How to Homeschool

I am often asked how to homeschool and my only answer is there is never a right answer to that question! There are some things that I urge parents to know before they make that homeschooling leap.

1. Know your local homeschooling laws. Each country and state have different laws governing how they handle homeschooled children and families. Some places are very strict and require testing and proof of lessons, others may just require something as simple as filing your intent to homeschool. We have homeschooled in 2 states and three countries now and each place required different things. I always caution parents to follow their local laws because not doing so looks poorly both on them and all other homeschoolers in the area.

2. Know the different homeschooling approaches and feel free to apply more than one. Unit studies, eclectic, unschooling, Charlotte Manson, Waldorff, Montessori, traditional, and many more. I am not a big "follower" type person. I like the freedom to pick and choose what I or my kids like and run with it. I am sure our family would be considered eclectic homeschoolers for this reason.

3.  Know your child's learning style.Catering your teaching style or curriculum type to your child's learning style makes homeschooling so much more easier for you and your child! Auditory learners learn by hearing and talking through their lesson but don't do well with written instructions. Visual learners prefer to see what they are learning and don't do s well with retaining lectures. Kinestetic learners learn by doing. They learn best while touching, moving or going through the steps of what they are learning. Many people do not fall under just one category and sometimes just different subjects might require a different learning style approach! 

4. Know your community resources. You are never alone when you homeschool. Many communities have unofficial homeschooling coops, clubs or field trips. It is a nice way to get to know other families and make friends along the way. Check out your local museums, art gallery and library because many do special day programs for homeschoolers!

5. Know your different curriculum options and feel free to change it. I am notorious for trying different types of curriculum. Some get used and some get put on the shelf for a later time, others get sold because it just doesn't fit well with my family. I explore everything that is out there and recommend that parents looking at homeschooling do the same. Another thing t keep in mind is that curriculum does not have to be expensive and it also does not have to just come out of a text book!

6. Know that you will have difficult days or weeks but also know that you will have wonderful ones as well!