Getting Ready to Homeschool Your Child

More parents are choosing to homeschool their children today due to many factors. One is the rising school achievement gap in many parts of the world, proving schools’ inability to meet the educational needs of diverse learner categories. Second, the test-based schooling approach often limits students’ curiosity and transforms the process of knowledge discovery into test drilling. Third, some parents want to give their children individual attention and care, which is impossible in the crowded classroom. But whatever the reason for a homeschooling decision is, its implementation often turns into a tough challenge. In this guide, we share their research findings on homeschooling preparation to inform parents.

Collect Substantial Information 

The process of homeschooling starts not on the first day of studies but around 6 to 12 months before it, upon the parents’ decision to homeschool their child. Keep in mind that you can’t just start giving your kid lessons at home. The process of homeschooling should be delivered in line with pedagogical and state educational standards. Keep in mind that your child will still need to take achievement tests, so you can’t skip some fundamental classes or sciences just because you don’t like them. 

To design a proper homeschooling process, you need to start researching everything about it at least half a year before starting schooling. Help Me With My Test specialists also recommend checking the state law compliance requirements and the homeschooling curriculum you’ll need to follow. 

Make a Decision 

After gathering the initial dataset about homeschooling, you need to make the final decision about it. Ask yourself whether you’re ready to dedicate enough time to your kid’s home education daily and whether you possess the required pedagogical talent, time management, administration skills, and a pile of patience to keep that process going. Take a sober look at your child’s personality and character – not all children will succeed in homeschooling. After you answer all these questions positively, it’s time to take the next step.

Choose the Homeschooling Approach 

Next comes the vital stage of choosing a homeschooling pedagogy. You’ll be surprised to find out the multitude of approaches to home education that pedagogical theory and practice have on offer. We researched far and wide to find the following homeschooling methods to be the most effective: 

• The Montessori method 
• The classical approach to homeschooling 
• The method of Charlotte Mason
• The multiple intelligences approach 
• Eclectic methods of homeschooling 

Choose a method based on your strengths and interests and your kid’s character. Does your child learn by practicing? Then the Montessori method of the child’s independent, autonomous learning with the parent’s scaffolding is your method. Is your kid an avid reader? Then the principle of “living books” and reliance on student narration fostered by Charlotte Mason’s method is your way to go. Study all methods at first, give each of them a try, and choose the most suitable one together with your child.  

Prepare Your Dwelling 

Having a proper pedagogy in mind is not enough for successful learning. The next stage is to organize the learning space correctly. It’s better to reserve a separate room for studies, where your child’s supplies, textbooks, and complete curriculum workbooks will be stored. Purchase a convenient work table and chair for the child with regard to anatomic peculiarities; the ergonomic design of study furniture will take care of your child’s health during long hours of study. Ensure that the lighting in the room is good; otherwise, extended reading or study sessions may end up in eyesight deterioration. Your overall goal is to make the home study space similar to the classroom space; no toys or TV are allowed in the study room to avoid temptation and distractions. 

Plan the Schedule 

The study schedule is vital for all students, those studying at schools and home. So, it would be best if you had a plan according to which you will measure the child’s progress. It’s always good to be on schedule as you don’t want your child to miss the important state test dates because you failed all deadlines and couldn’t learn the required material on time.

Network with Other Homeschoolers 

Homeschooling may be challenging if you’re dealing with it alone. You might lack some background knowledge or learning materials to make the study process smooth and productive. In any of these scenarios, you should keep help from other homeschooling families as they may share experiences and resources for more productive studies. Look for such communities online, find some local resources, and unite with other parents to give your kids the best education possible. 

Be Patient 

When deciding to homeschool your kid, the main thing to keep in mind is that you’re assuming a serious responsibility for their study progress. You become a parent for your child and a mentor and administrator guiding them through academic knowledge. There will be ups and downs in the process, and your task is to stay patient and empathic for your child’s failures and ignorance. In the end, the happiness of discovery and pride of a successfully completed task will be your most significant reward.