|
Getting the big picture before you start is very important. Home schooling your children will involve a great deal of work, preparation and even expense, which must be considered prior to starting the process.
Collecting accurate home schooling information is essential. Without the correct and current home schooling information it will be very difficult to make a sound decision.
Here are 3 foolproof approaches you can use to gather the home schooling information you need to make the right decision.
From someone who is doing it
Experience is always a good teacher but some one elses experience is even better! This approach involves contacting families who are currently engaged in home schooling their children. You can do this on line through chat rooms or forums.
Before the contact, make a list of questions. Ask questions about the physical setup, number of hours the children spend studying and learning, scheduling, routines, and responsibilities.
If your host is local and willing, spend a day with them and watch what happens. Be observant! Try to get a feel for their home school environment. Look over their lesson plans or curriculum and ask questions.
Read & Listen
READ!
Publications, newsletters, and books on the basics of home schooling are abundant. Invest some time by reading the home schooling information. What teaching methods did they use?
Also, it is advantageous to read some of the anti-home schooling information. It may make you aware of potential pitfalls that you have not thought of.
LISTEN!
Some companies offer webinars that will allow you to learn about home schooling curriculums and options before you by. All you need is a computer and a phone line. One such live demo opportunity can be found at ( www.aop.com/home/)
From conventions
If possible, find some home schooling conventions. You will come away with the latest and most innovative home schooling information. Look over the free pamphlets and brochures that are available.
Many companies also offer mini-lectures at these conventions. It is a great opportunity to make some contacts and evaluate the costs involved.
The information gained will help you decide direction that best meets your needs.
Putting it all together
Now that you have all the information from these 3 sources, it is important to compile it and review the information. Dont rely on your memory. All of this home schooling information must be organized and evaluated. Make a list of the Pros and Cons based on what you have learned.
If you do decide to embark on the path of home schooling, the resources and information you have gained will be valuable, especially if it is organized and easily accessible.
Your decision regarding the option of home schooling your children will be easier to make if you use these three simple methods of gathering the home schooling information you need.
You could start today by reading a home schooling book.
|