Life
As you assess your child's academic needs, you might have found that traditional public school just isn't what you want for them. After weighing all of your options, (including remote learning), you've turned to another educational option: homeschooling. But if you’ve never put on a teacher's hat before, you might not even know where to begin. How does one even start the homeschooling process? There are a few steps involved.
Depending on your personal situation, opting to homeschool may not have been an easy decision to come to terms with, but this is the reality for many families, especially after seeing how a pandemic can affect all aspects of childhood education. You've likely thought long and hard about the school district your child is already enrolled in (or about to begin) and willingly opting out of their program may be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. "Homeschooling is surging, and while it can feel daunting to tackle it, the reality is that parents have been teaching their children from the moment of birth," Heather D. Nelson, author of 5 Easy Steps to Homeschooling, tells Romper in an email. "Adding in a selection of curricula is merely the next level of what parents are already doing, since homeschooling is a very natural extension of parenting."
So for parents who've decided to homeschool their children for the first time, here's what you need to know to get started.
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Set Up Your Space
Ideally, each child should have a desk that’s theirs to work and study from, but you don't have to go all out setting up an elaborate space for your young student. “A small rectangular folding table with adjustable height can also create a makeshift workspace,” says Wander. “If separate rooms are not an option, give everyone headphones with mics.” If space is at a premium, you can always use a dining room table or part of the kitchen counter — whatever works so that your child can study without interruption.
And just because your child isn't going to a traditional school doesn't mean that preparing for the new school year can't be fun. Put together a back-to-school kit with the school supplies they'll need for scholarly success — finding a system to keep yourself organized can be fun, too.
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Stick To A Schedule
Above all, try to stick to a schedule. Sure, homeschooling means that you can, in theory, start your school day when you want, but it's best for kids to have a routine. It might mean having lessons from early in the morning until lunchtime — and then everyone having the rest of the day off.
You might even want to look into homeschool groups in your area, especially if you're looking for some at-home classroom camaraderie or additional socialization for your child (and you, too).
Starting homeschooling when you've never done it before can feel like you're diving into the great unknown. But that's what's also exciting about it, as you and your child create academic adventures together, and possibly bond even more as well.