Homeschooling - Is It for You?

It's about that time again to start thinking about school. The summer break is about halfway through and thousands of parents are starting to think of sending their preschoolers, and older children, off to an environment which they aren't sure they're ready for. With the economy in a major slump and prices continually going up, you may also be wondering where is all this money going to come from for supplies. There are so many decisions to make, and they are neither good or bad, just your preference.

You have the option of sending your child to public school, private school or keeping them home for schooling. If you decide on either of the first two, you'll receive quite a bit of information before school starts from your district. If you are thinking about homeschooling for your little (or big) ones, you have to start now.

The first things for consideration are the rules and regulations of your state, city, and county. Call your local Board of Education to find out what their requirements are for homeschooling your children. I'm sure the laws have changed since my children were homeschooled. Some districts have quite a bit more oversight over what, and how, you can teach your child at home. In some states, parents may need to have a Bachelor's degree, while others states only require a high school diploma for you, the teacher. Find friends or neighbors that are homeschooling and network your ideas and resources. There are many homeschool conferences and associations that will guide the novice through every avenue of teaching your child at home.

There can be a major expense with homeschooling if you live in a stricter district. New books can be expensive for anyone, whether for you or the school district. Some areas will let you use library books and/or books you already have. Check out your local home school book sales where you can pick up text books for a fraction of the price. Some districts may loan you the books for school, if you are a tax payer in their district. These districts may be few and far between, but always check. It never hurts to ask, and it may save you some money.

For those subjects you don't feel qualified to teach your child, find others with the necessary skills.. There are home school books publishing companies that have options for video learning with a qualified teacher. Music could be taught by a piano teacher. There are also home school associations that you and your children can participate in field trips and science explorations. Even some local community colleges will let high schoolers participate in college programs. Other districts will let your homeschooler's participate in athletic programs. My daughter was able to try out for, and play on her JV softball team, and both of our children took art classes at the community rec center. You really do have a lot to choose from.

If your choice is homeschool, you will need to get your lesson plans set up, books lists turned in, and get yourself organized. You can find all of your planning materials at a local school supply store. They have an abundance of lesson planners, maps, workbooks, flash cards, history time line charts, bells, rulers, paper, educational posters and everything in between. All of your lesson plans, book lists, and time lines will need to be submitted to your Board of Education. You have an allotted amount of time daily that you must spend on school work. At the end of the year there are assessment tests that need to be taken to make sure that your child is meeting up to the tasks.

Homeschooling is not for everyone. You know your child better than anyone, and your child knows you too, and how to push your buttons. You must be devoted to his education, despite the irritations that may arise.

Would I have traded homeschooling? First, my children were not homeschooled from start to finish, but I would not have traded the time they were for anything. There are so many precious moments you get to spend with your child finding out what his/her hopes and dreams are. It was worth every minute to me.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Regardless of what you choose, as a parent, it is your job to see that your child is educated.