interested drop me an email, and i'll double check to see what she'd say =)

Answer 6

I think it's great that you've decided to homeschool.  Here's a list of requirements different states use to make up their homeschool laws:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

You can find a summary of the laws for your state here:

http://www.hslda.org

You don't need to call anyone.  Just follow the laws for your state.  You may want to find a homeschool support group in your area to help walk you through the process.  Here's some information on homeschooling support:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

I think the next step for you would be to find out your son's learning style.  Here is some information on learning styles:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Here is some information on different homeschooling methods you could look into, along with links to sources of other info:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Good luck!

Answer 7

hope it might help

http://www.easyhomeschooling.com/startin...