How to Home School in 3 Simple Steps

How to Home School in 3 Simple Steps

Article by Sherri Haggard

The decision to home school your child is not always a simple one. It is often made after long hard thought. Once the decision is made, parents often do not know where to turn. They do not know what to teach their child and are often scared their child will not receive a proper education. How can a parent be sure that their child is getting a proper education a home?

Step 1: Choose a Solid Curriculum that Follows State GuidelinesAll teachers follow curriculum that matches the state guidelines. You as a parent can do the same to teach your own child. My favorites were Saxton, Alpha Omega, and FrogStreet (this is bilingual program). However, you can choose any curriculum you like.

When choosing a curriculum, make sure it has a scope and sequence. This is a timeline to follow. It tells you which order to teach the curriculum. It is very useful without one you will be very overwhelmed.

The curriculum needs to offer a graduation program or certificate of completion. You want them to offer some sort of completion. While this is not a requirement, it does add some added accreditation to your child’s education.

Step 2: Set Aside Time Each Day for ClassYour child needs to go to school each day at home. This does not mean whenever you feel like teaching. This will not work. You are required by law to educate your child. If you do not set forth time each day to educate your child not only are you doing a disservice to your child, you are sending your child a bad message. You are telling your child education is not important.

The classroom needs to be in the same place each day. This does not mean you cannot take field trips because you should. You should meet with other home school parents. They often meet and have activities. However, your classroom should be at the same time and in the same place.

Step 3: Schedule Regular TestsYou will want to schedule to have your child tested by someone other than yourself. Studies have shown that students perform differently for their parents than they do teachers. This is true even for their regular teacher. If you have linked up with a home school group, then swap with them to give a standardized test.

If you cannot find your states standardized test online, then give your child the IOWA performance test or the TAKS test. Most states base their tests off from these and they are readily available online.

Everyone feels overwhelmed when starting teaching. However, with these simple steps you are well on your way to giving your child the education he or she deserves.

About the Author

Sherri has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit her latest website over at http://woodjewelryboxes.org/ which helps people find the best Wood Jewelry Boxes.