A
few tips from veteran homeschoolers:
Remember:
Doing what you think is best for your children and your family
works EVERY TIME.
Read, read, read!! You are at the beginning of a great self-learning
experience! Reading is the number one way people communicate
and learn. What better example can you, as a parent, set than
to learn about something that interests you by reading!?
If you don't already have one, get a library card. You can find
many resources for homeschooling at your local public library.
Consider purchasing a Public Library Access Card (PLAC). For
a nominal fee, you will have access to all libraries in the
state of Indiana for one year and can save hundreds, even thousands
of dollars in curriculum expenses. (Contact your local library
for further details.)
Much of what you need to homeschool, you probably already own
or can purchase for minimal cost: blank paper, pencils, rulers,
etc. You don't need to buy a lot of "stuff" to homeschool.
Don't purchase anything large or expensive until you are sure
you really need it, including a pre-packaged curriculum.
Find a support group or homeschooling buddy. It can be a life-saver
to have someone to talk to on days when things don't go as well
as you would like. IHEN's
Statewide Support Directory is a good place to start looking
for resources in YOUR county.
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Check out the learning opportunities available at area parks,
libraries, and community centers. If you are taking your child
or children out of a public or private school, give them plenty
of time to "de-school" and get used to your new lifestyle.
Remember, you don't have to be an expert on every subject. There
are many different ways to approach unfamiliar subjects: homeschool
co-ops, tutors, computer courses, or better yet, learning the
subject along with your child.
And last but not least ... keep it fun! Learning with your family
is NOT "schooling" it's a lifestyle. Enjoy
the family you've just rediscovered because you have made the
simple decision to learn at home.
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