If i wanted to home school my kids when they get school age....?

Question

how would i go about doing it?

she starts kindergarten next year which i found a private class to put her in only 6 kids.

but once she starts 1st grade what do i need to do to start home schooling?

i have 3 kids but the other 2 are under age 1 1/2

thanks for any answers i get :)

Answer 1

First check http://www.hslda.org to check what your states laws are.

Then you have to decide how you want to approach home schooling.  Go to your local library and they should have plenty of books to at least point you in the right direction.

Take your time and try to not get overwhelmed.  There is a lot of information out there both good and bad.  Take what you want and leave the rest.  Good luck!

Answer 2

HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) is a GREAT place to start.  Being a member here is worth their membership fee... I PROMISE!!  Also, there is lots of information that you can get from their site as you are deciding whether or not you will give homeschooling a try, including links to your state's laws.

It is good to start reading already... don't wait until the week before "1st grade" starts!!!  You will want to educate yourself first!!  Read about the various ways to go about educating your child.  There are many different philosophies and if you wait and start reading later, you may find that you will feel very overwhelmed and not know what to do at all!!  So, go ahead and start reading now!  Get a game plan - which basically means to just know what you want!  Then there is so much information out there to find on any of the various philosophies just hunt a bit.  You will be able to find anything you would like.

Then, just jump in!  You can try something and if it doesn't feel right, try something else!  I am homeschooling my 6 yr old, 4 yr old and the 2 yr old picks stuff up, too!  Really, it is fun and there are many different ways to go - there isn't a right way - only the way that works for your family!

Answer 3

You have to comply with local laws and then teach a program that educates them or get a program that educates them.

First graders need to learn the alphabet, simple works and numbers.

Second graders need to learn how to write, read simple books and do simple math.

Third graders should be able to read Dr. Sesus type books, do addition, subtraction learn multiplication and division.

Fourth graders need to read books like Charlottes web alone, write essays, do all form of number math including fractins and decimals.  Sentence diagraming.  Local history.  Singing in groups.  Basic Art or drawing.  Earth science.

Fifth graders more reading, writing, decimals and starting pre-algebra.  More sentence diagraming.  They should be able to form perfect sentences, use puncuations and make sound paragraphs.  National History.  More music and singing.  More art.  Perspective.  More science.

Sixth grades pre-algebra, research papers that make sense.  They should be able to read most "young peoples" books such as the Harry Potter type stuff.  World history.  More science including organic science.

Seventh grade is algebra, macro histoyr of the world, biological sciences, Earth sciences, Art, Drama, Plays, Poems, more writing.

Answer 4

Find out what your state laws are. HSLDA is a great resource.  I homeschool through an umbrella school of homeschool families that is registered as a private school with the state. As long as we show a portfolio of progress for our children every quarter the state doesn't have a problem with it. I know some states are very strict and send someone from the state's dept. of Ed to oversee a day in your home and go through all your work to make sure they are following state standards and that there is progress and then there are other states where they don't make the parents accountable for their teaching at all (in those states it's best to find an umbrella school or even another private school that may take you in so that you have resources available and are accountable to other homeschool families or a school that supports your decision and will help you along the way.).  Find groups in your area that can help you.  If you are taking the religious route most states have a Christian homeschool organization (i.e. PA has the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania) that can point you in the right direction for affiliations (umbrella schools or with the school system) and textbooks.  There are also non-christian organizations for homeschooling in most states too.  Try not to overdue the textbooks when you are first starting out, they can get very expensive!!  Unit studies are good and looking for used books is a wallet saver!   The library is priceless when it comes to everything!  Try not to stick with one specific curriculum for everything (unless you are doing a unit study because they are all-inclusive, although you may want to add a different math or science curriculum to suit the needs of your child).  One publishers science curriculum may interest your child but their math may be totally boring for her so try and find something that matches her learning style.  Math-U-See is an awesome math program. It may be hard for you to get used to because it is totally different math than you are used to but you learn with your child and the dvds are very helpful!! I actually wish I had learned math that way!!

I hope this info helps. E-mail me if you have any more questions. If I can't answer them my mom certainly can!!  I was homeschooled from 4th grade until I graduated and went on to complete two years of college (I didn't finish because I got married), and I homeschool my three girls (yes, even my three year old!) with help from mom!

Answer 5

It would be good for you to contact your state to see what their requirements are.  I home school both of mine and go through a school which gives me my lessons and the chance to enroll in their testing system.  Since this school is also in my state; I don't have to meet with the homeschooling department which oversees homeschooling in my city.

Anyone can enroll in this school and here is the web address for them:

http://www.calvertschool.org

Also do a search for homeschooling information in your state and they may have an organization that you can join.

As a homeschooling mom, I have found it to be a very rewarding experience and would not change it for the world.  Not only is it a better environment for them to learn in; there is more flexibility if we travel somewhere.  Depending on how long we will be gone; we take their lessons with us.  

Good luck and I wish you well!  Please feel free to email me if you want to talk more or would like me to help you research the info you need.  [e-mail]