Getting Started

First of all, welcome and congratulations on your decision to homeschool! Now what do you do? Perusing this site is a great place to begin!

How do you get started?  How do you know where to turn for resources?  How do you know this is really going to work? These are the nagging questions you’ve got to satisfy before you begin your journey in homeschooling with confidence.

By now you may know, after talking to so many, you have discovered no two families approach homeschooling the same way.  In fact, the more you look into it, the more confusing it becomes.  There are so many choices and a host of ways to homeschool- Where do you start?  What will work for you and for your children?  First of all, take a deep breath and don't allow yourself to become exasperated.  It can be overwhelming, but you need to back up and take it a step at a time.  You don’t have to plunge right into the middle of it.

I would like to offer some advice that will set you on the right track for you and for your children.  One thing to keep in mind is that you want your children to develop a love for learning.  This will last them a lifetime.  It’s not always about having the cleanest house or the most organized approach; It’s not about the strictest schedule; It’s about the relationship you have and continue to have with you children over the years.  It’s about them getting educated in the things that will produce good citizens and dedicated servants of the Lord!

I do encourage you to read a few books written by other homeschooling parents who have had years of experience.  There are so many ways to homeschool, you really need to research the way you are most comfortable with and the method in which you child will appreciate the most.

We’ve had nearly 20 years experience with homeschooling and I have to admit, we’ve discovered that not every child needs the same approach.  Some of the things we did when we began homeschooling has changed over the years.  That’s OK, too.  We, also, had doubts when we began, but they were quickly erased when we realized the blessings and rewards that came from it.

Some of the resources available to you today we did not have when we started.  For instance, the internet.  Granted, the internet is not a place for your kids to just "surf” aimlessly; but there are valuable resources available.  The entire library (and more) is there for them to discover and research topics of their choice.  There are websites dedicated to homeschooling including support groups, sports organizations, as well as music organizations.  You don’t have to access any of these in order to homeschool; but they are available to you or in a city near you.  Take advantage of these as is fitting for your child and your lifestyle.  The flip side of this is… you control what it is you will do with you children's education.  You can take the kids to the park, museum, aquarium, festivals or wherever you like. Your state's laws may restrict you some, so you do need to know the legality of homeschooling and all the regulations before you begin.  Click here for a look at the various state's laws.

What about the curriculum?  There are countless curriculum programs from creating your own, to co-op’ing with others, to the strictest umbrella approach, to charter schools.  Many new homeschoolers like the security of the umbrella-type curriculum (which is what we did for the first year, but found it more restrictive and regimented than what we preferred).

Most of all, learning is supposed to be a lifelong enjoyable process. If you run into a problem, Don't be afraid to adjust your style and curricula to what will work for your child.  The great news is that you are better able to discover your particular child's needs than the schools.  You can conform the curriculum and activities to the things that are best for him/her.  Understanding, of course, that none of us are perfect on every topic or subject, nor are we necessarily ready to learn something just because our curriculum guide says we are.  As a homeschooling parent, you are not bound to a predetermined set of books and rules that someone else came up with- with no personal interest in your child. 

What if you have six children all at different grade levels? Well, you too, have a wide variety of options.  First of all, your older children may be ready for a self-guided program.  Secondly, you may even consider throwing away that grade level thing.  Thirdly, with supervision, each one may still have their own curriculum to complete.  You also have the availability of the older ones to help the younger ones.  Our older children are a tremendous help at times.  Older students are also developing skills they can use to prepare them for leadership roles in the future.  A large part of home education is just learning to work with each other.  You also have the opportunity to discover the interests of your children and pursue them like nobody else can. 

What about the relatives? While most of them will look at you funny and think you are radical and anti-cultural, all of them will watch over the years.  Just do what you believe is right for your children and time will tell if it pays off (I promise it will if you pour year heart into it).  Like I said, we've been doing this for almost twenty years.  Some of the most vehement oppositions to our decision to homeschool (20 years ago) have resulted in not only passive support today, but our extended families have become some of our strongest proponents of it! 

The reality is this:  As parents, concerned about raising our children up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord", you have been given the ultimate and primary responsibility to make decisions for your family (and particularly what is taught to them).  If this is what God wants you to do, then place your faith in Him and be confident in that decision. Remember, your family is not really your enemy, they only believe they are helping by their advise.  You can be respectful of their concerns while asking them to do the same with your decision.  Utilize them when you have opportunity.  Sometimes they can be mentors in their hobbies or skills they have and most are more than willing when you ask of their help! 

Homeschooling is also taking opportunity to experience life as it happens.  When problems arise, use the opportunity to teach them how to think through the trials or difficulties.  They will be better for it once the storm is over! 

Do you need to know every subject in order to "teach" your children? Absolutely not.  You literally will just learn along with them.  You have the wisdom to know the questions to ask to insure they are getting it!  If you need additional help, there are other homeschoolers in your area who may be able to assist you in a topic you are struggling with.

Most of all… relax. Approach this decision very prayerfully and one day at a time.  You'll be amazed at God's grace through it all.  Put the Kingdom of God first, and all the rest takes care of it self!

Friday's One Minute Lesson with Michael Maloney is now a regular segment! Listen in each and every Friday. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn easy to use methods to effectively teach your children well!  Learn more at www.teachyourchildrenwell.com

© 2007 by Home Schooling Radio Show

Date last updated: 09/30/2007 10:03:18 PM