Getting Started in Homeschooling: First Steps

Making the decision to homeschool your child is a big one. It can also seem overwhelming if you've never had any experience in homeschooling. There are papers to submit, and every state has different laws regulating homeschooling. It's not surprising that many parents are a little intimidated when deciding to homeschool. The good news is that with research and dedication, it's possible to get started without too much stress.

Some states require that parents send the local school district a letter of intent. This is a letter stating that your child will be homeschooled for the academic year. Some school districts actually have form letters that you can obtain and simply fill in the blanks, then return to them. Most states require a letter of intent or some form of parental notification when a child is going to be homeschooled. There are only 10 states that do not require this. Anyone who is considering the homeschool option, should check out the following link to see a summary of the homeschool laws in your state.

HSLDA- homeschool laws by state

Most states require some form of assessment be turned in at the end of each year. This might be a standardized test that you schedule with a psychologist. Some school districts also allow homeschooled students to take the same standardized test that the public school children take, free of charge. Many states offer the portfolio option in lieu of testing. A portfolio should have dated work samples in each of the state required subjects. Each state varies slightly on what subjects are required, but most require some form of the following: math, science, social studies, language, and reading. A portfolio should show progress throughout the year. A certified teacher will review the portfolio, and submit the report to your local school district.

One of the primary concerns of parents who want to homeschool is finding curriculum materials. A curriculum can be pre-packaged, including the entire year's worth of work in all subjects. You can also choose a different curriculum for each subject. Many homeschooling families utilize the public library for many of their curriculum materials. The Internet is a great place to find lesson plans, worksheets, and educational games, free of cost. Many families put their own curriculum together, which is lower in cost, but requires much more time and research. If you're uncertain what to teach at your child's level, look for a list of objectives on your state department of education website. This can be a helpful guide when planning what to teach. Finally, consider joining a local homeschool co-op. Do an online search to find one in your area. Homeschool co-ops are great resources to new homeschooling families. Homeschool co-ops offer lessons and activities, social gatherings, and field trips. You'll be able to swap teaching materials with other parents too.

Homeschooling is a huge undertaking, but once you know how to start, you'll feel much more confident in your decision, and you'll be well on your way to a successful year in homeschooling.

HSLDA