The Essex Institute

http://www.essexinstitute.co.uk/online.htm
The Essex Institute
What does it take to do a great job of homeschooling? Determination, research and organization are the main tenets of a great home classroom. This article will walk you through many other tips and tricks which will help you get your lessons plans in place and find great success in the end.

Do not be afraid to get help with a troublesome subject. You may find that math is not your strong suit when teaching your child, which means you should look on homeschool community forums for help, or call upon family or friends. It is best to find someone that can offer a better understanding of the material and help your child flourish.

Do not expect homeschooling to work seamlessly right from the start. It can take up to a year before you settle into a good flow with homeschooling. Even though you have educated yourself about the process before beginning, the skill to make it all work smoothly takes some time to develop. Exercise patience and you will be more successful.

Research your state's laws regarding homeschooling. States have vastly differing legislation regarding homeschooling, and you need to make sure that you are following your state's regulations. Some states want parents to have standardized testing done, and other states have different rules. Some states require parents that homeschool to register as private schools.

You can spend time on vacation learning as well. Science centers, planetariums, aquariums, zoos, historical landmarks and museums are just a few places that are valuable learning resources. Even a simple local trip can be accomplished in a day and have many rewards. You will certainly have fun while also learning new things.

The goal of homeschooling is to instill knowledge in your child or teen, but it should also be viewed as something more. You have a rare opportunity to use learning as a means of bonding and interacting with each other in a way most parents never get. Highlight the student's accomplishments in your "�classroom' just as you would for those earned in a traditional learning environment.

Research the resources available in your area. Certain establishments may have special classes or activities designed particularly for homeschooled children. You may also get discounts on cultural events in the area. Also, do not forget about the Internet. There is a wealth of knowledge on different forums and websites that is easy to access.

While many modern homeschooling programs come with a recommended schedule, be sure to check your state regulations before planning your curriculum. Many states require that homeschooled children learn on the same 40-week schedule as their public school counterparts. In states without such regulations, you will have more flexibility in planning the schedule.

Be aware of the variety of learning styles children have. Depending on the child, there are many ways to teach. Just be wary of relying too heavily on specialized teaching methods. Look for the best parts of different methods and incorporate them all.

Make your homeschool schedule work for you. Just because the local school runs from nine to two, that does not mean your classroom has to run that way. If later mornings are better for your family, have your child study, then. If it works best to teach for an hour, take a three-hour break and then teach for two more, make that your schedule. One of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility, so take advantage of it!

Now that you have the knowledge, you must endeavor to organize yourself, find the best resources and truly take over the job of teacher. You have to continually learn as much as you can about the job and how others are getting it done so that you can continue to be a better teacher every day.