First, verify the laws of your state concerning homeschool. Many states are not regulated, especially if you claim to be homeschooling for religious reasons. Other states have strict laws that you need to adhere to or risk legal repercussions.

It is a good idea to join a homeschool group that has information about the laws of your state and gives you access to resources for your child. Homeschool Legal Defense also offers free legal counsel and assistance to its members who are harassed about their right to homeschool. We chose to notify the school district that our children would not be returning and that they would be homeschooled.

Establish the grade level of each child you intend to homeschool before purchasing curriculum. You can purchase relatively inexpensive software to determine grade level at your local “club type” stores, or stores that specialize in selling software, or from one of the many homeschool curriculum catalogs. Alpha Omega even has a free download to determine math and language grade level so other homeschool provider websites may as well.

Homeschool curriculum catalogs are usually free, so request catalogs. This will give you a good idea of the types of curriculums available. Ask other people who are experienced homeschoolers what has worked, what hasn’t worked, and why.

When we first decided to homeschool 10 years ago, we chose to begin with the unit study method. Our first year homeschooling, I began with seven students, the two oldest were high school freshmen, and the youngest was in kindergarten. I didn’t see how I could possibly work independently with seven students, who each had six subjects in six different workbooks, in one day. My blog-mate, Julie, did a great post on the unit study method if you would like to learn more about it.

About five years into homeschooling, we switched to the workbook method. It was indeed challenging because everyone needed help at once. Had I chose that my first year, I probably would have sent them all back to public school in tears. We also missed that close time, wrapped in blankets on the couch every morning, when we took turns reading our daily studies.

Two years ago, we kept the same curriculum provider, but changed to receiving it on CDs instead of in workbooks for the older children. That really freed up my time to work with the younger children and Lyn, who need more one on one help. The CD’s give the assignments, grade the assignments, and make the report cards. I just had to set up our school year’s beginning and end, with our planned vacation dates, and it divided the work so it would be completed by the end date I chose.

You still have the right to participate in public school services if you homeschool. My children take annual MEAP, (like an SAT) test at the public school. I just call several months in advance and let them know my homeschooled children will be participating so they can have enough test on hand. Three of my children, so far, received the $2500 Michigan scholarship for passing the MEAP, even though they are homeschooled.

Lyn participated in Speech and language services even though she was homeschooled. Your children may also be eligible to take certain classes at the school like band even though they are homeschooled. Don’t be afraid to ask your school, which services your child can have.


Homeschooling LD Kids Over Summer Break
Socialization Better Taught at Home or School?
Deciding to Homeschool
ADHD Meet Genius
Christian Adoption Blogs on Homeschooling

Links to some homeschool sites.
Home school Links: AOP, Bob Jones, American School, HSLDA Membership Department Photo Credit