Beginning Homeschooling

I often field questions regarding how to begin homeschooling.

Some are asking just for information's sake.

Others are asking because they really want to know--either because they ARE going to homeschool or they are really seriously considering it.

This post (and some others I have in the wings) is for the latter group.

My advice to anyone considering home education is this:

READ, READ, READ.

THEN READ SOME MORE.

 KEEP READING.

That means you, Mom.

And Dad, too, if he will.

This is a big adventure on which you are about to embark and you need to be prepared.

More than just "how to homeschool" books...you need some "why we homeschool" books.

My personal recommendations:

Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling

Things We Wish We'd Known

When You Rise Up

Homeschool Heroes

The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling
The Three R's

These books, among others, will help you to understand the reasons why many Christian and non-Christian families have chosen to educate their children at home.

Optimally, you would have read these books from the time your children are small and you'd be ready to jump right in once they hit--I cringe to even say it--"school age."  (me jumping up on my soapbox: as IF there were such a thing!) 

I would venture to guess that the number of people who know they're going to homeschool from the time of their children's birth is relatively small.

Many more parents arrive at the decision to homeschool later on.

Like we did, for example.  You can read all about that here and here.

As the parent, you have some choices to make.  You need to arrive at your own reasons for why you homeschool.

You also need to decide how you will teach your child at home.

You will need to decide on what curriculum you will use and you arrive at that decision my studying curriculum options.

Would you like to know what I did?

I surfed the web and ordered every free catalog from homeschool curriculum companies that I could.

I have pored over more catalog pages than you could shake a stick at.  It has helped me to become familiar with what other families use as well since I've read about so many.

My personal favorites, tried and true at our house:

Sonlight

Five in a Row

My Father's World

Math U See
Saxon Math
Apologia Science

Most important of all, you need to cover the process in prayer and then step out in obedience to God's plan for your family.