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Welcome
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Jennifer James,
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Articles | Support | RESOURCES |Blog | About Us | Join How Do I Get Started? As more black parents learn that homeschooling is indeed an educational option right for them, many wonder what are the ways to get started. You're probably one of them and we're here to help. Here are five simple steps to becoming a home school parent.
1.Read! Read! Read!
Becoming a homeschooling parent demands more than simply having an
intense desire to be a part of a growing movement and educational trend.
Rather, deciding to homeschool requires educating yourself about
The Internet houses the most and the best homeschooling information and proves to be a great starting place for gathering general information. Peruse homeschool websites and message boards and glean some initial ideas about what home schooling entails. Social networks, like the Black Homeschoolers Club, are especially helpful because you are able to learn about home schooling right from the mouths of both veteran and novice home school families alike. Type in “homeschooling” in any search engine and you will find literally thousands of online resources to browse. For a more in-depth analysis of home education, there are tons of homeschool “how-to” books on the market as well as a variety of homeschool magazines that concentrate on current issues and trends in the national homeschooling community. Also, make sure to read and find out about your state’s homeschool laws. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, homeschool laws do vary, so it is your job to find out what your state’s laws require and be prepared to comply fully with them. 2.Discuss. In addition to discussing and coming to an agreed upon decision to homechool with your spouse, mate, significant other or by yourself, you should also discuss your plans with your children. If you are a single parent, discuss your decision to home school with family or with those who are close to you. Single parent homeschooling requires having a solid network of friends and family to help you in your choice to homeschool. So make sure that everyone has the same goals in mind for the optimal education of your children. If your children are making the transition to home education from either a public, private or charter school, it is important to discuss your ideas about homeschooling with them, particularly if they are of the age when peer relationships and friendships have already been established and are highly valued. Although the final decision ultimately rests upon you -- the parent -- it is still necessary to discuss when, why and how the transition to homeschooling will occur. It is also imperative that you assure your child that they will still be able to form special friendships with other homeschooled children and that they can keep the old friendships that they have already forged. It is then your responsibility as a parent to get your child involved with other homeschooled families in order to keep your child interested in homeschooling and not back at school where their friends are. 3.Explore. As homeschoolers, there are a variety of places in your local area where you may take your children for field trips and educational activities. Search these local places out and plan to take trips to these sites, whether they are museums, historic homesteads, the zoo, or cultural centers. As a part of the decision-making process, jot down possible field trip ideas and plan to take your homeschooled children on frequent educational explorations and field trips. Field trips, as supplementary learning tools, go a long way in teaching your children in-depth about various subjects and lessons. 4.Get Involved. As mentioned before, it is crucial that homeschooled children are exposed to other homeschooled students, especially if they are being educated at home for the first time. It is important that as a parent, you attend regular homeschool support group meetings where you can connect with other local homeschool families, socialize, network and exchange teaching ideas and advice. If there is not a local support group that meets your needs, find one that does, or start your own. Being involved with other families, especially other black families, is fundamental to the healthy development of homeschooled children. 5.Teach. Finally, after the decision to homeschool has been established, it is now time to teach. Set your mind on doing the best job that you can to provide the best education possible for your children. Research homeschool teaching philosophies and curricula that not only fit your teaching style, but your child’s learning style as well. Be certain to incorporate multicultural education in your curriculum, if you so choose, and strive toward educational excellence. Following these steps will ensure that you are prepared to become a teacher to your children. Homeschooling requires constant attention to detail, an open mind as well as creativity. African-American families are benefiting across the country from home schooling and any decision you make toward home education will prove to be beneficial as well if it’s genuinely the route you wish to pursue. © National
African-American Homeschoolers Alliance |
Quick Link Where can I find multicultural materials? advertisement |
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