Whether you planned on homeschooling from the start or came to it from another route, like a traditional school, congratulations on starting your new adventure! There\u2019s a lot to look forward to. You might already be enjoying slower mornings, trips to museums, and time spent exploring diverse topics with your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we know the first few months of homeschooling can sometimes feel overwhelming, too. So if you\u2019re feeling a bit lost, don\u2019t worry; there is plenty of support out there to help you succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are six tips to help you get going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grab a big stack of books every week, but don\u2019t stop there! Check what other materials your library offers; you may find extras like puzzles, board games, educational materials, and even interesting tools. The local library near our Ann Arbor campus<\/a> even offers items like a thermal camera, a portable scanner, a projector, a sewing machine, a die cutter, and a spinning wheel! Library materials and tools can help you expand your options for projects, especially in science and the arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Libraries can also be a wonderful source of community. Homeschool families tend to spend a lot of time at libraries, so you may make some new connections! Some libraries even offer classes or groups geared towards homeschoolers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Groups might be organized by homeschooling style (unschooling, classical education, self-directed learning, or any number of other approaches), beliefs (secular or religious), or just location! Some groups meet for structured classes or field trips, while others meet for open play. Consistently seeing the same group of families is a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others who understand your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a local group and not much is coming up on Google, try searching social media. You can also ask your local librarian if they know of any groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be helpful to have a homeschool mentor: someone you can go to with your questions on scheduling your day, choosing curriculum, and using different teaching methods. Of course, what works for your mentor may not necessarily work for you\u2014but hearing others\u2019 experiences and getting some knowledgeable suggestions can be incredibly helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t find a local mentor, you may be able to find one through an online homeschooling group. They can still share information and give moral support, even if they live far away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can certainly teach your child every subject if that\u2019s what works best for your family. But many families find it helpful to outsource a subject or two! This can be an academic class, like math or science, or it can be something creative like pottery, theater, or drawing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child enjoys learning with others in person, look for classes by libraries, local professionals, or homeschool groups. If virtual classes work better for your situation, there are endless options online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Podcasts are great for the whole family! They can be a fantastic source of information, inspiration, and validation for homeschooling parents. They can also support your child\u2019s education by introducing new topics or diving deep into favorite ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some Clonlara families have recommended Honey I\u2019m Homeschooling the Kids<\/a><\/em> and The Life Without School Podcast<\/em><\/a> for adults, and But Why<\/a>,<\/em> Brains On<\/a>,<\/em> Who Smarted<\/a>,<\/em> Circle Round<\/a>,<\/em> and Super Great Kids\u2019 Stories<\/a><\/em> for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip 2: Join a Homeschool Group.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tip 3: Find a Mentor.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tip 4: Enroll Your Child in Classes.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tip 5: Listen to Podcasts.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tip 6: Look into Clonlara School\u2019s Off-Campus Program.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n