I already decided to implement it, now what?, I want to do homeschool but I do not know how … When we try to take the next step we find ourselves with many doubts, How does homeschooling work? Where do I begin? What books do I buy?
How Does Homeschooling Work? Decisions, Decisions…
One of the things that happen to parents when starting and not knowing how does homeschooling work, is that we believe that we should recreate the school at home, that is, bring textbooks, subjects, schedules, the same method, to be able to do “school at home” It does not have to be this way. We are going by parts, these are my suggestions:
1.- Is Homeschool A Good Idea?
The first thing to answer is why I want to educate at home, what are your reasons for not sending your children to school or to get them out of America’s education system. These may be for academic, physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. If you want, make a list, so you can remember if you ever have doubts.
Or you can check out this article with a homeschool pros and cons list.
2.- Homeschool Objectives
Keep in mind the priorities for your family and your children in the short and long term. Having your objectives clear helps you to know what approach you want to take and what learning environment will be best for your family.
What do you want for your children, what will be your mission in their education, what is your philosophy of learning, how do you see your children in their development, do you want freedom or structure, what do they want to focus on, etc.?
3.- Learn The Different Homeschool Methods
There are various homeschool teaching methods, research each one so you can find the one that is most suitable for your family and your lifestyle.
Homeschooling is meant to tailor to your specific needs so there is no need to be strict about the method that you choose. People who homeschool often collect ideas and start teaching with different learning styles.
You’ll want to go over your homeschool objectives to make sure your needs are met but remember…homeschooling is what you make it!
4.- Organizing For Homeschool
Don’t forget the importance of a good learning environment.
Imagine the ideal environment for learning, what resources you have, what your goals are, how you learn, how you live. You can create a conducive learning environment.
Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve and how you want to do it, create a plan and begin taking the steps to organize your homeschool and make your ideal classroom setup.
5.- FIND A Homeschool Support Network
Try to contact other families, not only to get to know each other but also to exchange information, ideas and resources. For this, social networks are a great tool.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
OBSERVE YOUR CHILDREN, what is your child’s learning style? What is their personality? What are they interested in? Do they learn best in the mornings or afternoons, some learn better in group, others independently, some learn in a visual way, others learn when doing, others when hearing; what can you do to help them in their learning.
Spend time with your child, and give yourself time to adjust, do not expect or demand instant results, this goes little by little. Take them out of the house, take them to the library, to museums, to parks and do not rush them, let them be there as much as they want. The “official” school is 12 years old, do not try to do everything in your first year.
LEARN TOGETHER Share your work and interests, have conversations about what you are doing, try to include them in activities in your daily life.
