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A step-by-step guide to starting your journey into Home Schooling.

More and more parents are joining the ranks of becoming a Home Educator. For some the decision was easy, but for many it can be agonizing. The unknown and the daunting task of finding the information and resources to get started can lead many to second-guess the idea of schooling their own children. Through my own search into the Home Schooling sector I heard many arguments against it, but most often I was given words of support and encouragement. Even more reiterated the same statement, “I just don’t think I can do it’.

Many believe they cannot take on the task of teaching their own children for one reason or another:

- I don’t have the patience
- I’m not qualified
- My children would drive me nuts
- I don’t want to look like a fool
- I don’t think I can give them the educational foundation they need
- I have younger children who will get in the way
- They need to be socialized
- I need a break from my children
- They won’t listen to me

I have heard it all. I’ve said it all to myself. There were times I asked myself “what have I gotten myself into?” Nothing can be more intimidating than the unknown and that is what the journey of homeschooling may start out as, but it doesn’t stay that way. All those qualifiers seem small once the process moves forward. I’m not saying it is easy. It can take time to feel comfortable in your new role, but as you relax and realize that it’s a learning process for all, then the journey takes on a whole new meaning.

Listed are the suggested steps any potential Home Educator can take when deciding on the course they wish to take: (these apply to Home Schooling within the United States, but it can be an outline anyone can use)

1. Do Your Homework: Make sure you know the laws in your state regarding the administration of Home Schooling. Some states are more lenient and accommodating to Home Educators, while others impose a more stringent policy regarding procedure and education.

2. Get To Know Your Children: Some are self-motivated, some need extra assistance, some are fast learners, some are slow learners, but regardless of what type of student you have to deal with you need to tailor their education goals for their needs. Unlike the public school where most are categorized into a cookie cutter mold of Gifted, Average and Remedial, Home Educators have the unique opportunity to give the gift of individualized learning to their student.

3. Remember the First Semester Rule: The first semester is your learning curve. You are getting to know your students and your students are getting to know you in a different role other than parent or caregiver. Have material to cover the core subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. There are many online resources where you can get free worksheets with the answers. Two books that are a great resource of material that needs to be covered in each subject area is Homeschool Your Child For Free by LauraMaery Gold and Joan M. Zielinski and Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp. This is also not the time to go overboard and invest money into pricey curriculums.

4. Gather Your Materials: The two main curriculum utilized by many home schoolers are Abeka and Alpha Omega. These are interlaced with Biblical teachings and are known for their success in covering each grade level’s goals. Some Home Educators prefer a more traditional approach to learning and would like to utilize a more secular format. If this is the case then looking into a more traditional textbook style educational curriculum may be the way to go. Those used in the school districts are created by Harcourt Publication, , Holt Rinehart Winston, McGraw Hill, Houghton Mifflin and a few others, but all provide Home Educator pricing. You just have to ask for it and it is not always publicly advertised. What I found most interesting was that many school districts also utilize used textbooks to make best use of their funding. One of the larger services that specializes in this is Follet Educational Services. You can also buy used textbooks at abebooks.com and alibris.com. One curriculum may not work for you student or other students in your household. There are plenty of good resources for used curriculum that you can purchase and try out. Used curriculum or textbook has a negative connotation as though it has lost some of its value or impact for teaching, but these are excellent resources to have especially when you are on a budget or have multiple students to educate. Sometimes other homeschooling parents will allow you to review their homeschooling material so you can decide if it is right for you.

5. School Supplies: Keep to a budget on school supplies, otherwise you can end up spending quite a bit of money on items you just don’t need. Some of the essentials are:
- white board
- dry erase markers/eraser
- lots of paper
- pencils
- copying account (investing in your own copier may not be cost effective)
There are great resources to find your supplies and there are some businesses that give discounts to educators. It doesn’t hurt to ask and many are willing to give it once they are asked about it, although it is not often volunteered. For Science supplies go to Fry’s Electronics or outpost.com. It is an odd place to find beakers and tubes, but it was much cheaper than some of the educational supply stores I went to.

6. Look For Support: Many areas have local home schooling support and Co-Operative Groups. This is where you can get your students the, much needed, socialization that some fear home schooled children lack. Some athletic groups offer home schoolers classes they can take during the day that can fit into their schedule. Co-ops offer extracurricular activity or enrichment classes that students can participate in, they can be a vital source for subject areas that you, as a educator, may not be strong in. There are also leagues available for athletic competition.

7. Start Teaching: A teacher is a student that constantly learns. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. It is part of the learning process and puts your students at ease when they can see their teacher following the same process to get the answers too.

8. Assessment: This is one of the biggest concerns for Home Educators. Are my students learning what they are supposed to be learning? Sometimes the only way to evaluate this is through testing. There are many avenues to get your students assessed. Some online companies offer testing services:
- Bob Jones University
- Hewitt Homeschooling Resources
- Home Education & Family Services
- Kidtest.com

Do not let the unknown or fear of the unknown keep you from trying the Home School path, especially if you know it is right for you and your students. As long as you do it with an open mind you will be able to be successful at it, and trial and error is the best learning tool.