Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling: Here’s a great introduction to homeschooling. It’s a great way to give your child an education and spend more time with them. It can be a good choice for families who want to spend more time together, especially with their kids, and who also want to do something different and worthwhile with their lives. In other words, you need to make good use of your time.
Homeschooling has many benefits for kids, but the most important one for parents is that it lets kids learn at their own pace without you (or anyone else) telling them what they should be learning or doing. They don’t need to be reminded or watched over all the time. In fact, it might not even be helpful for them.
Also, Read Kindergarten Homeschooling
In the last few years, homeschooling has become more popular, and now there are more homeschooled children in the US than there are in public schools. But what is homeschooling, exactly? How does it work? What are the good and bad things about it? This Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling tells you everything you need to know.
Why Do Homeschooling?
Average American youngster spends 3 hours a day in school, mostly in classrooms. Homeschooling educates children outside of established programs. Homeschooling methods vary. Some operate better than others and are great for certain kids. Traditional, online, all-day, half-day, small-group, and individual approaches are used.
Homeschooling is not a new notion; it’s been around for decades, but it’s gained popularity in the last decade as parents found regular schooling unhelpful and their children needed more independence. Many parents felt traditional schools rarely addressed the skills their children required to succeed in life, and they saw homeschooling as a way to attain this aim through play and exploration.
Also, read Learning Modalities for new normal
A parent guides his or her child through the curriculum using educational materials created by the parent (i.e., private company or household). Children learn best when left alone with their own interests and ideas, but there are numerous benefits to being directed by parents who know what their child needs to know and how to help them learn it. Whether learning individually or collectively, homeschoolers can benefit from an expert’s perspective. These include:
- A greater understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses
- A more capable ability to assess problems before trying to solve them
- A more flexible approach to solving problems because they don’t need someone else’s solution
Also, Read Homemaking Homeschooling Guide
Table of Contents: Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling:
Here is a Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling article complete overview. Let’s start
- Introduction to Homeschooling
- History of Homeschooling
- Current Homeschooling Demographics
- Homeschooling Laws
- Homeschool Styles
| Traditional | Classical |
| Charlotte Mason | Unit Studies |
| Unschooling | Relaxed Homeschooling |
| Online or Cyber Schools | Eclectic |
- Homeschooling Tips for Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling (Planning, Scheduling, Organizing)
Introduction To Homeschooling:
Homeschooling is defined as the act of parents or guardians educating their children at home, rather than sending them to public school or private school.
If you’re considering homeschooling (or if you’ve already started), consider these advantages over formal schooling. Your child can homeschool anywhere, even while working full-time. That implies you can do what you want, not what school demands.
Most start with a local teacher. Not necessarily. They may not be able to help your child with learning requirements or issues and may not have classroom experience. You want someone who knows your home and can lead, assist and motivate your child academically.
Homeschooling allows children to study while they work outside the home. Homeschooling gives kids who don’t get enough attention at school an easy excuse to leave early or remain late, which helps them focus in school. They can go do something else (even study) without feeling guilty since they’ll be back at school later. Schools can’t easily track how your child spends their time or what subjects they’re working on in class, therefore there are privacy and confidentiality benefits.
Homeschooling allows parents to learn about education from a different perspective than other parents, which helps them understand their children’s needs and interests and navigate future education decisions.
History of Homeschooling:
Long before there were mandatory schools, kids would learn from their families who provided educational opportunities. From making clothing to building homes and raising animals, these skills were all encompassed in this form of practical education. Learning to read and write was also a given for children growing up before the invention of the printing press – but literacy was only really relevant for priests or people in power during this time period.
Early Americans valued literacy more than Europeans. In 1852, the U.S. mandated school attendance and outlawed homeschooling; making the majority of people reliant on public and private institutions. The modern-day homeschooling movement started in the 1970s when educators questioned schools’ effectiveness and strategies for learning; claiming they were too rigid and restrictive.
John Holt Arguments About Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling:
John Holt argued that schools focused too much on an oppressively negative environment to be effective – advocating for parents to remove their children from these environments by teaching them at home instead. Ray Moore felt this strategy would give students strong mindsets, psyches, and educations necessary for success in life – letting them grow according to what suits them best rather than being forced down one specific path dictated by a system designed just for some but not all learners.
Parents lobbied for all states to authorize homeschooling, but some imposed tight restrictions that made it difficult or impossible such as requiring parents to have teaching licenses. Early homeschoolers worked with the school boards, public leaders, and legal counsel to effectuate change – specifically modifying the perceptions of this alternative education system.
Regulations for homeschooling vary depending on where you live. This will be discussed later in this e-book but by 1989, many states had accepted homeschooling after religious and secular groups formed to fight against it. The Home School Legal Defense Association is still around today. Homeschooling is gaining popularity thanks to the families that came before us.
Current Homeschooling Demographics:
Many parents who are considering homeschooling often wonder how other families make it work. It’s important for these parents to be confident and have moral support in what they’re doing so that they can have a rewarding, fulfilling experience. The good news is that there has been an increase in the number of homeschooling families across North America in the last two decades- the percentage continues to climb each year.
- Homeschooling rates are increasing at an annual growth rate of 2-8% (2018-20).
- By the year 2021, 11.1% of American Students were Homeschooled (Survey).
- About 3.7 million kids in the United States go to school at home (2020-2021).
- About 3.4 million adults in the U.S. went to school at home at some point in their lives.
- One can learn at home for an average of six to eight years.
- In 2020, 91% of homeschooling parents were worried about the environments at other schools.
- On average, homeschooled students scored 15-30% higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
- According to my research, only 83% of families who start homeschooling keep it up after their first year. Yet, an overwhelming 89% of those families continue on with home education for a third and even fourth year – without fail.
- Homeschooled children’s academic achievement doesn’t depend on whether or not their parents are teachers.
Reasons More and More Parents are Choosing to Homeschool:
More and more parents are choosing to teach their kids at home instead of sending them to school. In the US alone, more than 2 million students take part in some kind of homeschool program, and the number of students in homeschool programs grows every year. There are many reasons for this change, but here are the five most common ones that parents give when asked why they chose to teach their kids at home.
- Most parents homeschool because they want their children to have a better education
- Many families homeschool as a lifestyle choice
- Others choose it because of personal reasons
- Some families homeschool to follow their faith
- Some parents homeschool because their children were struggling in school
- Being able to give each child a learning experience that is unique to them
- Doing better in the classroom than in traditional schools
- Trying out different ways to learn
- Improving the connections between parents and children
- Getting people to have good social interactions with each other
- Giving their children a safer place to live
- Teaching their children a certain set of values
Homeschooling Laws:
Many people don’t contemplate homeschooling because of the laws. There are several resources that clarify homeschooling legislation and assist you to understand what is necessary and (just as essential) what isn’t. While homeschooling rules differ by state, we’ve assembled some facts to assist you to decide. The HSLDA does a great job of compiling state homeschooling laws. Choose your state to learn how to homeschool legally there. Many of these rules are manageable and will help you prepare for homeschooling.
Even though each state has its own laws about homeschooling, there are five main reasons why parents choose to teach their children at home. These are:
1) wanting to give their children a religious or moral education;
2) not being happy with the academic instruction at public schools;
3) wanting to give their children a safe place to learn;
4) having a child with special needs; and
5) wanting to be more involved in their child’s education.
Styles/Methods Of Homeschooling:
Many people don’t know that they are teaching their children at home. Homeschooling is a great way to raise a child, but it comes with its own problems. Here, I’ll talk about some ways to teach your child at home and give you some tips on how to choose the best one.
In most countries, homeschooling has become an alternative way to get an education in recent years. In fact, a high school or college diploma is now possible for a young person from any country. Still, the idea of homeschooling hasn’t caught on everywhere, and many parents are still uneasy about it. Even though there are many different ways to homeschool, these are the most common Curriculum Methods: Read more about How to get Homeschooling Curriculum
- Traditional
- Classical
- Charlotte Mason
- Unit Studies
- Unschooling
- Relaxed Homeschooling
- Online or Cyber Schools
- Eclectic
Traditional Homeschooling Method:
The traditional way of homeschooling can be like being in a typical classroom. There is a lot of reliance on textbooks and organization by subject and grade level. It’s often called “school at home,” and it’s great for parents who are homeschooling their kids temporarily but plan to put them back in a regular school in a year or two.
In traditional homeschooling, the parent or guardian takes on the role of the main teacher. The parent usually uses a more formal curriculum, such as a religious or secular one, and follows a set schedule of lessons. Parents might choose this way of homeschooling for a number of reasons, such as:
1) They want to be more involved in their child’s schooling.
2) They want their child to get a moral or religious education.
3) They want their child to learn at his or her own pace.
4) They want their child to have more individualized attention
5) They don’t want the bad social things that come with traditional schools.
Classical Homeschooling Method:
As you might guess, the classical way of homeschooling puts a lot of emphasis on literature, history, grammar, and logic. In the early grades, students learn to remember basic facts. In the middle grades, they learn to use logic and reason, and in the upper grades, they learn to say what they think in a clear and confident way.
The Classical Method of homeschooling is becoming more popular in the U.S. for many reasons. First, this way of homeschooling puts a lot of emphasis on going back to the traditional liberal arts education. This means that students focus on learning a core set of subjects, such as math, science, literature, and history. Second, the Classical Method encourages students to think critically and analytically.
Public schools often don’t teach this skill set because they focus on teaching standardized tests instead. Third, parents who choose to homeschool their children using the Classical Method can make sure that their child’s education fits his or their own needs and interests. Fourth, this way of homeschooling gives parents a chance to be more involved in their child’s education. Fifth, the Classical Method can give advanced students a more difficult course of study.
Charlotte Mason Method Of Homeschooling:
Charlotte Mason, a 19th-century British educator, favored “living books” above textbooks. “Living books” are fiction or nonfiction created by authors who love the subject. Textbooks are typically written by committees. Instead of answering questions, youngsters are taught to recount what they’ve learned. Many companies adopt the Charlotte Mason method, which emphasizes history, literature, nature, and the arts.
Living literature, nature study, limited worksheets, narration, copy work, and dictation are emphasized in the Charlotte Mason method. It’s a calm, classical method that fits any learning type. Five reasons why more parents choose Charlotte Mason homeschooling:
- Grades. Charlotte Mason produces academically proficient students.
- Curiosity. Living texts and real-life experiences promote a love of learning among Charlotte Mason students.
- Various topics. Charlotte Mason covers arts, sciences, history, geography, and literature.
Unit Studies Method:
Unit studies combine subjects with a common theme, unlike traditional techniques. History, literature, art, and music can share a theme. Unit studies involve hands-on activities that may teach children of different ages at once, and the greatest unit studies let children see real-life links across subjects.
Homeschooling lets you cater to your child’s needs and interests. Homeschooling lets you determine your child’s learning methods. Unit studies help youngsters learn via hands-on activities and real-world experiences. Here are five reasons why more parents choose unit studies for homeschooling.
- Unit studies let kids learn about interesting topics. You can create your child’s curriculum around dinosaurs if they’re interested.
- This homeschooling strategy helps kids retain more information.
Unschooling Method Of Homeschooling:
Unschoolers believe children will learn what’s essential to them. In this strategy, parents surround their children with learning materials and help them learn at their pace. John Holt, who we introduced at the beginning of this eBook, helped launch the unschooling movement because he believed conventional schooling stifles children’s intrinsic desire to learn.
Unschooling encourages children to learn through play, conversation, chores, interests, and reading. Unschooling families employ no curriculum. They let their kids follow their interests and study path. Unschoolers feel it’s a more natural method for kids to learn. Others say it gives students more education control and lets them learn at their own speed. Unschooling helps some families bond with their kids. Many parents unschool because they want their children to explore and learn about what interests them.
Relaxed Homeschooling:
This strategy is for homeschoolers who aren’t comfortable with unschooling. This kind of homeschooling involves more parental engagement than unschooling but values atypical learning. Relaxed homeschooling emphasizes student interests and instructive moments. Many parents homeschool because they prefer a more casual approach. They don’t want homework and tests to overwhelm their kids. Instead, they want children to learn at their own pace. This form of homeschooling allows students to learn how they learn best.
Online or Cyber Schools:
Online homeschooling is a recent trend. Families are taking advantage of the growing online schooling possibilities in recent years. Students might use online schools for a single subject or their full program. Some online courses are sponsored by private schools or curriculum publishers, while others are publicly-funded charter schools that use state-approved curricula.
Online homeschooling has gained popularity. Some parents choose online homeschooling for the same reasons they chose traditional homeschooling: to be more active in their child’s education, to give a religious or moral education, or to help a special-needs child. Online homeschooling is more flexible, enabling parents to travel, and is more economical than traditional schooling.
Eclectic Homeschooling:
In reality, most parents who teach their children at home use more than one method. They might use different methods for different subjects, different kids, or different parts of the learning process. When making their materials, many curriculum providers take ideas from different homeschooling styles.
How Do You Create Homeschooling Curriculum?
Home School Curricula are instructional guidelines and workbooks used to organize your child’s learning progress. Basic subjects such as reading, science, math, social studies, and geography must be covered. However, this guide does not account for every facet of Homeschooling. To determine which type of school system would be most appropriate for your family (Public or Private), consider how many children you have and how much money you’re willing to spend on supplies.
Homeschooling plans can also be structured by breaking down each section according to its needs. Parents spending time helping their children buy materials gives them an appreciation for the process early on in life which may then encourage a sense of obligation later in life. The First Part of this Handbook Explores Typical Gradeschool Themes And May Help You Choose Which Ones Would Be Best For Your Child.
There are a lot of reasons children adore reading, writing, and computing – because these things let them learn in an enjoyable way. This resource offers insightful lists detailing the types of books often found in American classrooms: chapter books and nonfiction texts, for example. Such lists help parents figure out which novels to pick for their children.
In order to select an appropriate novel, though, we also need to consider whether or not it matches our own education needs. With that goal set down ahead of time, homeschooling will become both easier and more effective- without us having wasted any time deciding on a path before starting up again later down the line when obstacles arise in our homeschooling process. Here is where the article leaves off – with basic ideas related to making computer lessons come alive!
Homeschooling Tips:
- Planning
- Scheduling
- Organizing
Read more about Tips for busy folks who want to Homeschool
Planning – Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling:
When planning, keep your objectives and goals in mind. You should start with the mission statement before establishing goals. A mission statement describes your homeschool’s vision. It’s wide, long-term, and everyone’s responsibility. Mission statements involve key values. Goals are clear, quantifiable, and have finite objectives to achieve the mission. A goal describes short-term actions. Show God’s love to everybody we meet and pursue excellence in education. Similar goal: “Read weekly to nursing home residents.”
Goals concentrate your focus and keep you on track throughout homeschooling. Why homeschool? How will this fit? Why homeschool? These questions will help you define priorities for the future. Once you have a mission statement and goals, choose a homeschooling style to assist your family to grow. Homeschooling techniques help determine subjects and materials. Sometimes homeschooling rules demand this preparation, but there’s often the opportunity for freedom.
You have many material alternatives. You can choose a prefabricated curriculum from one publisher, a curriculum from several publishers, a cyber school curriculum, or free internet and library resources. Your children can also participate in coops, online classes, or college dual-enrollment.
Homeschooling helps parents maintain some spontaneity when life gets overwhelming. Home schooling can allow for last-minute field trips or adjusting plans due to illness. Homeschooling allows one to live without rigid schedules and spend time with friends.
Scheduling – Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling:
In Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling important point is scheduling. As you examine how homeschooling would work in your home, consider your family’s daily, weekly, and yearly schedules. Homeschooling allows for creativity and freedom, but a set routine is still vital. Start with these three questions:
- How old are my kids?
- What are my yearly goals?
- And What are our extracurriculars?
After writing your list, leave it away for a day. Select three academic goals and one extracurricular activity from your selection. One? You don’t want to overload yourself when you start homeschooling. Driving kids to and from activities can take more time than you think. You can add extra activities later if you still feel they are possible and valuable. Homeschooling focuses on academics and well-being. After prioritizing, get a calendar.
• When will you finish school?
• Remaining Lessons?
Once you answer these questions, you may plan your year’s start and end dates. Things may disrupt your schedule, but try to keep to it so you don’t get behind and stressed.
Consider the weekly schedule carefully.
- Will you school five days a week?
- And How will you adjust curricula for a shortened school week?
- How long will you study each day?
Talking about Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling, These weekly schedules give the whole family routine and organization, which is helpful for homeschooling. You need a routine so you won’t panic when spring arrives. Your children need you more than activities, events, or academics. Homeschooling’s greatest gift is time spent with family.
Organizing – Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling:
Homeschooling parents tend to follow different styles and methods. Some homeschoolers favor organization, while others prefer a flexible schedule. Regardless of which style you choose, it pays to look into some basic strategies for time management. A daily routine is often useful; imagine an entire week! What would happen if…
Homeschooling falls under everything from meal times to household chores; this list will help make it easy to plan out a weekly schedule and make sure everyone has enough chores done around the house. Make sure to include every last detail so you can visualize what goes on during a typical day- then see where there might be room for improvement! There are plenty of digital or physical planning resources available that make managing your home life simple- one such tool might involve setting up specific zones for school supplies and activities.
One opinion on Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling is that Homeschooling parents are diverse. Some homeschoolers love being organized, while others like the flexibility. Regardless of your homeschooling style, you should at least explore some fundamental organization tips. A daily structure is helpful. Imagine a week… Do what? Homeschooling joins meals, bedtimes, and housework. This list will help you create a weekly structure and routine for your family. Write down every detail so you can see the big picture.
Having a place for school stuff is another organizational approach. A dedicated school zone makes it easier to find books and materials. Schedule daily and weekly housekeeping. Divvying up chores might aid the family. One man and one little chore per day is an excellent way to divide up responsibilities. A consistent meal pattern will make your days go smoothly. Make your habits and structure work for your family. As long as you’re working towards goals, the order of your daily or weekly tasks is adjustable.