What not to do right now

1)       Don’t remove your child from school without legal advice (but also      don’t worry too much about the legal aspect)

2)       Don’t let your decision to HS be based on your child or mother-in-law’s acceptance of the idea.

3)       Don’t rush out and buy the first curriculum you come across.

4)       Don’t expect your house and routines to remain unchanged.

5)       Don’t expect your friends or family to be ecstatic about your decision to HS

What to do right now!

1)   Parents come into agreement

2)   Write down your reasons for wanting to HS. Explain them to your child (it doesn’t require his approval though)

3)   Contact the Pestalozzi Trust

4)   Remove your child from school

5)   Relaaax (and deschool)!!!

6)   Join ECHSA & a local Support Group

7)   Read LOTS of books on HS’ing

8)   Set your long term and short term goals (Head, Heart & Hand; Marathon vs Sprint)

9)   Get to know your personalities, learning styles, strengths & weaknesses

10)   Research curricula

11)   Follow your child’s interests

12)   Share your passions 

13)   Read Aloud TOGETHER (all those classics)

14)   Play board games & computer games TOGETHER

15)   Go for nature walks and research your finds TOGETHER

16)   Involve your child in day to day tasks (e.g. budgeting & paying bills)

17)   Give your child responsibilities (chores to develop character & skills)

18)   Record your daily activities - see the learning in everyday life!

19)   And finally decide on curricula & buy only for now!

How to homeschool successfully

1)   Have your husband’s support, he should be the authority under which you can take refuge

2)   Establish your authority as parents. Make your rules and the consequences of breaking them clear (be consistent)

3)   Organise your home & your time (as it suits your personality, this does not mean that you have to schedule every hour of the day, but a routine helps!)

4)   Delegate responsibilities

5)   Start slowly (implement one subject at a time e.g. Week 1: Maths, Week 2 Maths & English, Week 3: Maths, English, Unit Studies)

6)    Know WHY you’re doing something & what the goal is (so that you can adapt the *method* if it doesn't work)

7)   Allow your husband to take over certain functions & at specific times (e.g. weekends he is in charge of the kids, you relax)

8)   Seek mentors (in your community), tutors or professional help when necessary – you don’t have to do it all!

9)   Join a HS Support Group (to share your ups and downs!)

10)  Get a hobby (your children can't be your entire life, this can cause more downs than ups!)

11)  Have time alone/away once a year with your husband to relax, re-evaluate & plan