Thinking about Homeschooling?
There has never been a time that I've received so many questions about homeschooling. I figured I would make this easy resource to share my insights with you. First I just want to say, this is how homeschooling works for our family here in Maine. Just know that every family is very different and each state's requirements are different, educate yourself on your state's laws and get familiar with your rights and reporting requirements. Your needs will change each year, your child will change each year and that is ok; It's part of the beauty of homeschooling, there is SO much freedom, flexibility and adaptability. Ok, Let's jump in.
Finding Your Homeschool Style
There are many different ways that you can choose to teach your kids, from interest based learning to a more classical and structured style. It doesn't have to replicate a public school classroom, but it can if you want it to. The best resource I've found for this is from Homeschool On, she made this lovely quiz that helps you figure out your teaching style. Check it out!
Maine State Requirements
Here in Maine you either need to submit a letter of intent or be a part of a "REPS school". In plain terms, you need to tell the state that you are homeschooling and have the work approved by a certified teacher, or you can join a community that is recognized as a private school. I chose the private school route and LOVE Maine Freedom Academy. Being a part of this REPS community makes keeping track of multiple children a lot less daunting for me personally, but again, you get to choose. :)
Curriculum Choices
THERE ARE SOOOOO MANY! I am going to share the ones that we have used in the past and are currently using, but again, YOU get to make the choice for what you think will work best for your family.
The Good and the Beautiful: This is a very thorough and well thought out curriculum done in the Charlotte Mason style. It's open and go for the most part.
Easy Peasy All In One Homeschool: FREE curriculum. This is where I started when the boys were in preschool. It is a very well thought out resource and does a great job for each grade level.
Math-U-See: We used this math curriculum for awhile. It's very good at helping your child to master a concept.
Horizons: Another Math curriculum we have used. This uses the spiral math method and is colorful and engaging.
Alpha Omega: This is the same company as the horizons math above, but will bring you to the full curriculum options available to you.
Handwriting Without Tears: These simple workbooks help with penmanship, letter recognition and a bunch more.
Gather Round Homeschool: This is the curriculum we are using for everything but Math this year. As a Mom to many, this curriculum is hitting the sweet spot for me. We are all learning the same focus together and doing work according to grade levels. There has been so much freedom and curiosity in our home using this curriculum + it aligns with our style very well.
You've got this Mama (or Daddy)
Like with any other new thing you do, it takes some trial and error to find your groove. Each child is so unique and their needs will shift and grow as they grow. Just know this, you know your child(ren) the best. You are for them and are honestly the best teacher they could ask for. Be confident in the fact that God gave these children to you, and will equip you to teach them, after all that is a lot of what parenting is, right? Learning is just an extension of parenting and leading your children to what they need to know. Rest in that. Rest and know that you are able and you have people you can reach out to for help when it's needed. Grace upon Grace, my friend. You've got this because God has YOU!
In your corner,
Amber