Homeschooling. I love it. Pure and simple. That is not to say it does not pose its own challenges. I have been homeschooling through the use of a Cottage Program, but even as the Charter schools are becoming more regular, and offering more options to home schooling families there is a lot to think about. There are a lot of ways to home school and you need to do what best fits your family, do not let anyone make you feel bad if you use a program through a school or website. The most important factor is that you are PRESENT and INVOLVED in your child's education and what is right for one kid, may not work for another.
(That being said, simply be aware and do research on the Common Core, testing and all it entails. All I will say at this time is that it is NOT all it is cracked up to be. Do your research.)
I would like this page to be a resource for those of you thinking about home schooling, new to home schooling or feeling "burned out." Ask questions, garner ideas, get support.
(I will be deleting anything commented that is rude, uncivil or unhelpful).
My own personal Top Ten Thoughts about Home Schooling:
1. Do what is natural. We are our children's first teachers and YOU CAN school your kids. That being said, having a plan is helpful, making a schedule is useful and being flexible (in my opinion) within the construct you create is a must. Things happen, you adjust and move on.
2. Home schooling is a lifestyle. It can be easily incorporated into your daily life. The first three years of home schooling for us was a little more laid back, less structured with LOTS of teachable moments. The basics are a must and everything else will fall into place. There is a lot of trial and error while you figure out what works best for your family. The last two years we started to find a groove and I finally settled on curriculum that I really like and works for my kids.
3. Both parents need to be in agreement about home schooling. My husband helps with lessons and "homework" at times, especially if there's a new baby, illness or unexpected interruption.
4. Look up the requirements for your state. Do not just rely on various internet sites. All states have their own Department of Education along with at least one or two valid home schooling support websites that give you all the legal information you need. HSLDA is a good place to start and smart to join, it's like insurance.
5. Join a group or a worthwhile Co-op. Many cities/towns have groups and co-ops where you can meet other home schooling parents (OK, mostly moms), have play dates and sign up for enrichment programs.
6. You do not need a classroom to home school. I know many mom's who school right at the kitchen table (myself included), but I would suggest getting cabinets, a closet or some sort of "home schooling space" just for your home school curriculum & supplies. I only say that because it does make things a little easier especially when you start home schooling more then one child at a time.
7. Research Curriculum. Read through examples if you can. There is so much out there that it can be overwhelming, but think about your child and how they learn, then read through the programs. You will eventually be able to tailor curriculum to meet your child's learning needs. Oh and ASK other home schooling parents for reviews! Chances are someone you know has tried it or knows something about it. It is totally ok to piece a curriculum together. We use Horizon math and CHC for everything else. Science they get at the cottage school.
8. Take Breaks. I mean as in vacations, or mini-vacations. Not just a field trip (but do that too!). Even us home schoolers can get burned out and need a break. You do not have to school 24/7. You might be surprised; a teachable moment or two will happen while on your trip! We school around 4 hours a day and then have other time for extra curriculars or other things.
9. Have fun! Of course a schedule and some structure are helpful, but it is important to retain the joy of learning (IMO a lot of public schools are lacking this). You don't want it to be drudgery for you or for your kids. Take 5 minutes outside, reading or game breaks to keep the "drudges" away. :-) Get creative with a lesson, using pictures, the computer or some other medium to help make it interesting.
10. You're going to have bad days. It's OK. We all do. Some days, we just aren't getting anywhere and that is O. K. Those days are when we say, let's take a walk, go the zoo, watch a movie, read a book. Just do something else and we'll get back to later that day or just start fresh the next day. That is the beauty of home schooling. You're never really "behind" if you plan (make sure you schedule regular breaks and make up days) and you can use the summer if you want to. I even know families that simply school all year round with scheduled vacation time in-between. (We do more of this now).
Curriculum Ideas: These are not listed in any particular order nor have I tried all of them. Some are on-line only, some are a combination and some you can order curriculum from to teach at home. The beauty of home schooling is that you can teach your children and make it work to fit your family's particular needs.
*Disclaimer: I am not endorsing or encouraging any particular curriculum. I do have preferences if you want more info on what I personally prefer please contact me.
**Website specific to Educating in Colorado: https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool
Preschool-12th: (Some stop at 8th grade)
ABCMouse.com
NickJr.com
GoNoodle.com
ReadingEggs.com
Sonlight
The Keystone School
Teaching Textbooks
Horizon
Math U See
Saxon
Spalding (Language Arts)
Shurly Grammar
Colorado Virtual Academy
K-12 Online
http://bighugelabs.com/badge.php (to make your own ID cards)
Catholic/Christian:
Seaton Home Study School now has a Preschool program
Catholic Heritage Curricula also has a Preschool program
Fisher More Academy
Calvert School
My Father's World
Apologia
Truthquest History
Heart of Dakota
Rod & Staff
BJU Press
Kolbe Academy Home School
There are many more, but this is a list to get you started on your research. Hope it helps and that you find something that will work for you and your kids!
Ideas for Enrichment/Extra-Curricular or P.E.: (I'm thinking in terms of classes/lessons mostly).
Dance
Gymnastics
Soccer
Horse Back riding lessons
Martial Arts
Piano
Violin
Singing lessons
Music lessons in general (join a choir!)
*Field Trips to museums, zoo, farms, road trips, pilgrimages, National Parks...
Innocence & Joy
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