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
June 4, 2012 – 7pm in Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area
This week we will focus 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.
WEEK 2 – How Can I Homeschool?
June 11, 2012 – 7pm in Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area
This week we will discuss the legal obligations and requirements we need to know about homeschooling. 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. 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.
WEEK 3 – How Do I Teach?
June 18, 2012 – 7pm in Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area
This week we will discover 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.
WEEK 4 – What Do I Teach?
June 25, 2012 – 7pm in Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area
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.”
Week 5 – Planning
July 9, 2012 – 7pm in Summit’s Barnes & Noble Children’s Area
With Planning, comes the actual work – putting the “rubber to the road.” We will talk about the importance of writing down your goals so you have something to keep you on track, and we will also explore 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.
WEEK 6 – Question & Answer
Join us on Monday, July 16th 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.
