Answers To Some Common Questions About Homeschooling

Q: Why would one even consider homeschooling?

A: There are SO many answers to this question, there is no right answer. I can give you MY reason for doing it. Our choice was made because we could not stand to watch our second son become any more depressed over his lack of progress. It turned out that he had dyslexia, which is "a whole 'nother story!" Our decision was also because of an overall feeling that the public schools had stopped looking at the whole child. We felt arts and creativity were going by the wayside, and "teaching to a test" was becoming more and more common. Some children do not thrive in these circumstances. In fact, they downright wilt!

Q: So, now that I have decided to homeschool, what do I do?

A: The first thing to do is find out what your legal requirements are for your state. The requirements do vary from state to state! The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a great website to get information. They have a page with links to the various states' requirements.

Q: Okay, I'm registered! So now what?

A: I wish someone had helped me with this question! LOL! First, if you are pulling your children out of a public school setting, especially without a lot of prior planning, you may find yourself feeling lost. I expected homeschooling to be an option where I would pick from a small assortment of teaching methods and just get started. Wrong!! I found out quickly that there is a HUGE (and I mean HUGE) selection of curricula to choose from. As well, there are many styles (or methods) you can choose from. It did not take long until I was realizing that there was "Charlotte Mason," "unschooling," "classical," "relaxed homeschooling," and the list goes on. I felt so lost! I have recommended some books below that will help you to learn more about these various methods of teaching. We have also provided some links to help you on your way!

Q: What is the best piece of advice you can give me?

A: That's a good one! Only with hindsight can I say this. Be patient! Be patient with yourself and with your children. My second son would have been considered "slow" in school, I am sure. There have been some years that I have nearly worried myself to death over this. Testing each year has been stressful for me, but I did not transmit that stress to him! I wanted him to love learning. He has always been way behind in all areas of math and language arts, but all of a sudden, at the age of 13, he is blossoming into a great thinker! He is working on a website AND a book! He is very much intrigued by viking history. He is beginning to read well, and enjoys reading. It has been so worth it. I am glad I did not give up, but chose to abide by the confidence I had in my son, that one day he would not only "catch up," but excel!!

Legal Considerations

Homeschool Legal Defense Association
HSLDA's State-by-State Info