How to Start Homeschooling Your Children

This is a broad topic and I could fill a very large book and still not cover everything. There are plenty of books, magazines, and websites with helpful information on homeschooling, so I want to focus on helping those who are considering homeschooling or are just getting started.

The first thing you need to do is find out the laws in your state. An estimated 1-1/2 to 2 million children are currently being taught at home by their parents. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state has its own set of regulations. For example, Texas gives homeschoolers the classification of a private school. Texans do not need to report anything to the state - number of days in their school year, subjects studied, etc. Texas law does require that the homeschool cover five basic subjects: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. However, we are not required to report to any government agency or school district.

Not all states are so accomodating, however. Washington State, for example, has two options. Either you establish a home school and teach twelve subjects, spend 180 days or 1000 cumulative hours in your school year, and have standardized testing or you operate under a private school in an extension program. Both options require that you be a certified teacher, approved by the superintendent, or under the supervision of a certified teacher. I haven't listed all the requirements, just enough to give you an idea of the contrasts between the two states. One is lenient, while the other is much more regulated.

Whether your children have never attended school, or are being removed from the public school system, the best resource for knowing what steps to take, who you should notify, etc. is Home School Legal Defense Association, www.hslda.org. This website will give you all the information you need to establish your family as a home school. It is advisable to join their organization so that if anybody gives you difficulties about your decision to teach your children yourself (the local school, your neighbor, your in-laws), you have access to free legal counsel. HSLDA will take action on your behalf if you are a member and you will find them to be a valuable ally. They can also help you find other homeschoolers in your area. There are many support groups around the nation, and they are a wonderful resource.

The second thing you need to decide is how to teach your children. "Oh, that's easy," you say. "I just get each child a desk, get myself a blackboard, and set up a little schoolroom." Yes, that's one way you could do it. However, there are many approaches to teaching and I'd like to open your mind to all the possibilities. Many moms and their children have found themselves burning out after using the "school at home" approach for a while. The reason for this, I believe, is that there are different learning styles, and, for that matter, teaching styles. A great resource for this is Cynthia Ulrich Tobias' book, The Way They Learn.

Now you need to pick a curriculum. There are many approaches, as I've said, besides the traditional. Here are some:

Classical follows the medieval "trivium", progressing from fundamental facts and skills to logic and advanced language abilities.

Unit studies pull all the subjects from a central theme. If your child is into baseball, you can bring math, geography, social studies, etc. out of that one subject.

Unschooling allows a child to learn by encouraging and equipping him to follow his own interests.

The Charlotte Mason approach is based on an early 19th century teacher who emphasized "living books". Two authors to help you with this approach are Karen Andreola and Catherine Levison.

So to recap, you need to learn the laws in your state, get support and information, learn about the different approaches based on learning styles, and pick a curriculum. Remember, you don't have to order a whole curriculum from just one company. You can pick and choose from many different resources.

Perhaps the most important advice I can give is to stay focused on your reasons for homeschooling. When you face burnout, don't just throw your hands in the air and stick your kids back in public school. Take a step back, do some deep breathing, and get some perspective. The beauty of homeschooling is that it provides the flexibility to take breaks when needed and to center your children's education around your distinct lifestyle.