First, as in all things: PRAY! Ask God for wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5). We don't need to fear making wrong choices. Instead, we can count on God to give us His wisdom!
Be sure you are doing everything legally. Before taking your child out of public school, find out what the laws are in your state. If you need to mail a notice of registration, send it return-receipt requested, so you will have proof of when it was mailed and that it reached it's destination. Keep copies of everything. See the Home School Legal Defense Association website for an overview of the laws pertaining to your state. HSLDA Phone 1-540-338-5600. If you possibly can, get a membership with HSLDA. They have a convenient payment plan, and also have scholarships available for those who cannot afford membership dues.
Start a portfolio. A portfolio is simply a record of your child's work. It can include everything the child does that is educational on a daily basis, samples of the child's work as she progresses, list of materials the parent uses for teaching and reference, lists of the child's reading material, both required and leisure, photographs of projects and field trips, awards and certificates the child earns, etc.
Portfolios are required in some states, and have specific things that must be included to be legal. Again, be sure to check for legalities and follow the law to the letter. Even if your state doesn't require it, a portfolio will give you confidence to look back and see the progress your child is making.
Get together with other homeschoolers. If God so leads, a local support group can help you to find friends, find out what laws apply to you, and what opportunities are in your neighborhood. If there are no support groups in your area, consider starting one of your own, or join one of the many online support groups.
Get on mailing lists. Personally, I sign up for everything I can. Get every free catalog that is offered, at least when you are first starting. See what's out there before buying anything! What works wonders for one family may not work for you. See our RETAIL page for companies that will send you free catalogs or more information about their products. Once you know what is available, you may be able to find what you want through a USED book supplier, at a used book sale or even the local public library. We use a lot of material that we get at thrift stores and library book sales!
Work on a schedule. Even a loose schedule can help keep you on track. Schedules are a tool to help you. Don't feel false guilt for not "obeying" the schedule. Do what works, toss what doesn't. See our Scheduling Pages.
Remember that life cannot be totally scheduled. You can't schedule when your son will fall out of a tree and break his arm, when a pickle jar will break on the kitchen floor, or when you will come down with the flu. Keep it relaxed, but keep moving forward toward your goals.
Figure out your child's learning style
Does your child work better on a strict or loose schedule? Does she work better in the afternoon, or the morning? Does he work better at a desk, sprawled out on the floor, or moving with the lesson? Working with your child's natural learning style will benefit you both.
15%-30% of people use all learning styles equally, or nearly equally; but most are stronger in one particular area.
If your child describes things he sees or imagines, uses words like see and look often, and takes care to dress in a way that pleases him, he could be a VISUAL LEARNER.
If your child loves to talk, has trouble waiting her turn to speak, and remembers names, but not faces, easily, she may be an AUDITORY LEARNER.
If your child gestures with his hands while talking, has trouble responding to oral instructions, and tries to touch everything, he could be a TACTILE/KENETIC LEARNER.
Relax! It's fun!
written by Lisa Whelchel (from the '80s sitcom Facts of Life)
