I am not going to attempt through this blog to tell you how to
homeschool, I am going to give you ideas to think about and you
determine the best method that fits your family’s life. So let’s start:

1. How do your kids learn? Do they need structure, routine and stable
methods to accomplish their tasks? Are they free thinkers that go with
the flow? What are their personality styles? Do they gain energy from a
group or do they prefer more alone time?

NOTE: Keep in mind that if you have more than one child that they will not all learn the same
way. So consider how you can manage more than one style of teaching.

2. Where are your comfort levels as a “Teacher”? What are your strengths
in teaching – math, science, social studies? What will be your source
for your areas of teaching outside your strengths?

3. How do your religious, spiritual or beliefs fit into your teaching?

4. What is your lifestyle at home? Will you have a small schoolroom in the
home? Will you just let the kids learn wherever they feel comfortable
and can learn best? How will school disrupt your lifestyle?

5. What is your budget like at home? Can your budget handle homeschooling? What kind of budget will I need for homeschooling?

NOTE: Homeschooling does not have to be expensive. In fact, there are many
opportunities in each town or city for free services such as classes,
events, activities and products. The expense comes in depending if you
use a curriculum and which one you use. Also, some families decide as
part of homeschooling to make travel a part of the learning process,
this is where more expense comes into play.

6. Will your spouse or significant other be involved with the teaching? How will they be involved? What will their role be?

Now how to come up with your right answers:
1. Relax – no matter the rumors you might have heard – your kids will
learn and grow with your help and you are smart enough to do this.

2. Research – here are 2 sites that list a series of blogs on homeschooling

http://www.collegedegree.com/library/financial-aid/top-50-homeschoo…

http://homeschooling.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/homeschool4you.htm

3. Find local groups in your area and try each one to see what fits. Here
you can see different styles and help with your decision.

4. Trial and Error – try different styles for 3, 6, or 12 months to see what
fits. Don’t worry it won’t screw up your kids for life and in fact, it
will give them a rounded view of learning.

5. Play with structure versus no structure and see who likes it and who resist either.

6. Take a break – if you are just leaving the “School” experience then you
may want to give your kids a break from any ridged methods for at least
a couple of months. Don’t worry they will catch up and in fact learn
faster once you find your homeschool niche.

7. Go within your heart to know what direction to take your children. Your heart does not lie and will give you great guidance.