Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? You may have bought a few books, read a few blogs, and followed a few Instagram accounts. It can be really hard to say, "We are doing this!" and jump in. Well, fear not: Ginny and Mary Ellen have helped thousands with their clear and simple practical advice, along with a generous helping of good humor.

Listen now at the link below! 

https://www.setonhome.org/podcast/

Program Notes:

How Do I Get Started?

Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? Have you dipped your toes in? You may have bought a few books or read a few blogs. It can be really hard to jump in and say “We are doing this!” Ginny and Mary Ellen have a few things to consider that might help you take the plunge. 

So, if you think you should homeschool, we agree and have a few tips to help you get started.

1. Check out the laws in your state.

·       HSLDA is an excellent resource for state rules. See the link in Resources below.

·       Discreetly check out the compliance your local school district requires. 

·       Look for local Facebook groups.

·       Veteran moms are an excellent resource for the ins and outs of reporting.

·       If you withdraw from public school, sending a letter stating you will homeschool is standard.

·       Provide the minimum of information. Too much information can cause trouble.  

2.     Start with a boxed curriculum. 

·       In the first year, you might be more relaxed if you are enrolled somewhere. 

·       It's straightforward; you know all the bases are covered. 

·       As you gain experience, you can pick and choose or write your own.

3.     Get organized.  

·       Start getting your house in order. 

·       Be ruthless and get rid of everything not serving your family. 

·       Set up a system to easily plan your meals, tidy up, and grocery shop. 

·       Record a phone message:  "Schools in session. I'll return your call after dismissal."

4.     Get routines started. 

·       Envision your daily routine and rhythm. 

·       Establish play times, chore times, nap times, and bedtimes.

·       Schedules will make your first year of homeschooling much less stressful. 

5.     Make a Plan. 

·       Decide on your start date, vacation days, and end date. 

·       Plan a few field trips and art projects. 

·       Get a teacher planner for each child.

6.     Time outside your home. 

·       Use good judgment in choosing activities.

·       Your first year is not the time to jump into outside activities.

·       Those activities will be available in the second semester or even next year.

·       Time may be your greatest asset, be a miser spending it in your first year.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

Notes from Social Media

Maria and Carrie posted on the podcast's FB page asking for tips on how to teach spelling.  

There are two keys to successful learning:  repetition and multi-sensory.  Kids who struggle with spelling should write them 5 or 10 times each.  They see them, and the words go into muscle memory when they write them.  Even better, say them and spell them as they write them.  Book b-o-o-k Book.  Make it fun by letting them write words on a whiteboard or the patio floor using sidewalk chalk.  Before they test, have students march up and down, repeating the words and their spellings several times.