Tips for Setting Up Your Homeschool

Homeschooling can be a truly gratifying experience for both the parent and child. On one hand, you’re helping your child discover their potential. On the other, you’re rediscovering your own intellect.

While homeschooling laws vary from state to state, homeschooling is legal everywhere in America.

Whereas the curriculum, state laws, and supplies needed are pretty much set in stone, the setup of the learning environment you create in your home is totally up to you.

With this in mind, here are some tips to create a stimulating homeschooling environment.

Classroom Furniture

Your decision to teach your child from the comforts of your own home does not mean your class space shouldn’t look the part.

Adding classroom furniture to your child’s learning space will not only help add legitimacy to your homeschooling efforts, it will also provide your child with the tools that promote a positive learning environment.

Some of the furniture needed to homeschool your child includes:

– Dry erase markers & board
– Computer desk
– Bulletin board
– Standard desk
– Chairs
– Bookcases & shelves
– Organization & storage containers

Once you have the furniture you need to homeschool your child, the next step is to plan.

Lesson Plans

Technology has given the ultimate assist to parents seeking to plan a comprehensive curriculum for their children.  By using the Internet, parents can access free curriculum guides and lesson planners.

The free curriculum guides provided on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum website are also accompanied by links to free video that compliments the curriculum guides.

While it’s best to find a local homeschooling support group in your area to assist you with questions and issues that arise, many questions can be answered on online forums such as Homeschool World.

Online Academic Portfolio

An online academic portfolio is a great way to showcase your child’s academic progress and achievements. Through the use of this portfolio, you can create a permanent online archive of your child’s academic development that includes:

– Grades
– Research papers
– Evaluations
– Published articles

Academic portfolios can also assist your child in the future as potential employers can easily search and access your achievements and certifications online.

From my personal experience, many of the students I have met who were homeschooled were extremely intelligent and were well-adjusted socially, even though they did not socialize in large groups of same-age children growing up. Although, to keep their kids socialized (and physically fit), many homeschooling parents have their kids participate in community sports leagues.

If you’re up for the commitment and want to build a stronger bond with your child, you may want to consider homeschooling as an educational option. With the right tools, setting and supplies, it is possible to make your home a great environment for learning.

“Tips for Setting Up Your Homeschool” was provided by QuickenLoans.