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Homeschool works best when the needs of both the parent and the child are met. Making informed decisions early on can help prevent frustration and wasted time and money on materials which may prove to be inadequate, ineffective, and don’t fit with your educational objectives. The end goal is to find a method and a curriculum which suits your personality and needs, as well as your child’s.

In an attempt to make your experience as pain-free as possible, this blog series provides a step-by-step approach to understanding the various aspects of homeschooling. Each post builds on the previous one, providing a foundation of knowledge which will help set you up for success.

If you have missed the previous blogs in this series, you can access them here:

• New to Homeschool? Start Here
• Choosing Curriculum Part 1: An Overview
• Choosing Curriculum Part 2: The Four Main Approaches to Home Education

Once you decide on an educational approach that fits your lifestyle (see last week’s blog), you will be ready to select a homeschool method, then finally move on to choosing specific curriculum.

HOMESCHOOLING REFERENCE BOOKS FOR PARENTS

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There are about nine different methods or philosophies regarding home education. These will be introduced and summarized in an upcoming post, then described in detail in a future blog series. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the philosophies in order to make an informed decision regarding the direction you wish your homeschool journey to take. If you rely on recommendations from friends or just use what is popular, you may miss out on discovering the method best suited to your home.

Today’s blog focuses on you, the educator.

As the person in charge of your child’s education, it is important to find an instructional method you feel comfortable using. Equally important is that you feel supported and equipped to teach or facilitate your child’s education.

Assessing and honestly recognizing both your abilities and limitations is an effective way to narrow down which approach and teaching method might be the best fit for you. Please take a few moments to consider your character traits and your likes and dislikes. It may be helpful to write your answers in a notebook so you can refer to them in the upcoming weeks, as we examine the various homeschool methods.

Be honest with yourself, there are no right or wrong answers. Your responses will play a significant role in the success of the method you choose.

1. Your Personality Type

• Are you a planner?
• Do you like to have control over situations?
• Do you thrive on structure, organization, and a regular routine?
• Are you content to do the same thing every day?
• Do you like adventure and change?
• Are you easily frustrated?
• Are you easily distracted?
• Do you have difficulty explaining things to others?
• How confident are you in your abilities, in general?
• Do you have difficulty focusing?
• Are you good at completing what you start?
• How do you feel about multi-tasking?
• Do you enjoy reading?
• Do you enjoy arts and crafts?
• Do you enjoy nature and time spent outdoors?

2. Socialization and Support

• Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
• Would you be interested in joining a co-op, 4-H Club, or do you prefer going it alone?
• Do you plan to participate in field trips or social events?
• Do you have others you can rely on to help out if need be?
• What is your mindset regarding homeschool, do you view it as an obligation or a privilege?

3. Your Time

• How much time do you have (or want) to devote to homeschool?
• What commitments, goals, and obligations do you already have – work, family, personal?
• Do you prefer a set schedule or a more flexible day?
• Is volunteering as a family one of your objectives? When would this occur?

4. Your Health

• Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional health concerns which may limit your participation? If so, are they permanent?
• Are you pregnant, or planning to become pregnant? Do you have/get morning sickness?
• How much sleep do you get presently? Is it adequate to accomplish your daily tasks?
• Do you currently feel physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally capable of personally taking on home education?
• Would you be more comfortable as the facilitator rather than the educator?

5. Family Considerations

• How many children do you have?
• What are the ages of your children?
• Would you prefer to teach your kids individually or as a group?
• Are you a single parent?
• Are you solely responsible for educating, or can it be shared with a family member?
• Are you supported in your decision to homeschool or facing opposition?
• Are your children involved in extra curricular activities such as sports or music?
• If so, how much time does this take each week?

6. Mobility, Transportation, and Physical Considerations

• Do you have daily access to a vehicle or other transportation?
• Where do you plan to do homeschool?

7. Budget and Finances

• Do you currently have debt or financial concerns?
• How much income can you set aside each month for homeschool-related purchases and activities?
• Will you need to quit your job, change, or limit your hours to pursue home educating? Do you want to?
• Do you have access to a public library?
• How do you feel about purchasing used or discounted curriculum?

8. Worldview and Beliefs

• Do you follow a particular religion?
• What beliefs do you want to pass down to your children?
• Is it important that the material be aligned with your faith?
• Are you open to other religious viewpoints?
• What ethnic or cultural values do you wish to teach your child?

9. Your Goals for Homeschool

• Is homeschool a long-term commitment or a short-term plan?
• Do you wish to have your child attend college or learn a trade?
• What importance do you place on nature, chores, life skills, family activities, learning to play a musical instrument, etc.?

Of course, your needs and preferences are only a part of the equation. Your child also plays a key role in determining the method and curricula you will choose. In my next blog I address the needs of your child, and the following week I will summarize four common learning styles. Determining how your child best learns will help you choose a curricula which works with their strengths.