Once the decision to homeschool has been made, a family may think they are set. It wasn’t easy to gather all the data, to weigh the information and finally commit to schooling the kids at home. Surely all the heavy lifting is over, right?
Eh…not so much. You spent time on the ‘if’ and the ‘why;’ now it is time to concentrate on those other “W” words. Who will teach which subjects? When will you introduce new concepts? What standards will you meet and how will you gauge progress? What will your average day look like? What is your teaching style? What is your child’s learning style? How will you meet special needs and abilities?
Overwhelmed yet? No kidding. But you don’t need to be. Homeschooling is beginning its fourth decade of growth, which qualifies those of us who homeschool as a bona fide market! What does that mean? That there is a target on our wallets? In part, yes. But it also means that there are more resources for homeschooling than you will ever need.
And what does that mean? It means help is out there, my friend. There are lessons, supplies and curricula that you can buy in total, or piece together to expertly tailor to your family. There are aids to help you meet areas of special needs and challenge areas of exceptional ability.
Most importantly, there are others just like you! Get into a group to meet veterans and newbies alike. This is an essential part of gaining realistic expectations, because this isn't the easiest road we've chosen. Find some companions to make the journey together.
In the mean time, while you are figuring things out, you have your kids! Talk with them. Love on them. Listen to them. Enjoy them.
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