2 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Homeschooling Do's and Don'ts

I wish I had been given a list of Do's and Don'ts when I began homeschooling a decade ago. It would have saved me many hours of research and many mistakes along the way. This is what I wish that list had contained:

DO
1. Decide why you are homeschooling. Are you doing this because you really want the best for your children? Or maybe because you have a child in trouble educationally in the public system? If it's the later, be sure you're not just mad at a particular teacher or public school official. It's not a good idea to begin homeschooling under that kind of duress.

2. Once you decide why you are choosing homeschooling write those thoughts out into a Homeschool Constitution. When times get tough, and they will, you can look back and remind yourself of your purpose.
3. Become familiar with the homeschool laws of your state. Do everything you possibly can to abide by these laws. If you anticipate any problems with your local school board it would be a good idea to join the Home School Legal Defense Association, HSLDA.org. They can help mediate questions and concerns with local school officials.
4. Request and study homeschool catalogs. Homeschooling booksellers are in abundant supply and they love to send out their catalogs. To find lists of booksellers you can look on-line or go to the library and check out Mary Pride's "Big Book of Homeschooling". Another good resource is the "Christian Home Educator's Curriculum Manual" by Kathy Duffy.
5. Read books on homeschooling methodology. There are so many ways to homeschool. You have to find what works for you and your children. Do you want a more traditional education with textbooks and schedules? Or are you looking for a more relaxed method where your children learn by exploring on their own?

DON'T
1. While it's important you have a good home library, don't spend large sums of money to create it. Look for used curriculum sales through your state Home Education Association. Also ebay is a great place to find used books. I've been able to find whole sets of encyclopedias at yard sales for just a few dollars. It doesn't matter what year they are. You can always look up the information they don't have on-line or at the library.
2. Don't let the negative attitudes of family, friends, or strangers discourage you. If you and your spouse are sure in what you are undertaking that's all that matters.
3. Don't begin homeschooling without the full support of your spouse. One of you will have to remain at home while the other becomes the sole financial supporter for the family. There are huge sacrifices that will need to be made and you will both need to be on the same page for it to work.
4. Housework will always be with us, unfortunately. Don't worry about it! Spend time with your children helping them learn and expanding their knowledge. I have a house-cleaning day every week. On that day everybody helps clean. This way all the work is done quickly and we can move on to more exciting projects.
5. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy your children. The stress of knowing you are responsible for the education of your children can take your mind off having fun.

Learn more about this author, Deborah Moomaw.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Homeschooling dos and don'ts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!