How Can I start Homeschooling?

I understand the tast seems overwhelming. I've been there. If you let it, it can discourage you, but let me give you some tips on how I got started.

Here you are! You've taken the first step. Research. I did all my research on the internet. It was most helpful. Read from others experiences. You'll find parents who were teachers as a profession, regular people, like me, "old timers" who've been at this for years and people who've started recently. Add me to that one. I first began my research in January 1999, now here I am homeschooling my kids. I feel I'm a good resource for you because I can still remember the confusion, but quickly overcame my fear. I went out of the ordinary by not buying a curriculum prepackaged and have saved tons of money. I have been able to homeschool all three of my children for about $300 (spread out over the past year). I could've done it for less, but there were some things I felt I couldn't live without. Hey, we all make mistakes.

Be sure to request catalogs. No, this doesn't mean you should buy everything from them. This will help you get ideas and know the prices. Most of these catalogs are from homeschools. They offer suggestions, and some you can even call for guidance if you need it.

You are probably wondering, "How do you know what to teach. Does the school tell you what to teach?"
This is the most confusing for people. It was for me, but it really is so simple. You see, there are no national standards. We are led to believe there are, but there aren't. If you are military or have moved around the country, you will understand this easier, because you've seen it. No school teaches the same things. The common subjects are; Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, but they don't always teach it the same ways.  There are multiple differences with schools and when your family moves frequently, you will run into problems with these differences. There are no standards for history, science and language for example. Yes, most schools teach american history. By third grade they certainly know who Christopher Columbus was, but are they really learning history the right way? Shouldn't we begin history from the very beginning of time, not half-way through? I think it would eliminate a lot of confusion. I guess it is a matter of preference, but history is chronological, and I feel it is best learned that way.  Science, you can teach whatever you or your children are interested. Schools just follow a text book, usually one full of evolution. As a parent, you can decide what you want your children to know and what you feel would be important. You could follow the Scope and Sequence of your local school system if that makes you feel more comfortable, but none of those are the same at schools across the country. Some states require that you teach state history other certain subjects. You might want to find out what is required in your state and add on from there. I am sure you have certain beliefs and that will affect your decisions. If you want a recommendation, I would suggest Ruth Beechick books The 3 R's and You Can Teach Your Child successfully. She has the major subjects and offers ideas and lessons for teaching them. You could use these books alone to get you through the 8th grade! I use them almost everyday. They don't cost a lot and are very handy to have. At first, trying to figure out what to teach will seem to be a mystery, but as you do research, talk to others, read from the more experienced, you will come to understand this concept easily. And then one day someone will be asking you, "How do you know what to teach? Does the school send you everything?". I get this question all the time. It is a difficult one to answer, but I simply tell them that I teach them what I want. You know your children better than anyone, their interests, what they already know, and what they should know. You have a great advantage over schools.

Go to the library. Borrow books and magazines on homeschooling. You'll find more great ideas. Make sure to take notes for future reference and put them in a file, so you don't lose them.

Before you buy anything, look through the books and things you have in your own house. You have a wealth of learning tools already available. What about that group of encyclopedia? You can teach with this and the bible and need nothing else if you like. But if you are like me, you'll want a bit more.

Go to a used books site and try to find the books you want on there. The busiest and my favorite is Veggiesource. New items are listed every second. If you need to sell, you can sell here quickly (within a few minutes).

After you receive those catalogs and have done your research you should have an idea of what books you would like. I took a look at as many homeschool sites as I could. Read their comments about books and other curriculum. I kept mental notes on how many times I saw something mentioned and decided to give those a try. I have posted a list of the top products chosen by homeschoolers. If you know a homeschooler or two, ask to see some of the books they use. Go to used book sales in your area (you can find out dates from your local support) and take some time looking. If it looks too difficult or will take too much of your time, don't buy it. You won't use it.

If your children are currently in school, you might want to consider letting them finish the school year, take the summer off and start your homeschool experience in the fall. This makes for an easier transition. You and your children have the summer to get used to being together again before you become teacher. This will also allow you to buy supplies during the Back to School sales. This is when I buy all our paper and supplies to last the entire year. It'll save money.

If you order from catalogs and suppliers, be sure not to wait until July, August and September. This is the busiest times for them and your order could take months. Start getting things ordered now if you can. I like to buy a few things over time. Maybe one thing each payday or if I have a big order that I need all at once, I decide when I want my order by, plan to set aside a certain amount of money each payday until I have the right amount.

Now that you have ordered, shopped around and found everything you need, look over the material. Try to stay at least a day ahead of your child. You are on your way....................

It seems confusing right now, but soon, you'll be an expert! Have confidence in yourself. You have been your child's best teacher since birth and you will continue.You will encounter both ood days and bad, but it is really worth it when you realize how much your child has learned.
BLESSINGS To You!