When we talk about being prepared for homeschooling we mean understanding the basic principles and the general framework that a parent will build upon. You cannot read or write, nor can any other learning be undertaken without first learning the basics, or the alphabet of the language being spoken. It is the same with homeschooling. Here we will try to cover a few of the main concepts needed in order to start a homeschool that will be overflowing with rich benefits for all involved.

We have chosen three important areas of preparing to homeschool: what we want to accomplish most by homeschooling, how we can best prepare as teachers, and how to conduct your homeschool.

What Do I Most Want To Accomplish?

This is the first and most basic issue that you will need to establish before you begin to homeschool. If you are unclear in your mind as to exactly why you are preparing to remove your child (or not enroll them) in public school, then you will struggle to give a competent answer to the local school board, to select the most beneficial curriculum, to stay focused and motivated, etc.

Your answer to what you want most to accomplish could be any one of many reasons people have, such as teaching curriculum that is more acceptable to your values; being able to instill your religious beliefs as your children learn; saving your child from the trauma of separation from the family until they are ready; keeping them from negative peer influence till they are old enough to stand strong; avoiding the unsafe conditions that have developed in many public schools, and many others.

You will probably have no difficulty zeroing in on the highest priority for your family, and may even have several reasons of equal importance. It will be helpful for you to write down your intentions and desires regarding what you want to accomplish most, and then spend the time needed to thoughtfully consider what you can do to implement these.

For example, if one of your main desires is to incorporate Christian values into your daily lesson plans you can accomplish that in one of several different ways. The easiest would be to purchase one of the many available curriculums already designed for Christian families and complete with everything you will need to teach your child. That includes workbooks, teachers manual, and activity planners and in some cases even materials for projects.

Another option would be to formulate your own lesson plans so that the subjects include elements of your beliefs. You can start from scratch and use Bible stories or christian literature to teach English, reading, spelling and so forth. You can create math problems and choose history lessons which have a focus on character and moral value. Or you can choose an inexpensive and basic curriculum and combine that with your own ideas to build a faith based plan for the school year.

How Can I Best Prepare To Teach My Child?

In being prepared for homeschooling it is vital to understand that the parent/teacher does not have to know or understand everything ahead of time. It is acceptable to learn even as your child learns, and especially as they enter the high school years. A parent does need a good grasp on the fundamentals in subjects such as reading, writing and math. However, the highest need in preparing to teach is being determined to be a good student yourself; a learner constantly open to gaining knowledge and understanding and growth in every area of your own life.

It is also important to do your research on what is available and what will be most effective and fitting for your children's particular needs and your family as a whole. A willingness to invest whatever time and energy necessary for everyone's good is paramount.

Most states do not require parents to be certified teachers in order to homeschool their child. Many parents have what it takes to guide their child through the schooling process but do not have degrees in education. Parenting is a God given responsibility, which parents can grow and improve in, but which does not require certification. So do not be intimidated by your own lack of credentials if that is the case. Humility on your part and teamwork between you and your children, is most important in making schooling easier, more enjoyable and successful.

Note: There are those who will say that an air of authority should be maintained by the parent, however it has been observed repeatedly that it is better to achieve an air or environment of cooperation and an "understanding" of authority. This prevents undue stress and deepens relational bonds.

How Will I Conduct My Homeschool?

This question brings home the wonderful awareness that every aspect and direction you take in setting up your homeschool, is purely your choice. Nothing must be done as it has been done before. Once you have determined what is available to you, you can set up a 3 day schedule with 9 to 5 hours; a 5 day schedule with half days; you can choose to school in the back yard, at the kitchen table or in a schoolroom; you can follow an exact curriculum you have purchased, or map out your own lessons from day to day. Creativity can be unlimited and your imagination can be utilized to great advantage. Therefore the answer as to how you will conduct your homeschooling, is to conduct it in any way you believe (based on your study) will achieve the two ends of: academic success and emotionally/spiritually healthy children. This power of choice is is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling.

There are of course many other areas we could list in being prepared for homeschooling, as well as more detail to the aspects of those we covered. As in every area of homeschooling it would be wise, motivating and beneficial to regularly go on quests for more practical and specific information regarding how to improve your homeschool.



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