Reasons for homeschooling can vary:

• Your child is not doing well in school and nothing seems to help.
• Your child is not having a good learning experience and is very unhappy in school.
• You feel that your child would benefit from spending more time with you.
• You disagree with the moral or religious teaching (or lack of it) in the school system.

There are several ways to hometeach:

• You can follow a curriculum that you’ve purchased.
• You can go through an accredited homsechool association, which should guarantee that your child will receive credit for the work accomplished.  These associations do have fees and will require that you meet certain criteria.
• You can be free-flowing and make up your own curriculum.

Your method of homeschooling should be based on the type of person you are and how your child learns.

• Do you or your child need structure?
• Do you prefer to have a loose plan with lots of room for spontaneity (A big benefit of homeschooling)?
• Do you feel more comfortable being monitored?
• Is your child auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner? (Most people are a combination such as visual plus kinesthetic)

                         Auditory: Takes verbal directions well.  Can learn by hearing a lesson.

                        Visual: Paints word pictures.  Needs to see how things are done.

                         kinesthetic: Touching, feeling, doing.  Hands on experiences

Each state has their own rules and regulations for homeschoolers.  Check with a local homeschooling group or department of education.

Most states have “cover” groups registered with the state and counties as “schools” which means you do not have to register with the county as a homeschooling family.

• These groups vary in their philosophies, costs, and aid.
• They vary from highly structured to an “organic” approach.

There are local homeschooling groups that will give advice and support.  These groups do not usually have any fees.  They are invaluable for getting ideas and will often share resources.

One of the best ways to learn about homeschooling is to find someone who loves it, who believes in it, and is willing to help a family adjust to this new ways of life.

Encouragement: A publication by Angela DiCicco and Gail Signor.

Moms to Moms on Homeschooling coming NEXT week!