Answers:
These have been some of the most helpful sites in my search for information ...
**Home School Legal Defense - they have a listing of the homeschooling laws for each state and lots of other info.
http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1...
**AtoZ Home's Cool
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/...
**Homeschooling - Who Me?
http://waymarks.com/homeschool/...
**Let's Homeschool: Free Homeschool Curriculum Resources
http://www.letshomeschool.com/
Hope that helps! Good luck in your search :)
Online
First, find out your state's laws on HS'ing. The HSLDA site is a great place to start:
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.as...
Find out how to withdraw your children from public school if you need to.
Then, contact your state/local HS associations, which you can find from the HSLDA site, 'net searches, and Yahoo/Google groups searches.
Attend HS'ing conventions (pretty late for them this time of year) or HS curriculum open houses. Ask other local HS'ers their opinions on HS materials. Or decide if more of an "unschooling" approach is right for your family.
Then figure out your children's learning style and research curricula that will fit them.
There are many great HS'ing info sites on the 'net. Here is a good one to get you started:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/dire...
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Added for TB:
No one is saying to *join* HSLDA, it's just a great place to start to get the laws for each state. I personally have issues with HSLDA and will never be a member. Here's a good link to list why some HS'ers do not join their organization:
http://hsislegal.com/
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Like HSMom said check out http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1... to learn your state's laws. And the other website she offered is really good, too.
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/...
I really recommend starting with the library, though. The first book that I always recommend is "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling" by Lisa Whelchel. It's interesting and informative. You'll also probably find several books on different techniques, questions, and concerns regarding homeschooling.
I would also recommend contacting a homeschooling group in your area (which can often be located through the two websites mentioned above). Even if you decide not to homeschool, there will be people there who are willing to sit down and discuss it with you. And if you do decide to homeschool, it's nice to be apart of a group to get discounts and information for field trips and other learning experiences as well as social aspects.
Good luck!!
I'm in my 4th year of HS'ing. I know you don't want to get into factions and all, but I learned on my own that HSLDA has an agenda and isn't upfront about much of it. I recommend HEIR. They are non affiliated with political sects or religions or anything like that. I've found them to be very neutral and active in truly helping homeschoolers.
Get on yahoo groups and search "homeschool' then your city name. People on there can explain in plain english what steps to take to make sure you're legal in your state.
Visit my site, www.HowToTeachScience.com if you need help in that area.
Welcome to homeschooling!
http://www.k12.com/getk12/index.html... is a nother page
I use PAVCS
There are hundreds of internet sites devoted to homeschooling - resons for, materials, how to, etc. Initially, I think I would find one or two books or comprehensive websites to puruse for information. It can quickly be very overwhelming!
Next, check up on the laws for your state (or other area depending on where you live). In the US try:
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.as...
for summaries of the state homeschooling laws.
Your approach to curricula will depend a lot on your child's interests and learning style. Don't be afraid to experiment, but try to borrow or download different things, at least until you get a handle on what is going to work for you.
Also, look for local homeschooling groups. The members are usually a great source of local issues, as well as possessing a wealth of information on getting started, programs, etc. Yahoo groups often has area groups, and a search in any search engine with your state (country) name and homeschooling should pull up some a well.
Best of luck to you!
There are many ways that you can do your searching. A few have suggested the HSLDA site, which gives an OVERVIEW of each States Laws. You can also type your States name followed by 'homeschool laws' in your google bar, but just realize that there is a LOT of info out there and you need to be patient in your search. You can also pull up the website for your local school board which helps because you can get the Standards for your State there.
Depending on the State you live in, you will need to do the following:
Supply your local school board with a Letter of Intent,
arm yourself with curriculum (prepackaged,online or parent prepared),
get a calendar (pocket or wall) to keep track of attendance,
purchase a 'portfolio' container ( I suggest the plastic legal size file boxes available at Walmart or Office Supply stores) to store all the lessons and transport them to reviews.
Supply a copy of your High School Diploma, GED or College Degree to said School Board (this is NOT for all States).
Supply a list of curriculum intended for the school year (again NOT all states)
There is a magazine called 'The Old Schoolhouse' and is designed for homeschool families and is available online.
You can also check in yahoo groups as there are several homeschool groups that you can join. CafeMom is another place to check.
The age, grade , interests and learning styles of your children is going to pretty much dictate where you fall in schoolwork and can be further developed by using prepackaged,online,Umbrella,or parent created curriculum.
Check in your community or city for Homeschool support groups as they offer a chance for networking, PE, Co-ops,field trips and so forth. Just be aware that not every group FITS every family.
PE (or gym): can also be counted if your child(ren) do sports,ballet,skating,swimming...
Field Trips count as a School day and can include things like Museums, Science Centers, the Beach, Amusement parks,the Zoo...so on and so forth. Every September 29th is FREE Museum Day wherein certain venues offer FREE Admission to EVERYONE. You can also get Homeschool ID cards for yourself (educator) and children(homeschool student) that can sometimes get you either a lower price or free admission to places that love to work with homeschoolers ---Dinosaur World (Alabama/Florida) is just one such place. *****here is the phone # 813-962-2256 and they are located in Tampa Fl*****
Having an ID card also helps for those times when they offer Teacher Appreciation Days (Big Lots, Staples, etc) and discounts at the Bookstore and School Supply stores.
I have taken my daughter on Field Trips to the Post Office, Police and Fire Department, City Hall (they LOVE homeschoolers) and we have a Field Trip planned for the Titanic Exhibit on Friday. Let your fingers do the walking and go with things that catch your children's interests (mine wants to be a Palentologist).
I wish you all the best and Welcome to the wonderful world of homeschooling.
call 1-866-512-2273 virtual academy comming to all areas soon good luck web site www.k12.com tell them azva sent you
The best source will be other homeschoolers in your area. Any advice you get on Y!A could be wrong for where you live (or just plain wrong). Too often, public school administrators (principals, secretaries) are *not* well versed in the laws regarding homeschooling and will give you misinformation (homeschooling is illegal) or ask for more than you are required to give (curricula, lesson plans, yearly testing - not all states require these).
HSLDA has a list (not comprehensive, but it'll get you started) of groups for each state. Look up your state organization to find a more local group. From there, you'll probably find several smaller groups in your immediate area (I have 4 all within 5-10 miles of us).
www.hslda.org has the laws for homeschooling in your state.
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