Homeschooling for Beginners: Why and How

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is an educational option where parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s education at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. Homeschooling allows for a personalized education tailored to the child’s individual learning style, interests, and pace. Parents can choose from a variety of curricula and resources to create a unique educational experience. Homeschooled children have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and receive individual attention from their parents or guardians.

Why Has Homeschooling Become Popular?

Homeschooling has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. One reason is the flexibility and customization that homeschooling allows. Parents can choose the curriculum and teaching methods that work best for their child’s learning style and pace.

Homeschooling can provide a safer and more controlled learning environment, which is especially appealing to parents concerned about bullying, violence, or other negative influences in traditional schools.

Homeschooling can also offer more opportunities for socialization and community involvement, as families can join homeschooling groups, co-ops, and activities. Homeschool families often participate in community events and activities, as well as organized groups and clubs.

Finally, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for parents to access educational resources and connect with other homeschooling families. Homeschooled children also have more time to spend with their families, which can strengthen family bonds and allow for more opportunities for shared experiences and learning.

Here are a Few Statistics About Homeschooling

The number of homeschooled students in the US has been steadily increasing in recent years, with an estimated 2.5 million homeschooled students in 2019, up from 1.7 million in 2012. When Covid hit the world many people found that public school homeschooling was not really adequate. Many more families entered the homeschool world as a result of this.

Homeschooled students tend to perform better on standardized tests than their public school counterparts, with homeschoolers scoring an average of 15-30 percentile points higher. Homeschooling is becoming more diverse, with a higher percentage of non-white students and families with lower incomes choosing to homeschool.

The top reasons families choose homeschooling include a desire for a customized education, concerns about negative peer pressure and school safety, and dissatisfaction with the academic quality of traditional schools. Homeschooled students have higher rates of college enrollment and completion than public school students.

Homeschooling can save families money, as the average cost of homeschooling per student is around $600-900 per year, compared to the average cost of $11,000 per year for public school students.

Learn About the Homeschool Laws In Your Area

The legal requirements for homeschooling vary by state and country. In the United States, each state has its own laws and regulations regarding homeschooling, which can include mandatory subjects, testing requirements, reporting requirements, and more. Some states require parents to submit a notice of intent to homeschool, while others do not. Some states also require parents to have a certain level of education or certification in order to homeschool their children. It’s important for parents to research and understand the legal requirements for homeschooling in their area before beginning to homeschool their children. Visit our page about homeschool laws for your state.

Discover Your Child’s Learning Style

There are basically three different learning styles:

Visual learners: These are the ones who learn by seeing.
Kinesthetic learners: these are the hands on learners, They learn by touch.
Auditory learners: These students learn by hearing.

Here are some tips to help you identify your child’s learning style:

Observe your child: Pay attention to how your child interacts with the world around them.

Do they enjoy hands-on activities or prefer to read or listen to information?
Do they like to work independently or with others?
Do they remember things better when they see them, hear them, or do them?

Ask your child: Talk to your child about how they prefer to learn.

Ask them what kinds of activities they enjoy and what helps them remember information.
There are quizzes available to determine these learning styles: There are online quizzes and assessments that can help you identify your child’s learning style. They generally ask questions about your child’s preferences and behaviors and provide insight into their learning style.
Try different methods: Experiment with different teaching methods and materials to see what works best for your child. For example, if your child is a visual learner, try using diagrams, charts, and pictures to help them understand concepts. Be flexible: Remember that learning styles can change over time and can vary depending on the subject. Be willing to adjust your teaching approach to meet your child’s needs and preferences.

By understanding your child’s learning style, you can tailor your homeschooling approach to better meet their needs and help them succeed academically.

Tips for Choosing a Curriculum or Creating Your Own

Curriculum choices can seem like a daunting task, but here are some tips to help make the process easier:

Identify your goals: Determine what you want your child to learn and what skills and knowledge you want them to gain from their education. Consider your child’s learning style: Choose a curriculum that aligns with your child’s learning style and preferences. If you’re creating your own curriculum, incorporate activities and materials that appeal to your child’s learning style.
Research curriculum options:

Do your research and read reviews of different homeschool curricula to find one that aligns with your goals and your child’s learning style. You can just do an internet search for homeschool curriculum providers to see the many options.
Consider your budget: Determine how much you are willing and able to spend on curriculum materials. Keep in mind that there are many free or low-cost options available, and you can often find used materials at a discount.
Evaluate the materials: Before choosing a curriculum, take a close look at the materials to make sure they are high quality and will meet your child’s needs.
Stay flexible: Remember that no curriculum is perfect, and you may need to make adjustments or supplement with additional materials to meet your child’s needs.
Create your own: If you decide to create your own curriculum, start by identifying your goals and your child’s learning style. Then, research different resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and educational videos, to create a curriculum that meets your child’s needs and interests.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a curriculum or create your own that aligns with your child’s learning style, interests, and needs.

Find Resources and Support Groups Available to Homeschooling Families in Your Area

Here are some general ways to find resources and support groups for homeschooling families:

Search online: Look for homeschooling groups, forums, and resources online. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be a good place to start.
Visit our Homeschool Support page to find resources in your area.
Attend homeschooling events:
Attend homeschooling events in your area, such as homeschooling fairs, workshops, and conferences. These events provide an opportunity to connect with other homeschooling families and learn about local resources and support groups. Local groups are a great way to interact with other homeschool families. Your local groups often offer coops for shared learning as well as educational field trips.
Contact local schools and libraries:
Contact your local schools and libraries to see if they offer resources or support for homeschooling families. They may be able to provide information about local homeschooling groups or offer access to educational materials and resources.
Join a homeschool co-op: Consider joining a homeschooling co-op in your area. These groups typically consist of a group of families who come together to share resources, teach classes, and support each other in their homeschooling journey.
Check with homeschooling organizations:
Check with homeschooling organizations in your area, such as state or regional homeschooling associations. These organizations can provide information about local resources and support groups, as well as legislative updates and advocacy efforts.

By utilizing these resources, you can connect with other homeschooling families in your area and find the support and resources you need to succeed in your homeschooling journey.

Challenges of Homeschooling

While homeschooling can offer many benefits, it also comes with its own unique challenges.

Some of the challenges of homeschooling include:

Time management: Homeschooling requires a significant amount of time and effort, and it can be challenging to balance teaching with other responsibilities, such as work or household duties. You should know, however, that you can accomplish in four hours what a school can accomplish in eight hours. The main reason for this is that you are not dealing with 25 students. Your teaching will be much more focused. Create a schedule and prioritize your time. Set realistic goals and break them down into smaller tasks to make them more manageable. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.
Perceived lack of socialization:
There is a myth that homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities for socialization with peers, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. There are plenty of opportunities to make sure that children are socially active. It is important to find ways to interact in the community. This is also one of the greatest benefits of local homeschool groups. Join a homeschooling group or co-op to provide opportunities for socialization and interaction with other homeschooling families. Look for local activities and events that your child can participate in, such as sports teams, music classes, or art clubs.
Limited resources:
Homeschooling families may not have access to the same resources and materials as traditional schools, which can make it more challenging to provide a comprehensive education. Local coop groups help to alleviate some of the problems of needing more tools for teaching. Utilize online resources and materials, such as free educational websites and open-source textbooks. Visit your local library and use interlibrary loan to access additional materials. Seek out community resources, such as museums and nature centers, for educational opportunities.
Responsibility for all aspects of education:
Homeschooling parents are responsible for all aspects of their child’s education, including creating lesson plans, teaching, grading, and providing feedback.
Financial burden:
Homeschooling can be expensive, with costs for curriculum materials, textbooks, and other educational resources. Look for free or low-cost resources and materials, such as open-source textbooks or online courses. Buy used or secondhand materials, and consider sharing resources with other homeschooling families. Many local homeschool groups host annual book fairs.
Criticism and skepticism from others:

Some people may view homeschooling as unconventional or even as a threat to traditional education, which can result in criticism and skepticism from others. Educate others about the benefits and successes of homeschooling. Join a local homeschooling group or organization for support and to connect with like-minded families.

Each family’s homeschooling journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming the challenges of homeschooling. By staying flexible, seeking out support, and being open to new ideas and approaches, homeschooling families can create a successful and fulfilling educational experience for their children.

Conclusion:

If you are considering homeschooling, it’s important to do further research and connect with other homeschooling families to gain a better understanding of what homeschooling entails and to find support and resources. Look for local homeschooling organizations or support groups, attend homeschooling events or workshops, and talk to other homeschooling families in your community. You can also do online research to find out more about homeschooling laws and regulations in your state, as well as curriculum options and resources. Remember, homeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to be well-informed and prepared to meet the unique challenges and opportunities that come with it.