What is Homeschooling

The term 'homeschooling' basically refers to the process in which

one or more children of not more than 2 families are instructed by

parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household. The

laws that define homeschooling vary from State to State. The legal

requirements for establishing a homeschool also vary with the

State.

For most children, the actual process of learning begins much

before school. Many children already know their alphabets, the

names of animals, colors and other more complicated stuff before

they reach school. This is mostly due to the hard work of a member

of the family who has taken the time to teach the child.

Homeschooling is just a natural progression from here. Instead of

sending their children to a public school, parents make their own

curriculum and teach their children in ways that best suit the

child. This is homeschooling, in its most simplistic form.

Before you decide to go in for homeschooling, there are certain

important matters for consideration. First off, meet with parents

of other homeschoolers. Find out the pros and cons of

homeschooling. Then ask yourself why you would want to adopt this

method. This is a very important aspect, as the success of the

program depends on the clarity and sincerity of your purpose.

Next, it is time to consider the expenses of homeschooling. It may

cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand

every year. More importantly, you are also effectively shutting

out any job opportunity for one of the parents. It is only obvious

that one parent will have to stay at home full time to manage the

homeschool. A home-based business however is a great alternative.

Are you qualified to take on homeschooling for your children?

Teaching is a continuation of your own learning process. With the

advent of the internet, information is aplenty. There are various

books and resources for those interested in homeschooling. Go

through the various methods of homeschooling and choose one that

is most suited to you. It helps if you know what kind of learning

style your child has. Also, find out what your child feels about

homeschooling before you start.

Every state has its own laws regarding homeschooling. For

instance, in North Carolina, you must first file a 'Notice of

Intent' to start a home school. In this you have to mention if the

school is a 'Private church' school or a 'qualified non-public

school'. The persons providing the education are required to have

at least a high school diploma. You have to maintain an annual

record of the child's attendance and disease immunization. Every

year, the child is required to undergo a standardized test. Each

student attending the eleventh grade has to take a nationally

standardized test. These are the requirements in North Carolina,

but it is enough to give you a good idea of what homeschooling

entails.

Homeschooling may seem like a lot of fun and freedom from the

outside. However, things are seldom as simple as they seem.

Homeschooling is a lot of added responsibility and hard work. But,

if successful, it will forge a strong bond of love and respect

between parent and child, while providing your child with the best

form of education he needs.