| Learning how to homeschool is a task which | | | | your personal list: |
| takes time and doesn't just happen overnight. Nor, | | | | |
| does it completely happen after the first year. | | | | 1. Create a realistic homeschool schedule |
| However, it does become easier the longer you | | | | 2. Teach children together when possible |
| continue to teach your children at home. | | | | 3. Use a unit study approach to teach grades |
| There are several facts about homeschooling you | | | | together |
| will need to know such as: | | | | 4. Develop strong readers and independent |
| - your state's homeschooling laws | | | | learners |
| - your child's learning style | | | | 5. Be discriminating about outside activities |
| - your teaching style | | | | 6. Continue to learn along with your children |
| - homeschool curriculum options | | | | 7. Select a minimum amount of homeschool |
| - homeschool record keeping methods | | | | curriculum |
| - available homeschool activities and organizations | | | | 8. Use "real books" and "real life" to teach as |
| I would advise all parents to "keep it simple" when | | | | much as possible |
| teaching their children at home. Start slowly and | | | | 9. Enjoy the time you spend with your children |
| introduce new subjects after the basic subjects | | | | 10. Remember to inspect the work you assign |
| have been well established and a workable | | | | It is a very good idea to locate a mentor who will |
| schedule is in order in your home. You can always | | | | lovingly take you under her wings and offer |
| add additional homeschool courses and home | | | | homeschool encouragement when needed. Also, |
| school activities at a later time. | | | | be sure to guard your marriage and do not |
| Essentially, the core subjects will be: Math, English, | | | | neglect yourself or your other interests. You do |
| History, and Science. English also includes Phonics, | | | | have other interests, right? |
| Handwriting, Spelling, Vocabulary, Reading, and | | | | Homeschooling is a commitment and can be very |
| Literature. Most states require Physical Education | | | | demanding, emotionally and physically. However, it |
| and Fine Arts, such as Art or Music. Additionally, | | | | should not dominate your life and cause you to |
| Christian homes will probably add Bible as one of | | | | abandon other pursuits. Take it seriously but also |
| their elective choices. | | | | remember to maintain a life as well as |
| You will develop your own set of tips and tricks | | | | relationships because your children will graduate |
| that work best in your homeschool program, but | | | | and that chapter of your life will come to an end. |
| here are a few that I will share until you create | | | | |