You’ve finally made the leap and are ready to start homeschooling. The only question is how do you start? Don’t be intimidated by the idea of starting a homeschool. You don’t need a lot of expensive tools for homeschooling, especially if your child is in kindergarten. To get started, you’ll need to do three basic things: organize your home and homeschooling, organize a planner for your curriculum, and organize a schedule for yourself.
Many parents will find that the most important aspect of running a homeschool is organization! There are many books and places on the Internet that will help you find the right ways to plan your schedule. There may be a few bumps in the road until you find a schedule that works for you. Starting a homeschool can seem overwhelming at first, but the benefits outweigh the risks.
The number one thing parents seem to have trouble with is organizing homeschooling. You’ll need a central location to store all your school supplies so you know where they are when you need them. A great way to store these items is a shelf with storage bins or a large cabinet that has four or five shelves. Also, you’ll need a file cabinet to store your child’s work so it’s ready when it’s time to check the record.
The rest of the supplies you’ll need to stay organized include a calendar with plenty of room to write, a daily planner if you have so many activities you can’t keep track of them, and finally, a school planner for all of your own. child’s curriculum information and activities. Many of the items you will need are easily found at large retail stores and are inexpensive. Your curriculum planner is your guide to success. If you think you’re overwhelmed now, imagine a month from now when you have no idea what you’ve done or what you need to do next.
Running a homeschool takes planning, and a lot of it. Your teaching style may be eclectic, but don’t be careless when it comes to organizing your child’s curriculum. As for buying the curriculum, don’t buy it until you need it. Packaged lesson plans are fine if you feel like you can’t come up with your own ideas or if you’re new to the homeschooling grind. Many parents find that as they continue with the homeschool program year after year, they become more comfortable with creating their own curricula.
Schedule time for yourself and time for the whole family. Many new homeschool parents forget to schedule time for other things when starting a homeschool. Purchase a planner or download it online to help you schedule effectively. Include your child’s commitments, your family’s activities, and other simple things like grocery shopping and treating yourself. Don’t get consumed by homeschooling. Careful planning and organization are the keys to your child’s homeschooling success and will also help keep your sanity.
To stay abreast of current trends, information, and resources available to parents, teachers, and homeschool students, subscribe to Homeschool Success News and/or similar publications.
If you need an online tutor, courses or want to offer your services as a paid online tutor, please contact the above mentioned newsletter. Magic Learning Systems also offers great products to enhance the homeschooling experience for teachers and students.
Dr. J. Elisha Burke
Editor, Homeschool Success Newsletter
[http://hsnews.homeschooltutorpro.com]
Copyright 2005 Burke Publications All Rights Reserved
