Table of Contents
Top Ten Benefits of Homeschooling x
Introduction xi
1 Homeschool Expectations 1
Preparing to Homeschool 2
A Brief History Lesson 2
Parents as Teachers 4
The Student-Teacher Connection 5
Time Required for Homeschooling 8
Scheduling Strategies 9
Cost of Homeschooling 11
Benefits of Homeschooling 14
2 Learning Styles and Teaching Methods 17
Educational Theorists 18
Popular Learning Styles 20
Your Child's Learning Style 23
Your Child's Strengths and Weaknesses 24
Individualized Patterns 25
Finding Your Teaching Style 27
Help for You, the Teacher 29
Resources on Learning Styles 30
3 Getting Started Homeschooling 31
Legal Requirements 32
State Departments of Education 33
Homeschool Groups 34
Withdrawing Your Child from School 36
Registering for Homeschooling 36
Determining Educational Philosophies and Goals 37
School Support for Homeschoolers 39
Resources for Getting Started 41
4 Types of Homeschooling 42
Structured Learning 43
Eclectic Learning 43
Unschooling and Deschooling 44
Secular Homeschooling 46
Faith-Based Homeschooling 47
Umbrella and Satellite Schools 49
Charter Schools, Vouchers, and Cooperatives 50
Independent Study Programs and Virtual Learning 52
Year-Round Homeschooling 55
Resources for Eclectic Learning and Unschooiing 57
5 Answering the Socialization Question 58
Social Skills and Child Development 59
Socialization Opportunities for Homeschoolers 61
Socializing in the Real World 64
Maturity Levels of Homeschooled Children 65
Studies on Socialization 66
Family Values, Morals, and Etiquette 67
Preparing for the Future 69
Resources for the "S" Question 69
6 UnderstandingUnschooling and Unit Studies 70
Unschooling: A Way of Life 71
Deschooting Each Day 75
Children as Teachers 76
Unit Studies Year-Round 78
Theme Studies and the Core Curriculum 79
Combining Methods: Eclectic Schooling 80
Resources for Unschooiing and Unit Studies 81
7 Fun Learning Activities 82
Language Arts Activities 83
Math and Reasoning Activities 85
Science Projects and Experiments 87
History, Geography, and Social Studies 88
Arts, Music, and Crafts 91
Life Skills and Social Skills 93
Resources for Weekly Lessons 95
8 Frugal Homeschooling Hints 96
Libraries as Classrooms 97
Free Books and Educational DVDs 99
Learning Through TV and Movies 100
Field Trips and Expeditions 101
Sharing Lab Equipment 102
Online Education and Workshops 103
Lessons Through Everyday Events 105
Resources Around the Home 106
9 Choosing a Curriculum 110
Curriculum Guidelines 111
Packaged Curricula 111
Designing Your Own Curriculum 112
Creating Your Own Lesson Plans 115
Free Educational Resources 117
The Student's Input 118
Handling Advanced Subjects 119
Resources for Creating a Curriculum 120
10 Homeschooling Schedules 121
A Plan That Works 122
Flexibility in the Homeschool 123
Learning Naturally Every Day 125
Scheduling Suggestions 127
Time Management Tips 130
Time for Rest and Relaxation 133
Resources for Organizing Your Homeschool 133
11 Homeschooling One or Several 134
Homeschooling the Only Child 135
Homeschooling Multiple Children 136
Assistance from Siblings 137
Keeping the Schedule on Track 138
Time Off for the Teacher 139
12 Typical Homeschool Days 142
What Is a Typical Day? 143
Recording Your Typical Day 143
Breaking the Monotony 145
Attaining a Well-Rounded Education 147
Examples of Typical Homeschool Days 147
Keeping Faith Each Day 152
Tips from Homeschool Families 152
Resources for Typical Homeschool Days 153
13 Record Keeping 154
Planning Ahead 155
Your Lesson Plan Book 156
Keeping a Daily Logbook 158
Maintaining a Homeschool Portfolio 160
Assessment Alternatives 162
Recording Grades and Credits Earned 163
Resources for Homeschool Records 165
14 Organizing Your Homeschool 166
A Place for Everything 167
Storing Homeschool Supplies 167
Creating an Idea File 170
Activity Centers and Lab Stations 171
Quiet Corners and Libraries 172
Keeping Home and School Separate 174
Resources for Organization Help 175
15 Homeschooling and the Single Parent 176
Single-Parent Homeschools 177
Educational Options and Alternatives 178
Special One-on-One Time 181
Weekend and Evening Homeschooling 181
Flexible Work Options 182
Single-Parent Support Groups 185
Help from Family and Friends 185
Child-Care Options 186
Resources for Single Parents 187
16 Homeschooling and the Two-Career Family 188
Balancing Work and Family 189
Flexible Work Schedules 191
Homeschooling Dads 191
Involving Relatives 192
Dividing and Organizing Responsibilities 193
Homework by Day, Homeschooling by Night 195
Weekend Learning Activities 196
Family Field Trips 197
Resources for Working Couples 198
17 Homeschooling in the Early Years 199
Toddlers and Preschoolers 200
Learning Through Play 202
Creating a Stimulating Environment 203
Socializing with Others 204
Ready for Kindergarten 205
Daily Educational Activities 207
Length of Homeschool Day 209
Resources for Early Learning 209
18 Homeschooling in the Elementary Years 210
Teaching Children to Read 211
Ready for Math 212
Living History 214
Scientific Explorations 216
Art and Music 217
Testing and Test Results 219
Socialization Opportunities 219
Resources for Lessons and Activities 220
19 Homeschooling in the Middle Years 221
Moving at Your Child's Pace 222
Overcoming Weaknesses 222
Enhancing Comprehension Skills 223
Exploring and Learning Together 225
Time for Educational Interests 225
Self-Directed Learning 227
Socialization Skills 227
Volunteering in the Community 229
Resources for Weekly Learning 229
20 Homeschooling in the Teen Years 230
Living with Teens 231
Teaching High-School Courses 231
Subjects Required for College 233
Driver Education 235
The Social Life 235
Volunteering and Apprenticeships 237
Working Part Time 238
College Preparations 239
High-School Graduation 241
Resources for Teen Education and Graduation 241
21 Homeschooling Special-Needs Children 242
Learning Disabilities 243
Helping Learning-Challenged Children 245
Support and Resources 248
ADD and ADHD Information 249
Dyslexia Support 250
Autism Assistance 250
Down Syndrome 250
Vision-Impaired and Hearing-Impaired Help 251
Gifted Children 251
Resources for Special-Needs Children 252
22 Veteran Homeschoolers and Burnout 253
Encouragement for Your Homeschool Journey 254
Rekindling the Fire 255
Staying Motivated and Inspired 257
Reconsidering Curriculum Choices 258
New and Refreshing Ideas 260
Handling Unexpected Challenges 261
Explaining Goals 262
Taking Time Off 263
Happy and Successful Homeschooling 263
Resources to Keep Home Education Fun 264
23 College and Beyond 265
Colleges Welcome Homeschoolers 266
College Considerations and Preparations 267
Transcripts and Documentation 268
Entrance Exams and Interviews 269
Online and Distance Learning 271
Resources for Continuing Education 271
Life after Homeschool 272
Options for Homeschooled Graduates 272
Travel Adventures 273
Continuing Education 275
Life after the Nest Is Empty 277
Appendix A Resources and Websites 279
Appendix B Curriculum Providers and Programs for Homeschoolers 285
Appendix C National Homeschool Organizations 286
Index 287
