by Lynette Crawford

Created on: February 20, 2009

Being the best homeschool teacher that you can be is a goal bound up in your unconditional love for your child(ren). It is not nearly as difficult as it may seem at first glance. To be the best at anything requires several things and homeschooling is no different. To be the best requires the desire and passion to succeed, as well as the love and devotion to what you are doing. It also requires commitment, hard work and determination. All of these and more are essential in being the finest homeschool teacher that you can be. Now, let's look at some specifics.

First of all, as a parent, when your child joined your family, you became a 'homeschool' teacher. After all, by definition, homeschooling is the practice of teaching one's own children at home. You are your child (ren)'s first and best teacher. You know your child's heart, you know their learning style (you may not be able to verbalize it, but you know it), and no one has your child (ren)'s best interest at heart more than you. So you can see you are already well on your way to being the best homeschool teacher you can be! Now that you have decided to officially homeschool, be the most outstanding teacher that is humanly possible.

Most importantly, you need to research the official requirements for homeschooling in your state. Start your search at the Home School Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org). They have compiled the state by state as well as country by country requirements. Once you have gathered your information, take the steps necessary in order to meet the legal requirements for your locale.

Next, attend a homeschool seminar (particularly if you are beginning and especially if you are a veteran who is looking to improve). These seminars provide many great ideas for homeschooling styles, curriculum ideas, determining your child's learning style and even how to teach a particularly difficult subject better. Additionally, they provide a tremendous amount of encouragement and support from those who are succeeding in the trenches of homeschooling.

Read a book. Pick up a copy of a curriculum guide book. Highly recommended are The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise; 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy or Complete Guide to Getting Started Homeschooling by Mary Pride. Scan through one of these great books and, along with your states guidelines for education requirements, make a simple listing of subjects' you want to cover. Now, that you have a simple curriculum

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