Just because you follow a curriculum from another source, does not mean you must follow it to the letter. There are often going to be parts of a curriculum that do not suit your child's learning style or schedule. Be flexible with a curriculum and do not be afraid to drop those parts that are not fitting for your educational plan.
If you just had a kid or have one that's young, it can be tough to take on homeschooling. Make sure you designate specific times to see to the needs of every child. Find activities which are age-appropriate for both children. Any activity that doesn't interfere with development is a great idea.
Talk to other families near you who are homeschooling and set up field trips together. This will be fun, but will also provide essential socialization for the kids. You might also save money by getting group discounts at some places.
Just because your kids are the only ones in your neighborhood to be homeschooled doesn't mean that you're alone. Not only can you find other homeschooling parents in your city, but you'll find many groups online who share your philosophy that education begins at home. There are conferences, clubs and even support groups waiting for you to use their resources. There are even cruised! If you take the time to search, you'll find a treasure trove lies before you.
There is so much to think about where homeschooling is concerned, so don't take the decision lightly. There are many online resources available to help you make this decision. You may think homeschooling is a great idea, but if you lack the emotional energy and money to do so, it won't end well.
Get in touch with other homeschoolers in your area. Homeschooling can be a lonely path if you do not make an effort to seek out support. Many areas now have homeschooling co-ops, where parents in a community work together to share resources and offer help. These are provide a valuable social outlet for your child, who does not have the same opportunities to make friends as a child in a public school.
Make sure you research the process thoroughly prior to deciding to homeschool. There are many online resources available to help you make this decision. Make sure that you are fully capable for the sake of your child.
Keep at it even if you feel like throwing in the towel. It takes time to develop a plan that works for both, you and your child. Many new homeschoolers give up too soon because they feel overwhelmed in the beginning, but after a year most homeschooling parents have settled in and enjoy homeschooling their children.
Look up and go to a homeschool conference in your area. Not only will you meet people that may become good resources for you in the future, but you will also have the opportunity to enhance your curriculum. These conferences typically have speakers, sample curriculums and more. The benefits will far outweigh any costs involved.
It might seem tough at first but you should never give up. It takes kids time to adjust to the idea that 'Mom' will also be their teacher at home and they have to disciplined enough to listen. Mom also has to be disciplined enough to be strict about learning the material.
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Try to find social activities your child can participate in with other home schooled students. By staying home all day home schooled students can lack in social interaction. By making sure they interact with other children you can help offset this issue. Listen to your kids- if they are very socially oriented then they may be better off in a traditional school.
To ensure that your homeschooling program is successful, you need to treat your home like a real school. That means that your students should follow a regular schedule and http://www.cde.ca.gov/ should be prepared for each lesson to start. That also means that they should be quizzed regularly to ensure that they are comprehending and retaining everything they learn.
It's important that you know how your child learns best. As their parent, you probably know your child better than anyone else does. Use this knowledge to your advantage. For instance, if your child learns better by reading, focus on teaching them via books or the computer. If they are better at listening, verbally teach them.
Plan out your meals ahead of time. The schedule for the week of homeschooling will be very busy. You may have a limited time available to prepare dinner each night. Or, you can take a ride to a fast food restaurant to maximize time. Preparing food in advance is optimal for having a good meal with a short preparation time. You can even use the opportunity to educate your kids while you get them to give you some assistance. Then when it is time to eat all you will need to do is thaw it out and reheat it.
Be completely honest about your abilities as it relates to your effectiveness as a teacher. Don't avoid a subject just because you don;t feel confident to teach it. However, this obviously does not benefit your child's education. If you're feeling deficient in some areas in the main curriculum, try to hire a tutor or trade with another parent that homeschools.
A good education is probably the best gift you can provide for your child. Children schooled at home can learn in the same way their friends do. Your child can flourish given the right tools. They deserve it!
