Homeschooling - Six Steps To Get Your Year Started Off Right!

FREE Lesson Plans and Activities!

1. Find out the requirements in your state. Homeschool Legal Defense Association keeps updated information for each state.
2. Know your child’s learning style. Armed with this information you will make the right homeschoolingcurriculum choices (the first time). You will teach the way your child learns. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to know how your child learns. I guarantee it will save you time and frustration!
3. Choose a homeschooling method. A homeschoolingmethod gives you a structure to follow. Even if you follow an eclectic style (a little bit of everything). Choosing a method that works with you child’s learning style makes homeschooling that much easier!

   Forums, blogs, and websites focusing on your homeschooling method are great places to find ideas and encouragement.

4. Plan a course of study. You don’t have to get too carried away (unless you want to). Print out the course of study for the homeschooling method you chose. (Click here for a general course of study. Opens a PDF file in new window.)

   Ask your children what they want to learn - even if you plan to use a textbook publisher. They will be motivated to get through their algebra text when they can work on their rocket project as part of school!

5. Make a schedule. Start with a schedule but be flexible! Don’t let your schedule be your dictator. It’s a guide to keep you on track.

   TIPS

   • Decide on a starting and ending time.
   • Schedule lunch time and breaks.
   • Plan your child’s most difficult subjects according to their learning style environment.
   • Coordinate one-on-one teaching with one child while your other children are working independently.

   I absolutely love the Donna Young website. Here are a few links from her site to get you started on the right foot:

   Free Homeschool Planner
   Homeschooling High School Help and Resources

   If you prefer a purchased planner find one here.

6. Begin. Start with just one subject. Then, add a subject each week. This way everyone eases into a routine. I start each year this way and I know I have avoided a few gray hairs!

To Your Success!
Jena Names