How to Homeschool Your Child

Now that you have decided that homeschooling is the way to educate

your child, get ready for the ecstasy and the anxiety - the road

ahead is a bit bumpy, but the rewards more than make up for it.

Producing a well-adjusted and well-rounded personality is no mean

achievement.

First of all, it is important to check out your state laws on home

schooling. Some states need an affidavit filed with the State's

education department. There are basically 3 categories for

homeschooling laws. These are: private school laws, home education

laws and equivalency laws. Find your state laws. You may also need

to maintain a portfolio that records the child's educational

progress. It is important to look into the legal requirements

BEFORE you start homeschooling. Some States also stipulate a

minimum educational qualification for the parent or teacher.

Next, look for a support group. If you live in a friendly or

curious neighborhood, well-meaning friends will try to dissuade

you. At the very least, they may put a lot of uneasy questions in

your mind. A support group that consists of like-minded people

will insulate you from the criticism, pressures and questions of

regular school-goers. Many groups organize fun events like visits

to the zoo, museum, tours to the ice cream shops etc. And if your

children hit it off with other homeschoolers, they will be able to

build lasting relationships that do not fade when their friends

change schools. These groups provide an important avenue for

socialization.

The next important thing to do is to select a curriculum.

Depending upon the method of homeschooling, you may choose various

tools that aid you in this process. The internet is also a rich

resource for homeschooling. Do some research and look into the

material that is available.

Set certain ground rules. Homeschooling requires a lot of

self-discipline and hard work. Here is a comprehensive list of the

things you will need:

1) Eagerness to learn

2) Hard work and effort

3) Discipline

4) Time and patience

5) Flexibility

6) Enthusiasm

Consider why you want to opt for homeschooling. Your motives and

your reasons are important pillars on which the whole edifice of

your child's lessons depends. Also, consult with your children.

Ask them what they feel about homeschooling.

Select a curriculum or custom-make a curriculum that best suits

your child. Record keeping is an important part of homeschooling.

Look into the various methods of record keeping. Set up a

schedule. Your child does not have to learn 6-7 hours a day. Allow

him or her to dictate the time. Flexibility and fun are the

cornerstones of homeschooling. Do not stuff too many skills into a

single term or year. Prepare a skill list. Make the child learn

the skills that he is ready for.

Gentle parenting is the secret to successful homeschooling.

Children make great advances in learning and show more enthusiasm.

They also turn out to be surprisingly well balanced and well

informed when they are taught at home.