| You've made the decision that homeschooling your | | | | home schooling as well. A group of like-minded |
| child is the right decision for you, your child, and the | | | | people, many who have "been there and done that" |
| rest of your family. Now you find yourself dealing | | | | can not only help bolster your decision to home |
| with a mix of excitement and fear. What comes | | | | school, but can also provide you with valuable tips |
| next? Will you be able to pull this off? Do you really | | | | and advice that will make your experience go much |
| know how to home school your child? Are you really | | | | smoother. |
| prepared for this? | | | | In addition, you'll find many such groups support |
| Relax. | | | | outside activities that help promote your child's social |
| I've got three top tips to get you started off on the | | | | interactions. Visits to the zoo or the museum, tours |
| right foot. Knowing how to home school your child | | | | of the local newspaper, and afternoon bowling |
| isn't nearly as difficult as you might imagine. | | | | league... these all provide great opportunities for your |
| 1. Learn The Rules | | | | child's socialization. |
| Every state and many local municipalities have unique | | | | 3. Establishing Your Curriculum |
| rules and requirements that govern their home | | | | The next step in getting you past the initial fear of |
| schooling programs. Some are very loose. Others are | | | | how to home school your child is to determine the |
| quite strict. So you want to begin your new journey | | | | curriculum. This is an important step since influencing |
| by learning and following these requirements. | | | | what your child learns is one of the primary reasons |
| For home schoolers, you'll likely want to investigate | | | | for home schooling. And this is the best place start, |
| home education regulations and equivalency laws. For | | | | with the question: why do I want to home school my |
| example, you may need to maintain records of child's | | | | child? |
| progress. And though rare, some states may also | | | | The answer to this question can guide you through |
| require the teaching parent to meet minimum | | | | the decision making process in developing your |
| educational qualifications. | | | | curriculum. |
| Don't let this scare you away. | | | | In addition, the state or local education agency should |
| The rules are designed to provide the best | | | | be able to provide you with guidelines for your child's |
| experience for your child and are generally easily met. | | | | age. You'll also want to make sure the curriculum is |
| 2. Join A Support Group | | | | appropriate for your child's unique skills, abilities, and |
| It's always helpful to participate in a support group | | | | needs. That's what makes learning how to home |
| when venturing into new territory and this is true of | | | | school so worth your time and efforts. |