QUICKSTART GUIDE FOR HOMESCHOOLINGExploring homeschooling options? The good news is over two million children are being homeschooled in the U.S. Parents love having more family time. Their children are thriving! Ready? Here's how to get started! UNDERSTAND YOUR STATE LAWSEach state has different laws regarding homeschooling.
Find your state laws with a search for "homeschooling in (your state)." We also recommend Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for their comprehensive listings. Four legal options for homeschooling in California. 1. Enroll in a public independent study program or public Charter School. 2. File the R-4 annually with the California Department of Education and maintain all records for your own private school. 3. Hire a credentialed tutor. 4. Enroll in a private school satellite program like Branson Academy PSP. Check your state requirements before enrolling in our PSP. Branson Academy does not enroll students residing in states which require students to register with a PSP in that state. (i.e. Washington State) We accept traveling homeschoolers and international homeschool students where instruction is English-based. DISCOVER YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING STYLE
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Discover how your child learns and processes information!
Save time and money. Tailor resources to your child's strengths. Avoid frustration with curriculum that doesn't work. |
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Understanding how YOUR child learns is so critical to your homeschool success, I can't emphasize it enough!
As a young mom I was sometimes frustrated when books or curriculum fit one child, yet didn't work for another. As more research became available we learned about personality types, cognitive processing, and multiple intelligences or "smarts" that influence learning.
All of a sudden, things started making sense!
Like why my auditory/kinesthetic learner could understand the lesson while playing on the floor and listening to me read-aloud, when my visual-print learner needed to sit next to me and see the words being read!
Or, why it was easier to do a verbal/mental math lesson with my AK learner who struggled with fine motor skills for writing.
And, why my creative, social-global learner benefited from small group classes and a white-board with colored markers for tracking assignments.
We intuitively adapted to their learning styles, and now we had the science to back it up!
As you discover how your child learns, you will be able to provide resources tailored to your child's strengths and help develop areas that need improvement.
Our free Learning Styles pdf will help you discover your child's personality type and useful tips for teaching.
Then identify Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic learning with this VARK Questionnaire for Younger People.
Or check out Time4Learning's study tips for Seven Different Types of Learners for visual/spatial, aural/auditory, verbal/linguistic, physical/kinesthetic, logical/mathematical, social/interpersonal, solitary/intra-personal.
If you're a book reader, see our booklist below - especially Seven Kinds of Smart, by Thomas Armstrong, Debra Bell's The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, John Holt's How Children Learn, and Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style, by Cynthia Tobias.
If your child isn't picking up what you're putting down, you may be teaching the way YOU learn - not how your child learns! Discover how you learn, too!
Then identify Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic learning with this VARK Questionnaire for Younger People.
Or check out Time4Learning's study tips for Seven Different Types of Learners for visual/spatial, aural/auditory, verbal/linguistic, physical/kinesthetic, logical/mathematical, social/interpersonal, solitary/intra-personal.
If you're a book reader, see our booklist below - especially Seven Kinds of Smart, by Thomas Armstrong, Debra Bell's The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, John Holt's How Children Learn, and Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style, by Cynthia Tobias.
If your child isn't picking up what you're putting down, you may be teaching the way YOU learn - not how your child learns! Discover how you learn, too!
EXPLORE CURRICULUM AND TEACHING AIDS
It's fun to browse homeschool curriculum and teaching aids! There are amazing resources for every subject.
1. Keep in mind your budget and your child's learning style - not just what catches your eye as cool as it looks!
2. Browse grade and subject specific resources.
Remember to look at free resources such as the public library and Khan Academy videos to supplement learning.
Book fairs, used booksellers, homeschool conferences, and homeschool support groups (or park day groups) are great places to find curriculum or sponsored classes.
Family, friends, and neighbors may have resources to contribute to your child's learning.
3. Start with the basics and build.
Core subjects are the building blocks of our learning. Math. Science. Language Arts (including reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary.) Social Studies and History.
Electives are Art, Music, Foreign Languages, Computer Programming and Coding, Cooking and Nutrition, Leadership Skills, Drivers Ed, Urban Gardening... you get the idea!
New homeschooling parents think they need a scope and sequence for "What Your Child Needs to Know in XYZ Grade." We think those are great reference books. We recommend first evaluating your child's existing framework and foundation.
What does your child already know? Are there any holes or gaps? Use free online placement tests if you are unsure. Once you have a solid understanding of your child's skillset, you can build on those.
Use a holistic approach integrating science and art, social studies and language arts, and history through the lens of inventors, artists, musicians and writers.
If a child is having difficulty reading, consider whether she needs extra help with phonics... or a pair of glasses. If your child is beyond grade level in math, take a cue from video games and advance to the next level!
Homeschooling means your child can learn at his or her own level and pace.
See our Resources page for curriculum providers.
1. Keep in mind your budget and your child's learning style - not just what catches your eye as cool as it looks!
2. Browse grade and subject specific resources.
Remember to look at free resources such as the public library and Khan Academy videos to supplement learning.
Book fairs, used booksellers, homeschool conferences, and homeschool support groups (or park day groups) are great places to find curriculum or sponsored classes.
Family, friends, and neighbors may have resources to contribute to your child's learning.
3. Start with the basics and build.
Core subjects are the building blocks of our learning. Math. Science. Language Arts (including reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary.) Social Studies and History.
Electives are Art, Music, Foreign Languages, Computer Programming and Coding, Cooking and Nutrition, Leadership Skills, Drivers Ed, Urban Gardening... you get the idea!
New homeschooling parents think they need a scope and sequence for "What Your Child Needs to Know in XYZ Grade." We think those are great reference books. We recommend first evaluating your child's existing framework and foundation.
What does your child already know? Are there any holes or gaps? Use free online placement tests if you are unsure. Once you have a solid understanding of your child's skillset, you can build on those.
Use a holistic approach integrating science and art, social studies and language arts, and history through the lens of inventors, artists, musicians and writers.
If a child is having difficulty reading, consider whether she needs extra help with phonics... or a pair of glasses. If your child is beyond grade level in math, take a cue from video games and advance to the next level!
Homeschooling means your child can learn at his or her own level and pace.
See our Resources page for curriculum providers.
A neighbor offered to teach our teenage son computer languages. That started him on a career which spanned being an early web designer to 3-D design and sculpture!
Opportunities for learning are abundant. Free online courses, articles, videos, documentaries, audio books, reading lists - even math learning apps!
CREATE AN ENGAGING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Your study area may be a dedicated space in the den or living room, at the kitchen table, or in the backyard!
Consider white boards and colored markers. Montessori teaching aids and hands-on project material to stimulate learning. Easy-to-reach supplies for little ones. A backyard garden or obstacle course. Colorful wall maps and posters. A basket full of books in a comfy reading area.
Remember to include such things as graphing calculators and grid paper for algebra, an affordable microscope or online science lab, music and art supplies, and foreign language books or apps.
See more ideas on Learning Environments
Consider white boards and colored markers. Montessori teaching aids and hands-on project material to stimulate learning. Easy-to-reach supplies for little ones. A backyard garden or obstacle course. Colorful wall maps and posters. A basket full of books in a comfy reading area.
Remember to include such things as graphing calculators and grid paper for algebra, an affordable microscope or online science lab, music and art supplies, and foreign language books or apps.
See more ideas on Learning Environments
DESIGN A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Personalize your schedule to meet your needs.
Popular Study Schedules
Five Day Week with standard school vacation schedule
Four Day Week Four days a week for studies / one day for field trips, park day, or medical appts.
Three Weeks On / One Week Off Works well for Grades K-6, unit studies, and extra holidays.
Nine Weeks On / Two Weeks Off Builds in time for extra projects during the year or impromptu vacations.
Alternating schedule
Alternating classes or subjects by day.
DAILY = Math, Foreign Language, Music
Alternate:
MWF = History, Language Arts
T-TH = Science and Electives
Semi-Structured Daily Schedule
A.M. - Morning Chores and Studies
P.M. - Personal Projects or PlayTime (depending on age of child)
Can include coding / graphic design / fashion design / writing / carpentry / arts and crafts / music practice / community service / gardening / driving lessons or other electives
Evening: Reading / Family Time / Games
Flip the schedule to fit your needs.
YOU GOT THIS!
You are not alone.
Connect with other homeschool parents. (See a list of California Support Groups here.)
Create your own homeschool pod, co-op or park day group.
Gain insights through homeschool blogs & posts.
Be gentle with yourself and your kids while you de-school!
You are shaping a new learning environment for your student. Give yourself permission to adjust and allow space for a new tempo and daily rhythms.
For additional support check out Getting Started Coaching here.
More homeschool ideas on our Facebook page such as
DIY backyard obstacle courses
DIY sensory bins and learning tools
Arts & Crafts and Summertime learning activities
Links to podcasts and blogs and curriculum freebies
DIY backyard obstacle courses
DIY sensory bins and learning tools
Arts & Crafts and Summertime learning activities
Links to podcasts and blogs and curriculum freebies
BOOKLIST
A few of our favorites to get you started!
CLASSICS
Colfax, David and Micki. Homeschooling for Excellence. Warner, 1988 (Role models for generations of homeschooling families, this is the account of a homeschooling family that sent three sons to Harvard.)
Gatto, John Taylor. The Underground History of American Education. Oxford Village Press, 2001. New York State Teacher of the year who became a strong advocate for home education.
Griffith, Mary. The Homeschooling Handbook. Prima, 1999. (Author of the Unschooling Handbook below.)
Holt, John and Farenga, Patrick. Teach Your Own. Perseus Publishing, 2003, orig. pub. 1981.
Gatto, John Taylor. The Underground History of American Education. Oxford Village Press, 2001. New York State Teacher of the year who became a strong advocate for home education.
Griffith, Mary. The Homeschooling Handbook. Prima, 1999. (Author of the Unschooling Handbook below.)
Holt, John and Farenga, Patrick. Teach Your Own. Perseus Publishing, 2003, orig. pub. 1981.
HOW TO
Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. Tommy Nelson, Inc., 1997. Revised and updated. (Information in Debra Bell's guide was used in our Learning Styles doc as a quick reference to understanding how your child learns.)
Griffith, Mary. The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom. 1998. Amazon.com Editorial review: “...Written in a conversational, salon- style manner, The Unschooling Handbook is liberally peppered with anecdotes and practical advice from unschoolers, ... [and] includes resources such as one teenager's sample "transcript," a typical weekly log of a third-grader's activities, and helpful lists of magazines, online mailing lists, Web sites, and catalogs....”
Wise, Jessie and Bauer, Susan. The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. W. W. Norton and Company, 1999. Revised 2016. A step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education, along with curricula recommendations, book lists, and more. Find their books, teaching aids, and online courses at Well-Trained Mind.
Griffith, Mary. The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom. 1998. Amazon.com Editorial review: “...Written in a conversational, salon- style manner, The Unschooling Handbook is liberally peppered with anecdotes and practical advice from unschoolers, ... [and] includes resources such as one teenager's sample "transcript," a typical weekly log of a third-grader's activities, and helpful lists of magazines, online mailing lists, Web sites, and catalogs....”
Wise, Jessie and Bauer, Susan. The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. W. W. Norton and Company, 1999. Revised 2016. A step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education, along with curricula recommendations, book lists, and more. Find their books, teaching aids, and online courses at Well-Trained Mind.
LEARNING STYLES
Armstrong, Thomas. 7 Kinds of Smart. Penguin Books, 1993.
Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, (part 2, sect.9) Tommy Nelson, Inc., 2001 Edition.
Holt, John. How Children Learn. (Revised Edition) by DaCapo Press, 1983. (Though not specifically about learning styles, this is an insightful book on the nature of early learning.)
Moore, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy. Better Late Than Early. Reader's Digest Press, 1989
Tobias, Cynthia. Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style. Focus on the Family Publishing, 1999.
Tobias, Cynthia. The Way They Learn. Tyndale House Publishers, 1994.
Willis, Mariaemma and Hodson, Victoria. Discover Your Child’s Learning Style. Prima Publishing, 1999.
Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, (part 2, sect.9) Tommy Nelson, Inc., 2001 Edition.
Holt, John. How Children Learn. (Revised Edition) by DaCapo Press, 1983. (Though not specifically about learning styles, this is an insightful book on the nature of early learning.)
Moore, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy. Better Late Than Early. Reader's Digest Press, 1989
Tobias, Cynthia. Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style. Focus on the Family Publishing, 1999.
Tobias, Cynthia. The Way They Learn. Tyndale House Publishers, 1994.
Willis, Mariaemma and Hodson, Victoria. Discover Your Child’s Learning Style. Prima Publishing, 1999.
PARENTING
Colorosa, Barbara. Kids Are Worth It! Quill Press, 1995. About parenting styles and how to create and model a strong, flexible parenting toolkit.
Farris, Vickie and Metzgar, Jayme Farris. A Mom Just Like You: The Homeschooling Mother. Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2002.
Glenn, Stephen, (Ph.D.) and Nelsen, Jane, (Ed.D.) Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self- Indulgent World: Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People. Prima Publishing, 2000.
Hinckley, Gordon B. Standing for Something. Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Morin, Amy. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success. William Morrow, 2017
Tobias, Cynthia. You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child. Waterbrook Press, 1999.
Farris, Vickie and Metzgar, Jayme Farris. A Mom Just Like You: The Homeschooling Mother. Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2002.
Glenn, Stephen, (Ph.D.) and Nelsen, Jane, (Ed.D.) Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self- Indulgent World: Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People. Prima Publishing, 2000.
Hinckley, Gordon B. Standing for Something. Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Morin, Amy. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success. William Morrow, 2017
Tobias, Cynthia. You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child. Waterbrook Press, 1999.
COME HOMESCHOOL WITH US.
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!