Okay, you have made the decision to homeschool your child. You are scared to death and wondering if you have made the right decision. What if you don't do something right? What if you don't do enough? Where do you get the curriculum? What IF you are not smart enough to teach them everything they need to know? So many "what ifs"!!!
Let me stop you right there...
Let me assure you that homeschooling is not NEARLY as hard or as scary as what you are thinking it is going to be!!!
So... You have made the great leap of faith and decided to educate your child(ren) at home? But what now? Where do you start?
Okay, first things first.... Make sure you read, familiarize yourself, and understand Alabama State Law regarding homeschooling. Okay, you understand the law.... Now what?
Find or form a support group. This is very important!!! I cannot stress it enough. You will find so much support, information, and friendship in the right support group.
Find or form a play group. Again, this is super important! Don't keep your kids in because they haven't finished a lesson or you are behind... This part of homeschooling is just as important as the academics... IF NOT MORE SO!!!
Research different Homeschooling Methods. Pick and choose what is right for your family. Don't listen to negative talk. Do what you think is the best fit. Be flexible. Be flexible. BE FLEXIBLE!!!
Try to avoid grade-level thinking. Kids learn different things at different times. Your child might be a brilliant scientist and really stink at spelling. Does that mean they are not at grade level? No! It means they are really good at science and not so good at spelling. It will come when the time is right.
Play and learn with your children. Talk to your children about what and how they would like to learn. Their idea of how and what they would like to learn might not be the same as your's. Listen to them and then make a decision.
Read! Read! Read!
Visit your local library. Make this a treat! Have fun, play in the rain, go camping, laugh, sing, dance, and learn!!!
