There is an endless amount of information that can be found with a quick and easy internet search for all things homeschool. I found this quite refreshing yet at the same time very overwhelming!
It’s much like parenting itself… you are never really READY. Jump in, try it out. Change what you don’t like and what doesn’t work and glom onto the successes. Rinse & repeat. Follow your child’s lead (maybe the hardest part at first) and ENJOY these days – for this too shall pass.
He’s my short list to get you started for elementary school aged kids:
1. Join HSLDA – Homeschool Legal Defense Association & follow your state’s requirements. In Ohio we have to notify our local Superintendent by the first day of school that we intend to homeschool. Forms can be downloaded at HSLDA.com.
They provide legal counsel and an array of various resources & discounts. You will also receive a teacher credential that I have used for teacher discounts on numerous occasions!
2. Locate local co-ops and recess groups using Facebook
We found a few recess groups that do field trips or meet up at parks. We also found a co-op that meets at a local campground where the kids can cook over a fire, hike and more.
3. Make a list of what your child is interested in. What will this new schedule allow them to do or learn that couldn’t be accomplished with a traditional school day schedule?
For Ivan this was HOCKEY – he is able to train and skate during the day, which is the prime time for him physically and mentally.
4. Check to see when the Great Homeschool Convention will be at a location you can attend.
The first one I attended, I went to full days of seminars and learned A LOT about children’s learning needs etc. There are also many vendors and exhibitors where you can find curriculum and other materials. The second time I attended, I made an entire lap around the exhibit hall BEFORE making any purchases! This worked out much better and I highly recommend.
5. Identify what materials you will use. You can purchase entire curriculum programs or piece together one resource at a time.
For Ivan’s 3rd grade year we are using an array of materials, not just one program based on where I think he is and what he needs. I choose these books and programs based upon the seminars I attended and vendors I met at the 2 Great Homeschool Conventions I attended.
6. Loosely schedule out the year – allow for changes!
I’ve simply marked any trips we have planned (mostly travel hockey at this time) and are finding things of interest in specific geographical areas we travel to which makes learning about historical people and places so much more fun when you can physically visit. I also try to pull out reading comprehension and other activities that correspond with holidays and seasons, etc.
7. Keep attendance & portfolio of work according to your state’s legal requirements (consult HSLDA)
Based upon the state of Ohio’s requirements, I keep a daily attendance roll along with an excel document outlining what work and lessons were accomplished daily.
Vendors:
The Great Homeschool Conventions – GREAT exhibit hall for locating homeschool vendors
Homeschool Art Box – they send monthly art history lessons with corresponding materials for an art lesson
Instagram Influencers:
@classicallearner
@yournaturallearner
@homeschoolcollective
@sparkingbrilliance
Local to Columbus, Ohio:
Math Plus Academy – we use for 1:1 private tutoring (via zoom). They also offer in person classes on weekday evenings and more online options
Licking County Homeschoolers
YouSchool, in person classes held in Newark, Ohio through Licking County Homeschoolers group
Purple Dog Art Studio, New Albany, Ohio – Ivan attends 1x week for in person art class
