How does one get started in homeschooling?

Question

We have a friend who has a son in the second grade. He is having trouble in school with socialising and is even seeing a pyschiatrist.

What testing do you go through? What materials do you need? Is their any finacial assstance for materials and such.

The mother is getting her GED now but the father will be teaching her. He has a Ged. Will they qualify? We are in Indiana.

Answer 1

I think that the other answers offerred give some great insight into the process.  However, one thing that must be addressed is that all states now have a mandatory state standard.  These state standards are based upon national standards.  You need to go to the website for your specific state to download the standards for each grade.  In addition, many states now require that a home-teacher submit a formal, written curriculum that they will follow and submit it for approval with the local board of education.  Writing curriculum is not an easy task.  

I am a proponent of home schooling.  I did it myself for a few years.  However, there are techniques and strategies used in teaching that are taught in education courses.  I would strongly suggest that if any parent has their heart set on home schooling, they take courses in "how" to approach teaching.  This is especially important if the child to be home schooled has special needs.  

Qualifications regarding home schooling vary from location to location.  In theory, anyone can choose to home-school, regardless of educational level.  Ideally, the person offering instruction has a level of education adequate to convey the necessary knowledge effectively.

I could write a book on all of this.  There is so much to say.

I wish your friend luck.  She is undertaking an awesome responsibility.

The University of Nebraska has an outstanding home schooling curriculum, by the way.

I would also suggest that your friend join any number of home schooling associations that are all over now.

Answer 2

Most states participate in the Virtual Accademy which is a state funded program. They use the K12 curriculum and provide everything right down to the computer. We are currently with the VA in TX, and I know CA has one and they go by CAVA. I love the program because it is free, and we get access to a teacher daily. Just google it and see if your state participates.

And every state is different but I have a GED and I can teach my son.

Answer 3

In Indiana you are free to educate your children as you please. You do not have to give notice in your state and the only records you are required to keep is an attendence record. A summary of Indiana regulations can be found at: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

A good way to start is to contact local and state homeschooling groups. Information about groups can be found at:  http://www.hslda.org/orgs/default.asp?St...

There is an overwhelming number of choices when you look for curricullum. You'll have to search through it until you find something that seems right.  Just keep in mind that if one thing doesn't work than you can always try something else.

NF is actually incorrect regarding state standards. The standards which are set up under "no child left behind" apply only to schools recieving federal funds.

Answer 4

Most states require for homeschoolers to fill out paperwork that establises a private school in their home every year. Go to hslda.org to see the laws for your state.

You don't have to go through any testing or get any specific materials. If you choose to use this method, there are homeschooling kits which will provide you with all the materials you need. Otherwise, you can look at thrift stores and bookstores for resources - math guides / workbooks, books about ancient cultures, etc.

Be creative!

Answer 5

Go to hslda.org

It gives you the rules for homeschooling in your state. Homeschooling can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. I probably spend $100 a year on school for my son who's in the 7th grade and the same for my 4th grader. We make up our own curriculum. I use the internet and library for our books. We also use the thrift stores and some teacher stores. We use the eclectic style of homeschooling (google "types of homeschooling") I go online and see what they should be studying in their grade that year. I then go online and get free resources and worksheets and get books from the library. I buy math workbooks from the teacher bookstores. The rest we just go and do it. I like eclectic style of homeschooling because it's child led. My daughter is really into gardening and this past summer that was what we did for school. She planted a huge garden and made predictions and researched and basically had fun learning. My son loves to figure out how things work so we got several old computers and he took the parts and built one.  They do have premade curriculum out there but they can be expensive. My suggestion is to just try something and if it doesn't work out then try something else. Homeschooling is always a trial and error when you begin. Things that work for one family don't work for another. Good luck to you and to the family that's trying to homeschool.

Use the search on yahooanswers and you can get lots of answers to whatever questions you have. Lots of resources are out there ..... just google whatever you are looking for and then sort through what you want and don't want.

I also agree that NF is incorrect. Also, as a parent you know how your child learns best ... don't let the "way" you should teach your child keep you from going for it. If there is something that I don't know then my children and I sit down and learn it together. There is no set "way" to homeschool. Everyone does it differently. There are so many different types .... please research the different types of homeschooling and decide which one is for you. I only had a high school diploma when I set off homeschooling my 5th grader and 2nd grader. We just learned together and had some bumps but I was determined not to give up and wouldn't let them either. My son is ADHD and my daughter is ADD with social anxiety and depression. They both see a psychiatrist and we all agree that homeschooling is the best thing I could've ever done for them. Yes, it's hard but what in life is easy!!! We don't have the money to buy premade curriculum so we make our own and my children are actually ahead of their grade level when we do yearly tests. I tell you all of this to encourage you to follow what is best for your (their) child.

Answer 6

Here is a link to a summary of your state's laws:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

It doesn't look like there are any specific qualifications or requirements other than keeping a record of attendance.

Your friend just needs to decide what subject to teach and what materials she wants to use to teach them.

Here is some information on homeschooling-methods:

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

Here are some popular curriculum options:

http://www.aop.com

http://www.aceministries.com

http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com

http://www.abeka.com

http://www.bjupress.com

Since your friend's son has been having trouble, she may want to give him a few months to adjust and heal from his experience before beginning formal lessons.

Here is some additional info about homeschooling:

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

Answer 7

Depends on the local state or country.  Generally a GED is acceptable.  You have to follow local laws and if required have programs that comply with basic minimums.

Answer 8

Laws are different from one state to another.  You do not have to have any particular curriculum, but it is good if you have some basic references and/or access to the internet, as well as a variety of age appropriate reading materials.  There are no requirements on homeschool teacher qualifications for Indiana. There are also no testing requirements in Indiana.

I recommend finding a homeschooler's support group for get-togethers, to have a group of experienced folk to ask questions of, and just for general support.