Carlee Westbrook - Homeschooling Essentials: How to Navigate the Pros and Cons, Choose Curriculum, and Get Organized Using Unique and Established Strategies for Making Your Homeschool Experience A Rewarding Journey

Homeschooling Essentials

How to Navigate the Pros and Cons, Choose Curriculum, and Get Organized Using Unique and Established Strategies for Making Your Homeschool Experience A Rewarding Journey

Carlee Westbrook

Softpress Publishing

Copyright 2015 Softpress Publishing

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Contents

Choosing to homeschool your child isnt a decision you want to take lightly, but if you are leaning in that direction, you will feel confident you have all the facts after reading this book. As with any new job you undertake, you need to allow yourself some time to learn the ropes. Unfortunately, there isnt going to be a trainer who can shadow you in your home those first few weeks as you work out the kinks of teaching. It is basically a learn-as-you-go situation. This is a good thing!

Your child will see how much effort you are putting into making their education one of the most important things in your life. And even if they dont acknowledge it today, tomorrow or even in a few years, when they get out of the house and have their own children, it will mean something to them. They will see how much you cared and how much you were willing to give of yourself to make sure they were given the opportunity to learn in an environment they felt safe, comfortable and happy.

I have worked diligently to ensure this book contains the proven steps and strategies you need for taking on the all-important role of your childs teacher. You will learn unique and established techniques for making your homeschool experience a rewarding adventure. Effectively sourcing curriculum is covered in chapter 3 so you will be confident with whatever program you choose. Ive even included chapters covering teaching your child from preschool through high school, so you can make the best decisions possible no matter what your child age.

Resources for finding materials are also included to make sure this is the only tool you need to give your child everything they require to succeed. Socialization and standardized testing concerns are addressed to help you feel comfortable with your decision to teach your child in your own home. Nothing in here is sugar-coated. There are going to be days you struggle a bit, but know you are making the best decision for your child based on your values, opinions and research. So lets get started!

One last thing, as a way of saying Thank You for buying my book I have put together a FREE GIFT just for you!

Homeschooling Resources

This gift is the perfect complement to this book so just head over to this web address to get access:

https://softpresspublishing.com/Homeschool

If you are reading this book, you probably have some questions and concerns about homeschooling. What does it mean for you and your family? That is probably one of the biggest concerns parents have when they are contemplating homeschooling their children. It means a lot of things and we are going to explore the ups and downs, the good, the bad and the ugly of homeschooling. It is important you know all of it, even some of the stuff homeschooling families dont like to talk about, because it isnt always rainbows and sunshine. Is anything? You want to make the best decision possible and that means understanding all there is to know about teaching your children at home.

Before you get ahead of yourself, you need to check your state laws about homeschooling. Some states require one parent to have at least a 2-year degree. If the children are in school and you are going to pull them out and put them into a homeschool program, there may be some paperwork involved. Always check first! You could inadvertently break the law if you dont educate yourself first.

Why Homeschool?

This question will be answered a little differently by each family. There are plenty of reasons families choose to give their child an education in their own home. The following list is some of the more popular ones, but it is by no means conclusive.

• Special Needs
• Traveling family
• Inferior public school education
• Safety
• Location to a school
• Working family
• Religious views
• Bullying
• Sports training

Whatever the reason may be, if it is important enough for you to consider homeschooling, it is a valid reason. As parents, teaching your child is second nature. You teach them to talk, walk and educate them about what to eat. It is fairly natural to want to be in charge of their education as well. These are your children we are talking about and it is instinct to want to give your children the best education possible in a safe environment.

You are not alone with your thoughts. There has been a rise in homeschooling over the years as more parents are recognizing the risks of school or have become disgruntled with the politics in the education system. As of 2012, there were more than 2 million kids in the United States in home-based education situations.

It is an increasing trend. States are quickly realizing the money they can save in public schools by offering distance learning courses. It is no secret teachers are overburdened in the classrooms and resources are stretched extremely thin. Parents who step up and take over the job as educator are becoming increasingly appreciated by teachers and the public education system.

Pros and Cons

It isnt fair to try and make you believe that homeschooling is perfect for every family. It isnt fair to try and tell you it is easy as apple pie. Because, lets face it; no matter how much we love our children, there are moments they can make us want to pull our hair out. It happens to everybody and it is totally normal. If you prepare yourself and follow the guidelines in this book, you be well informed and ready to tackle whatever roadblock that is put in your path.

One of the biggest hurdles parents who are going to keep the kids home for school need to understand and learn to cope with is being with your child an extra 8 hours a day or so. If your children are in school right now and you are reading this because you plan on pulling them out, this is directed at you. If your child hasnt reached school age, you are probably already accustomed to hanging out with the child. We will address how you can give yourself a break from time to time and how to keep things on an even keel later in the book.