Bec Mindeman a mom who homeschooled her children for a decade, her first piece of advice is “know thyself” and your child. There are lots of options out there. So, don’t lock yourself into the idea you are recreating a typical school at home.
You need to take into consideration how much time you want to spend preparing lessons, what kinds of things excite you, your child’s learning style and interests, and what you both need beyond education.
Also consider why you are choosing to homeschool. If you need time to consider what the answers to these questions are, do some trial and error experiments with free stuff.
There is an amazing amount of free stuff online. Also go on field trips to the library, the park, museums, aquariums, zoos, and anywhere else that will let you and your child in their doors. If you consciously and attentively interact with your child during these, you can learn a lot and spark curiosity in both of you.
William Bennett (sp?) wrote a book decades ago that you can probably find in your local library that gives plenty of information about what “should” be learned in at least grades 1-6. There is also information about this available online. This can be helpful, especially when it comes to easing your nerves during the first year.
Know your state laws and find your local homeschooling groups. Laws about homeschooling vary state by state. They are usually easy enough to comply with, and can be easily found online.
Even if your local homeschooling group is not a good fit for you, they will be happy to help you understand the state laws. They can also be an invaluable resource for socializing and some co-op classes, if they are a good fit.
Remember, whether you and your child are comfortable with computer-based distance learning, child-driven unschooling, classical schooling in a home setting, creative-based learning (Waldorf for example), or a hodge-podge of all of the above, there are plenty of resources out there. You can meet your child where they are and nurture who they are as both of you become life long learners.
Also – If you decide to buy curriculum in the form of books, see if you can find it used. This will help you feel less stuck if it turns out to be the wrong thing for you and your child.
Our first stop is always Half Price Books but Ebay and even groups on Facebook including Homeschooling groups sometimes has books which you can purchase.
Sincerely,
Mom of 3
Reikiyana Practitioner and Spiritual Mentor
Owner of Bec’s Energy Consulting
Skills and Concepts Introduced:* Elements* Clairs* Clearing and Protecting Your Field* Journeying* Playing with Nature Spirits* Clearing Nature Spiritsand more…The playful and highly-accessible introductions to foundational intuitive skills make Walks with Nature Spirits a “must-have” for anyone exploring self-awareness or energy work.
Bec’s presentation of these skills is easy and fun to follow. She also builds upon them in ways that can be useful tool kit additions for more advanced practitioners, too. * In the “About the Author” section, information about supporting videos is also given.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
