Starting Up Your Home School. How to start, laws, information.



	What About Socialization? An article written by Mary Gardner

1) READ, READ, READ! I can't stress this enough. If you are considering
    homeschool for your child, read everything you can get your hands on! The
    library is the greatest resource to find books on the subject of homeschooling,
    as well as what you should know to get started.

2) Ask Questions. Do you know anyone that homeschools? Are there
    any homeschooling groups in your area? Check your local library's
    bulletin board for flyers. Ask around if anyone knows anyone else who
    homeschools. Visit groups, call people. Ask as many questions as possible.
    Search Google for homeschooling support groups in your area.

3) Know your local laws regarding homeschool. Click on your state:
     AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL| IN |
     IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE |
     NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC |
     SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY |
    You can find more on laws, news, legislation, tips, and valuable information at
    Home School Legal Defense Association

4) Know what you're getting into. When you undertake schooling your children,
    it does not mean leisurely, relaxed days at home. You should be aware that there
    are constant interuptions that threaten your time and concentration, days when
    your children surely will not cooperate with anything you want to happen,
    illness...just to name a few of the challenges. Your friends and family will know
    you are home and figure it's a good time to call or drop by. Be ready for these
    unexpected deterrents. Be flexible and patient.

5) Evaluate your situation When I first started homeschooling my two children,
    my son was in 3rd grade and my daughter was just starting Kindergarten. This
    made for a rather hectic time trying to help both at them at the same time. My
    son is hearing impaired and needed a lot of clarification. My daughter, being
    so young, also needed a whole lot of assistance. I would just get one going when
    the other was calling for my help. Different needs and different grade levels
    made for some big challenges and led to a search for a solution. Try different
    alternatives and give it a week or so before deciding if that works or not. It
    may take you many attempts to get things right. *Remember...be flexible and
    patient.* :)

6) Organization. You've checked the laws, you've read everything you could, you've
    asked all the questions you can think of, you know what you're getting yourself
    into, and you are ready to get started! YOU MUST GET ORGANIZED.

        AREAS OF ORGANIZATION:
                a. File the appropriate forms according to your state laws.
                b. Create an area in your home specifically for homeschool. Set the "mood".
                c. Determine what supplies you will need and get them.
                d. Select a curriculum or create your own. Create an outline for the year,
                    then break it into months, weeks, days, etc.
                e. Develop a daily schedule, including chores for each family member.
                    Post it where everyone can see it.

More Books On Homeschooling