Getting Started Homeschooling
- Decide how you will legitimately homeschool. Review official TN homeschool law. It's not as tedious as it sounds. Note that many homeschoolers simply opt to register with a church-related school for record keeping and "legitimacy". These include HomeLife Academy and Gateway Christian Schools.
- Research various teaching methods. This does not have to be difficult as there are a number of great books that clearly and concisely describe many of the methods home educators use. Here is great site which lists clear, abbreviated explanations of the most employed homeschool methods.
- Choose your curriculum. If you're educating older students, feel free to allow them to assist in the selection process. Remember to note learning styles (i.e. visual, tactile, auditory) when making your choices. Consider curriculum that includes a clear breakdown of the lessons or even a full packaged one until comfortable enough to create one;s own lesson plans or pieced together curriculum. Also, note that curriculum does not have to be a budget buster. Use as many free resources as possible and many discount stores have great workbooks that are inexpensive. And don't forget to get a library card for everyone!
- Get organized. There are awesome printable forms to help you get organized like those at www.donnayoung.org. Or you can purchase one of a number of specially designed homeschool planners like The Well-Planned Day. Or you can simply use a calendar purchased from a dollar store or the calendar on your computer. There are also online grade books that will store your lesson plans too like Homeschool Tracker (it's free!). Preparing lesson plans can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.
- Pick a space--the sofa, the kitchen table, the dining room, the library--and get started.
The best tip we can offer is to enjoy lots of reading and to remember that everyday life is filled with teachable moments.