Mailbag: Homeschool Help

Hi Jennifer!

I am wondering how to get started homeschooling. It looks like that might be my only option for my little one, at least for the rest of this year. He is 11 yrs old and in 6th grade. Thanks for you help!

A Homeschooling Novice

Dear Novice,

Since we have homeschooled from the beginning, we’ve been able to grow into it with each child. I don’t have any experience with pulling one out of another school and beginning mid-year, although I know lots of people have done so successfully.

You’ll be under a little more of a time crunch that way, though. No tip-toeing in at the shallow end of the pool while investigating your options and getting acclimated — you’ll be diving head-first into the deep end!

But I know you can do it.

It’s really just a matter of notifying your son’s school of your intent to teach him at home, finding a curriculum to use, and bathing the entire endeavor in lots of prayer.

It would also be a good idea to join a homeschool support group. You’ll find a directory of support groups in your area, along with lots of other helpful information,at www.hslda.org (the Home School Legal Defense Association’s website).

Happy schooling!