8 Tips for Transitioning to Homeschooling
Students learn in all different ways. They are constantly absorbing information from the world around them. While some students excel in public or private school settings, others prefer virtual learning, and there are those who thrive with homeschooling. There is no right or wrong choice, and it all depends on your child and your preferences. If you have decided to start homeschooling your child, here are a few tips to get started.
- Review your local or state regulations.
Every state handles homeschooling a little differently. Find out how you can register your child, if there are certain requirements for testing or recordkeeping, and if there is a specific curriculum that must be followed. You want to ensure that you are in compliance, so your child’s educational progress and accomplishments are recognized and approved.
- Map out your year.
Determine what standards or benchmarks your child should meet by the end of the year. Go through and decide what subjects they will be studying, what projects they will be completing, and how to pace your content.
- Choose your curriculum.
There are a multitude of different curriculums you can follow for virtually any subject. Find a program that fits your child’s needs, goals, and abilities. Do your research, read reviews, and talk to other homeschool families to find out what works for them, and what they like or dislike about certain curriculum programs.
- Tailor instruction to your child’s abilities and interests.
Just because your child is technically in sixth grade or ninth grade does not necessarily mean they are working on that level. Some students excel in certain subjects and may be taking advanced courses, but in other subjects, they may be at or below grade level. Make sure you plan the curriculum around your child’s individual needs and goals.
If they are taking elective courses, let them pick topics that interest them to help them stay more engaged and develop skills for the future. Just make sure that these classes are on the level with where your child is at and will not be too challenging.
- Create a schedule.
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that it does lend itself to flexibility. However, it can be a good idea to develop a basic schedule for when instruction and studying will take place. This will help you stay on track with the course curriculum while also being responsive to when your child learns best and is most focused. It provides your child with some structure to their day as well and sets expectations.
- Collaborate with others.
Connect with other homeschool families in your area or online. They can be a wonderful source of support, guidance, and advice. You may also be able to work together to teach different classes. For instance, they may lead the way for algebra while you focus on earth science. Leverage each other’s strengths to better support students.
- Incorporate a variety of resources.
You don’t have to use a textbook every day. Look for online resources, interactive websites, videos, podcasts, and hands-on experiences to help your child learn the material. Go out into the community and let them apply what they are learning to real-world situations.
- Ask for help.
You don’t have to be an expert in every subject your child is studying. While you are there to guide their learning, there may be topics that are out of your area of expertise. Employ the help of a tutor to ensure your child has the support they need and someone who can explain complex concepts in a way that is easier for them to understand.
Crafting Scholars works with homeschool students on a wide array of subjects and skills to empower them to be more successful and achieve their academic goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help and to reserve your child’s spot.
Originally published at https://craftingscholars.com on August 26, 2024.
