Each summer we offer meetings that focus on the basics of homeschooling. We feel that it is important to connect with people and have face-to-face interaction, but sometimes it is not possible to get away for a meeting. Each week we will post brief overviews of our discussions and other resources related to those discussions. We hope that the relationships within our group will encourage you as you start the journey of homeschooling.
WEEK 1 – Know Your Why
This week we focused on answering the questions, “Why do you homeschool? Why do you want to homeschool? What is your purpose for homeschooling?” It is important to have an answer to these questions as you start, because eventually you will need to remind yourself of your purposes and your reasons. Click here for a brief overview of our discussion.
WEEK 2 – How Can I Homeschool?
This week we discussed the legal obligations and requirements we need to know about homeschooling. We learned that Alabama does not have a law that allows homeschooling independently, and homeschool families must still be enrolled in a school or registered as a private tutor with the state. Also, the most important part of homeschooling in Alabama is often the Church School Enrollment Form that (according to the Code of Alabama) is to be submitted by the parents to the local school superintendent. Click here for a brief overview of our discussion.
Important Links from this week’s discussion:
- Click here for a list of Birmingham area church schools
- CHEF’s list of Alabama church schools: http://www.chefofalabama.org/resources/churchschools.html
- HSLDA AL Legal Analysis: http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Alabama.pdf
- Read the law for yourself at http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/CodeofAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm
WEEK 3 – How Do I Teach?
This week we discovered that homeschooling does not have to be “school” at home. We want to develop an environment that nurtures a love of learning. There are many schools of thought and methods that give us ideas and even direction in developing that love. Click here for a brief overview of our discussion and links to websites for curriculum, information, and even books related to these different methods.
Elizabeth shared her homeschool story this week, and she provided an informational encouragement which we want to share here:
WEEK 4 – What Do I Teach?
Curriculum can be a overwhelming to choose, especially with the many choices available. It is important to remember to first make sure you are covering the “bases.” The Three R’s are important as the foundation for everything else your student will learn, so focus first on making sure you have materials for reading, writing, and arithmetic. As you decide between curriculum choices, make sure it lines up with your “why.” Click here for an overview of our discussion.
- Kristy’s Curriculum Reviews – click for blog posts reviewing elementary curriculum choices
- Homeschool Reviews.com – http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/
Week 5 – Planning
With Planning, comes the actual work – putting the “rubber to the road.” We talked about the importance of writing down your goals so you have something to keep you on track, and we also explored some different ways that this can look. It doesn’t have to be a teacher’s plan book from the school supply store; it can be a blog or journal. Click here for an overview of our discussions.
Tips from Seasoned Homeschoolers:
- Always mark your lesson books or plan books in pencil.
- If possible, plan a few days off (if not a week) every 5 to 6 weeks.
- Plan an afternoon quiet time for reading or independent play.
- Start every day with Bible and prayer.
- Be flexible.
WEEK 6 – Question & Answer
Join us on Monday, July 18th at 7pm in the Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area for an overview of common homeschooling mistakes and an open forum for questions about the homeschool journey. This will be our final meeting this summer, but we are considering a “reunion” in early October.
