1. Read as much as you can about homeschooling before you begin. Subscribe to a homeschool magazine. 2. As you read, keep a notebook of the ideas you like. Try to form your own homeschool philosophy. 3. Avoid imitating the public school system. 4 Relax and enjoy. Work on making happy memories together. 5. Keep it simple at first. Add more subjects as the year progresses. 6. Talk to a few “seasoned” homeschool families about what curriculum they use before ordering. Resist the urge to over-buy. So much learning takes place just through reading good books together. 7. When your children are little simply focus on reading & writing. Your children can learn science and history through read-alouds. 8. When teaching reading don’t be afraid to combine curriculum ideas. Read picture books together every day. 9. Find out when you legally have to begin formal schooling according to your state. Rather than formal schooling create a lifestyle of learning. 10. Don’t compare your program with any other. 11. Try journaling instead of a typical lesson plan book. 12. Most importantly, remember that on some days learning will be all about character development. It is very difficult to homeschool a child who will not obey or listen. 13. Find a homeschool mentor who you can talk to on a regular basis. 14. Find one or two like-minded families to meet with on a regular basis. 15. Pray and read the Scriptures. Look up all the Bible verses regarding teaching and training your children. 16. Don’t forget to join HSLDA. For a fee ($100) per year, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have access to legal advice. 17. Have Fun everyday! 🙂
