The Chinese have a saying, The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.
The saying applies to homeschooling.
The best timeto start homeschoolingis from thebeginning.
The second best time is now.
But exactly how do you start?
Start Planning your Next Homeschool Year
1.
Birth
There is a school of thought that maintains you begin homeschooling at birth.
And dont forget the importance of talking to your infant.
While babies cant understand much now, youre laying the foundation for grammar, vocabulary, and speech.
Preschool
Preschool is a more obvious time to start homeschooling.
Depending on your childs needs, you’re free to begin working on letter sounds and counting.
But dont worry if your child isnt ready for reading yet.
Many kids arent ready until 5 or 6.
Pull out the paints, build pyramids, and read good books.
Take walks, explore the neighborhood, and enjoy field trips.
At the same time, connect with your local homeschool group and learn more about homeschooling in your area.
Enjoy a relaxed preschool at home with your child.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Many families add formal curriculum as the kids reachkindergartenandfirst grade.
Begin by looking for reading, writing, and math curriculum.
Later it’s possible for you to add science, social studies, or history.
Dont rush to pile hours of schoolwork on your children.
This doesnt count the fun educational activities.
Young kids still learn best through play!
Kids need a detox time.
You need time to enjoy the homeschooling lifestyle.
Begin by allowing your children to enjoy being at home.
Encourage them to read, work on projects, and write letters to family.
Connect with local homeschoolers and join a few field trips.
After a few weeks you could slowly ease into homeschooling.
First add reading to your homeschool day.
you might read funny parts together, enjoy reading great literature aloud, or simply read quietly.
Begin keeping a journal about your homeschool adventures.
Kids can draw illustrations of animals.
They can write blurbs about field trips.
Youll end up with a portfolio of your educational journey.
Next find a math program that fits your familys needs.
Begin to require math everyday along with the reading time.
Remember the goal isnt to recreate school at home.
Instead allow homeschooling to flow out of your familys lifestyle.
Read good books, keep a journal, and solve a few math problems.
Enjoy your familys new journey.
