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Ten Tips for Starting Home-Schooling
We know that starting to home school can seem like a daunting task. Choosing curriculum alone can seem like an insurmountable task. Here are some time tested tips to help you as you start one of the biggest adventures of your family's life.
1. Attend a Conference - This will give you a chance to see curriculum, hear speakers and gather information. This is not necessarily the time to purchase books if you are just beginning to explore your educational alternatives.
2. Read a Good Home Schooling Book - There are a number of great books for those just starting out. Often they can help with choosing curriculum, scheduling, and putting to rest fears of inadequacy.
3. Research Curriculum - There is a huge selection of curriculum available. While it may seem overwhelming, it also means that you have a good chance of finding what will suit your family. Take time to become aware of your options.
4. Consider Your Child's Learning Style When Choosing Curriculum - Think about how your child learns best. Do they do best when they are told something (auditory learner), when they see something (visual learner), or do something (kinesthetic learner). Try to find programs that will work with their learning styles.
5. Don't Rush in Making Decisions - Home schoolers hate to pay shipping on books. Too often we have seen families rush to make a curriculum choice so they will save shipping. A little shipping is worth it if you get the right materials.
6. Plan Ahead - We know that sometimes for very good reasons you may need to homeschool in a very short order. However, barring some extenuating circumstances we suggest that you look ahead and give yourself time to find appropriate materials and get organized.
7. Don't Worry About Socialization - Very few parents worry about socialization but extended family will often raise this concern. The research is in, home schooled children tend to be well adjusted very sociable children. In fact many times they have superior relational skills as they are used to being with a cross-section of ages.
8. Join Home School Legal Defense Canada - This is a wonderful organization that does so much on behalf of home educators across our country. To find out more about them and how they can help you call (519) 913 - 0318. Brochures are also available from us, just call and we will gladly put one in the mail.
9. Call The Learning House for Assistance - We are here to serve you. We feel very strongly that the Lord has called us to assist you in this journey. We are happy to answer questions, give direction and to just listen if you need a sounding board.
10. PRAY- For many of you home schooling will be a calling. You are doing this because you feel a strong direction from the Lord. We can honestly say that all our prayers regarding home schooling have been answered, not necessarily the way we would have thought, but they have all been answered. We have a great God and He is faithful. Let Him direct your paths on this journey.
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