Steps
- Read up on your state's laws Different states and school districts have different requirements for material to be covered, time spent in "class" or conferences with district officials.
- Meet other parents who are homeschooling their children or plan to do so. You can give tips and help each other out. Plus, it creates a community of friends for your children and allows group a activities.
- Construct a curriculum . Make it age appropriate and tailored to your children's interests. For example, if your child loves history, tie history into lessons on science, or assign them historical fiction books for reading lessons.
- Talk to your children . Tell them enthusiastically about your plans for homeschooling. Ask what they would like to study first, or what kinds of projects they would like to do.
- Get library cards for your children, and encourage them to check out books on topics that interest them.
- Buy educational toys and games at yard sales or second-hand stores. And don't limit yourself in your definition of games. For instance, a set of measuring cups and cooking supplies can help you with lessons on fractions.
- Look for interesting and successful community members who might have something to teach your children.Most people are happy to share their expertise.
- Stock up on school supplies such as poster board, pens, and paper.
- Plan projects . Sketch out long-term projects that can teach your children variety of skills or cover multiple subject areas. For example, you could use geometry skills to plot out a veggie garden, learn science lessons about plants, teach a history lesson about how humans invented agriculture, and then cook with the vegetables.
Tips
- Focus on your children's interests.
- Encourage your children to create their own lesson plans and direct their own learning as they get older.
Warnings
- Some states frown on homeschooling, so know your local laws.
- Check in with your school district to make sure your children are up to speed with their peers.
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