Starting Point

It can be a terrifying experience when you first decide to homeschool your child. Many questions begin to swirl around in your mind. Can I do it? What resources are out there for me? What laws do I need to know about? What will family, friends or neighbors think? Where is a step-by-step guide? Unfortunately, these questions (and the dozens more that are likely driving you insane) have no simple answers. However, there are a few things I would like you to consider before we go further down this path:

Why are you interested in homeschooling? The "why" can often direct your initial homeschooling experiences and plans.

Would you be any less concerned if your child was in public school? Often homeschool parents stress and worry about every education choice. However, if you think about it - if the child was in public school the parents would be worrying over each grade, how much homework the child has, parent/teacher conferences, behavior at school and any potential negative influences the child may be exposed to at school.

How much time do you have to devote to homeschooling? Being a busy parent does not limit the ability to homeschool but it does direct some of the initial options and choices (i.e. carschooling may be something you want to take a closer look at).

Do you know various homeschool terms/vocabulary? Like many other social niches, homeschoolers have developed their own vernacular. To learn more check out the CCHE "Homeschooling Terms" on the right. Understanding these terms can really make a difference when it comes to exploring your options.

Do you know of any local homeschool support groups? CCHE is based in a fairly rural area - the Upper Peninsula of MI. Yet, there are several homeschooling groups within driving distance. You can find a link to local homeschool groups to the right.

Here are some other excellent resources for the new-to-homeschooling parent:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/home_schools_122555_7.pdf - MI Dept of Education on Homeschooling.

http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp?bhcp=1

http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/new.htm

http://www.hsc.org/pubs/EmpoweringFamilies.pdf - Note: Based on California Laws (not Michigan)

http://www.homeschool.com/new/

http://www.homeschoolinfo.org/ - Note: Not sure I agree with everything on this site. I think it has some great information but it is written from the perspective of homeschooling in a state where there are more requirements and from a very structured perspective.

Regardless of whether you decide to homeschool your child or not, I encourage you to research the options you have for your child's education. Check out the rest of CCHE's website for more information or visit Michigan's Education Website at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/

This article was written by:
Valarie Juntunen -
Registered Nurse, Writer & Homeschooling Mother

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