| So you decided that you want to begin | | | | Decide which types of curriculum would fit your |
| homeschooling. | | | | children best based on their learning styles and your |
| Congratulations! Homeschooling is a big decision to | | | | lifestyle choice. Consider grade level, age level, and |
| make for your family. The successful homeschooler | | | | the foundational subjects first (three R's- reading, |
| will be sure to do research first and cover all your | | | | writing, and arithmetic for the younger years, and |
| basics before embarking on your terrific journey! | | | | required courses for credit in higher grades such as |
| Here are a few initial steps to consider when getting | | | | biology, math, etc.). |
| organized for a successful homeschool. | | | | Then add any additional courses that your children |
| 1.) Check with your local state homeschool laws. This | | | | might enjoy or have a passion or interest in (such as |
| is a crucial step for getting started with home | | | | art, music, or dance, for example). You can find |
| education on the right path. The Homeschool Legal | | | | plenty of homeschool curriculum online and review |
| Defense Association has information about each | | | | them first hand at curriculum fairs or used book sales |
| state laws concerning homeschooling. Though | | | | from other homeschoolers. |
| homeschooling is definitely legal in every state, it is | | | | 4.) Decide on a schedule. Whether it's year-round |
| still imperative that you do your research first and | | | | school, or nine months out of the year like in |
| find out what the requirements are for | | | | traditional school settings, you need to decide how |
| homeschooling in your state. Remember, don't | | | | your school schedule will look for the upcoming |
| neglect this step! Homeschooling laws are different in | | | | academic year. Also decide on which classes you will |
| each state, so it's important to find out first hand, | | | | offer and when. If your fifth grader will be taking |
| and not after the fact, what your state requires. | | | | algebra, science, American history, and geography, |
| 2.) Follow through on your states recommendations | | | | for example, you will want to decide on a daily |
| for compliance- whether that is to fill out a letter of | | | | schedule to keep him on task. Some families enjoy |
| intent for the public school board or list your planned | | | | an 8-12 noon schedule. Others prefer school in the |
| curriculum. Again, each state has different laws that | | | | evenings or weekends. Select the type of schedule |
| determine what you should to begin homeschooling. | | | | that will fit your family's needs, and begin. |
| Visit the HSLDA website, and make first steps | | | | Homeschooling is a very rewarding way to watch |
| toward solidifying your family as homeschoolers. | | | | your children learn and grow. If you follow your initial |
| 3.) Choose your curriculum. In most states, you can | | | | steps into homeschooling properly, you will have a |
| use whichever curriculum you choose. The choice is | | | | successful homeschool journey to look forward to. |
| yours! | | | | Have fun! |