My son is currently enrolled in (K) at public school right now, but I have been seriously debating on homeschooling him. I know nothing about the homeschool laws or even what curriculums are acceptable. I want my son to grow up with a firm foundation and public school is not the place for that-at such a young age.
If anyone has any advice on how to get started- what I need, who I need to speak with, what curriculum would be best?
Also any words of wisdom and prayers you want to send my way are very much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to repsond
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Home schooling or home education, as well as unschooling, is teaching and educating children at home (as well as out and about in the REAL WORLD) as opposed to a structured, regimental public/private school environment in 4 walls.
People who home school are ‘ordinary’ everyday people. Just like most other families they want their children to succeed and do well, be happy and also healthy. They want something different and better for them, not the stress and restraints of school.
In the USA, guidelines vary state to state. In Germany, home schooling is unlawful. In Britain, there has never been a legal obligation for parents to send their children to school. The only demand is that every child receives an “efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude ... either by regular attendance at school or otherwise”. However, within this definition parents have generous latitude and much freedom. They don’t have to follow the national curriculum, enter children for exams, follow school hours or term times, give formal lessons, or mark work. Local authority inspectors can ask annually for written information on how a child is being educated, but they have no right to meet the child or visit the home. Should a local authority decide a child is not receiving a “suitable” education it does have powers to send them back to school.
So…home Schooling is legal, you DO NOT have to be a 'qualified' teacher, you are not the only ones doing it and there is support available. Back in the 19th century there were actually more kids that were home schooled than those that were not. There are different motivations and methods of home schooling and results of a Home Education (both social and academic) vary.
First, become acquainted with the laws in LA. You have no required curriculum, just subjects. So, do what you want!
There is no "best" curriculum, or what to do it. In home school you choose what materials, and teaching/learning methods are best for your individual child. Complete packaged curriculum are just that, packages by grade level, not individual for your child.
It is the most work when they are little, but very fun and rewarding. You get to help them learn to read, to spell, to show them the world through literature, art, etc!
At a young age a good way to do it is through unit studies. What would your son like to learn about? Plan all your lessons around that! Say it is read books, go to a museum to see bones, do (possibly free online) math and science with things you printed (I see bones you match up, size, shape, counting, adding, etc. Putting together to make a skeleton). We always incorporated art into history and science. My kids always picked their own history and science topics.
To start, follow the notification required by law.
Have fun!
It would be very helpful to find a local homeschool group. They will be familiar with local laws and can share their experience and knowledge. Homeschoolers typically love to share their passion for homeschooling and are more than happy to "show you the ropes."
Google for groups, or you can also try and click on "groups."
Charity Christian Academy has a good solid program that uses books for preschool through second grade and online courses for third grade and above. It is very affordable.