Are you considering homeschooling your child? If so, you are not alone. A growing number of parents desire homeschooling for their children for various reasons. I began homeschooling my own three children almost a decade ago, and I’ve really enjoyed the flexibility involved. Maybe you are concerned about the quality of education in public schools, or perhaps you want more freedom regarding what and how your child is taught.
Whatever your reasons, homeschooling can be an excellent option for your family. Here is everything you need to know about homeschooling.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a type of education in which parents or guardians teach their children at home as a substitute for sending them to school. Homeschooling can be an exceptional choice for families who want more control over their child’s education or for those who wish to tailor their children’s learning to their specific needs.
Essential Steps to Start Homeschooling
Consider laws and requirements. First, research your state’s homeschooling laws and requirements. Each state has different regulations regarding homeschooling, so it’s important to know what is required of you before getting started. You can find information about your state’s homeschooling laws online or by contacting your local school district. The Home School Legal Defense Association has tons of great information about state requirements, but be sure to double-check your own state’s information online.
Join a community. Next, find a support system. Many homeschooling families are out there, so seek advice and assistance from them. You can also connect with a local homeschooling group or look for online forums where you can connect with other homeschoolers. In South Florida, we have some great Facebook communities to meet up with and ask for help. Some examples include Kind Academy Community, South Florida Homeschool Group, and Coral Springs Homeschoolers.
What about the curriculum? One big decision you’ll need to make when homeschooling is what curriculum you will use. There are many fantastic choices out there, so it’s essential to research and find one that will work well for your family. There are quizzes online to figure out what type of homeschooler you are. Don’t become too hung up on finding a curriculum because it can take some time to really get to know what type of learner your child is. Some kids are kinesthetic and need lots of hands-on experiences, while others like to do a school-at-home type of homeschooling and sit all day with worksheets. The first year is a time for trial and error; some things will work and other materials will not. I don’t even want to admit the number of curricula I have bought, but I have really gotten to know what works for my kids over the years. Have fun and get to know your child during this time — the learning will happen!
Socialization. This is one of the biggest issues I encounter while coaching homeschooling families. We all worry about our child’s social skills. Finding homeschool meetups in your local online groups is a great first step to getting your child to learn with other kids. Another great option is to do after-school classes with public school kids. Finally, there are homeschool co-ops, pods, and even “micro-schools” available for more structured learning with friends. Some great programs include HEED in Boca, Kind Academy in Coral Springs, and The Hub in Margate. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of opportunities for socialization while homeschooling in South Florida.
Benefits of Homeschooling
Some benefits of homeschooling include the following:
- A customized curriculum that can be tailored to a child’s individual needs and interests
- The ability to provide a more nurturing and supportive learning environment
- More flexible schedules that can accommodate family vacations or other activities
- Increased parental involvement in the education process
- The potential to save money on tuition and other school-related expenses.
Final Words
Homeschooling can be a lot of work, but it can also be fun. Spending time bonding with your children and watching them learn and grow is an enriching experience. If you’re considering homeschooling your kids, these important guidelines will help you get started on the right foot!